Restless Mind

Inspired by "Abandoned Farmhouse", by Kooser. All feedback welcome and encouraged!

Restless Mind

Modeled after “Abandoned Farmhouse”, by Kooser

He's had a rough life, says the

Worn leather jacket, resting on his ever tense shoulders

And tattered but classic converse

Laced around his wandering feet.

Money was inconsistent,

Say the non-perishables in the pantry.

Times were tough, say the dwindling expenses,

And cold heater.

He wasn't a family man,

Says the portraits and family albums

Left back home.

But he loves his wife,

Says the note accompanying flowers at her bedside.

He left in silence, says she, still in asleep.

He’s running from past bad deeds,

Says his stoic jaw, and sorry green eyes.

He never bothered with hope, says the

Broken heart and dying dove tattooed on both arms.

And he's restless, says the Harley

Beneath him, riding away from loving familiarity.

He was constantly distant, says the second toothbrush

And wad of cash in the saddle bag.

He doesn't know where he’s going,

Says the full tank of gas and ripped up map

Left behind him.

“He was a good man”, says his wife

“But he was lost”, she says to their daughter.