Grocery Store Bagger

As my groceries were being scanned,
the young bagger placed a bottle of cream soda
into a paper bag and said,
"Cream soda is good."
I concurred with his
astute opinion.
He then sheepishly
added, "You probably already
knew that."
I did indeed purchase
the drink because of its
refreshing taste but I appreciated
his comment nonetheless.
The bagger continued to mumble
about unrelated things.
He was dorky, but I liked him.
After all, he is a young man with
a refined taste in soft drinks.
And he bagged those groceries with
meticulous care.

Baxter State Park

After a long, arduous hike
I sit down
next to the stream and
ease my feet into the water.

Red leaves and blue
sky above.

The pure mountain water
rushes around my legs
and I am immersed
in this beautiful
moment.

Poem Composed On a Picnic Table

Between a crease
in the billowed clouds
some sunlight
streams forth upon
the earth.
Paths of light form
in the faded grass and
leaves glimmer
in the shine.