by Joan Anderson
There is a place in Florida
where the sun doesn’t shine,
but it’s never dark;
where green is not seen
or scented, nor blue;
where yesterday’s dreams
evaporate, forming the
only visible clouds;
where tomorrow’s plans
are never known and
uncertainty reigns;
where the world is viewed
largely via video, for those who
don’t get to go home
at the end of the day.
It’s a place nearby
where children’s laughter
is only in the mind;
where regrets morph into
despondence;
where “sadness” becomes
companion;
where “forgotten” takes on
flesh;
and where flagging hope
is ignited for an instant
in the voice of a visitor.
Joan Anderson is a volunteer coordinator with Baker Interfaith Friends in Gainesville, Florida.