Chicagoetry: Down The South Branch Of The Mind

Down the South Branch of the Mind

Like anyone else
In a committed relationship,
Whenever I am offered a stark life-choice

With deep ramifications
I insist on being given time
To talk it over

With my mind.

We've been together
A long time, after all,

And life-changing decisions
Are not to be taken
Without mutual consultation.

We like to take time
Down the south branch,
Where things open up a little,

Away from main branch busy-ness

And north branch condos,
Past River City,
Down by the old Pullman Palace Cars

And those memories

Of brain travel's Glory Days,
Where the natural prairie grasses
Overtake the abandoned rails,

Past the Bascule style (center up)
Drawbridges to their clumsy, antique precursors
(Improbable contraptions, like

Any persona, all webbed steel
And reinforced concrete),
Toward Ping Tom Park

And eternal imagination: Chinatown.

We accept the cost/benefits
Of a long-term commitment;
It's not always easy.

It takes patience, empathy, flexibility,
Respect and perhaps most importantly,
Communication.

If the initial romantic excitement
Has waned somewhat,
We endeavor to nourish

An enduring friendship:
We flourish,

Sharing goals, values,
Even dreams. We're here
For each other.

We linger in the quiet channel
And often come to terms
Well before Bubbly Creek.

Down the south branch
We can breathe a bit,
Really listen to each other

And gird for the return
To the clutter and clatter
Of main branch bustle

Renewed, restored,
Strengthened in our bond,
Recommitted to our partnership.

My hope is that
When we leave this earth
We leave together, or nearly so.

Actually
I hope I go
First.

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J.J. Tindall is the Beachwood's poet-in-residence. He welcomes your comments. Chicagoetry is an exclusive Beachwood collection-in-progress.

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