Signs (part 1 & 2)

 

 

Signs

•

I did not see it
as I passed by

the sign that read
leaving november
please come back

it did not catch my eye

it must stand shaded
at the highway’s bend

where the well-paved road
of manhood
narrows

to the two-lane climb
of no return

surely I missed it
as I sped through july

and too, september
racing well into october

no
it did not catch my eye

for if it had
I might have slowed
my approach
to behold
just what it was
I was passing by

I might have glanced back
one last time

turned round to see
exactly what
I’d left behind

but it did not catch my eye

no matter

for as I travel
through december
I cannot return

want, as I will
try as I may

there is no going back

so it is
I slow my pace
to take in all that lay ahead

in this precious winter
of my life

these final miles
to journey’s end

…

rob kistner © 2007

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photo collage above entitled “What If” – by: rob kistner © 2007
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•••
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“Signs” continued below
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Turning to a lighter side — the sign below is a source of much humor, and probably a bit of frustration in Oregon City. A suburb of Portland, Oregon City is not really that boring — it just happens to follow Boring, Oregon, on state route 212. Hence, the sign.

 

 

Yes, there really is a Boring, Oregon, and believe me — it is. I live in the Cascade foothills east of Oregon City. Every time I pass this sign, as I drive down from Mt. Hood to my home — I chuckle.

Oregon City is a fine place to live. Located at the confluence of the Clackamas River and the Willamette River, it nestles in next to Willamette Falls. To pay a little homage to O.C., I’ve written a haiku celebrating its natural setting.

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O.C.

•

pure crisp mountain stream
fresh rolling valley river
city by the falls

…

rob kistner © 2007

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photo of Willamette Falls in Oregon City, Oregon
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~ by Image&VerseToo on December 5, 2007.