Staring at the BLACK waters swirling under the WHARF, he hears some giggles and an unexpected exclamation of “NEATO!” Despite being somewhat hidden by the bait shop (closed at this late hour), he could hear the sound of running and more giggles. Detective Vincent Raleigh did not welcome this intrusion. The night and his own dark mood had placed its STAMP upon the moment. He shook his head, wondering if he would have to change his expression so that he didn’t frighten the teenagers (if that’s who they were). Sigh this was not what he needed right now: he was mulling over his last case. Oh well, perhaps they would take their shenanigans elsewhere. He would try to stay hidden or maybe he could walk past them. Alas, this was not to be. The sounds were changing – a very clear and distinct feminine “No!” could be heard. He couldn’t hear the reply but he knew the sounds of a scuffle. Raleigh stepped out to see – and too late he couldn’t see what was happening, but was that a splash? In a split second he was out and running – easy enough to ADAPT that dark mood into the energy needed to deal with whatever was happening.

Georg’ann

I admire the tenacity of a small patch of THYME
growing in isolation out of the pea gravel
along the walkway.
Whether clipped formally or left to sprawl,
as in neglected,
her delicate little leaves cling closely
to their tender upright stems,
cheery sprigs on gnarled, leggy growth.

Year round she softens the stone STAIR,
greeting all who pass with a scented caress.
Flavors the carrot soup, roasted vegetables,
and tea cakes, plucked leaf by leaf
or giving her essence full stemmed.

Oh that I were like this PLANT,
able to ADAPT so gracefully
to conditions and attentions
less than ideal, while effortlessly lending
softness and substance in every season.

Heather