POEM - The New House: 1979

It was a new house

On the cul-de-sac

And I was getting my own room

I even got to make choices

Got to pick my own wallpaper

The one that looked like an old map

It seemed adventurous

I was fascinated watching my dad

Pour the concrete for the front walk

He’d let it set for a little bit

Then wash away a top layer

So the walkway was all bumpy

Exposed little pebbles and such

Bane of bare summer feet

But it was cool to look at

My culinary experimentation began

In our new kitchen

It was the first appearance

Of my trademark sandwich

Peanut butter and jelly and mustard and mayonnaise

It was better than you’d think

Probably also the start of a few other things

Like my iron stomach

            My all-flavors-play-lead cooking style

                        My desire to gross out people

Did I mention the time that summer

I tore off my big toenail

With the front door jam

And I saved it for my grandma

In a little ring box

Like some psychotic engagement ring?

Classic!

The house was excitement and adventure

One day after another

Shortly after moving in

We were welcomed by a total eclipse

I think it meant we were to remember

And to make memories

And I collected as many as I could

From Doberman pinschers

To six foot tall model rockets

To sleeping in the back of a pick-up

Watching the glow of the big city lights

On the ever present clouds over Portland