Watching the World Go By

By CHANA PERMAN

I sit on my porch and watch the world go by,

Halfway to one hundred,

I think I’ve earned that right.

The UPS trucks unload all sorts of wares,

And exercising early birds crank up the gears.

John, a sweet neighbor tends to our grass,

Just the kindest soul,

Annabelle off to work in a shiny black Mercedes.

Her state of the art spa

Beautifies all the ladies

Esteemed Rabbi and Mrs. A.

For already a year have been gone.

Their house stands still, lonely,

As time swiftly marches on.

Old ones being razed down.

Some relocating to flashier, up-and-coming towns.

A corner billboard touts something exciting and new.

The bakery and bagel shop

Also within clear view

With sun shining down

On my wrought iron chair.

I take it all in…

 

Simply grateful to be here.

 

Originally from New York City but currently living in Toronto, Canada, CHANA PERMAN is a Jewish poet, mother and learning strategies instructor. She holds a Master’s Degree in special education, and has worked in that field for 25 years. Her cherished roles as mother, teacher and guidance consultant provide inspiration and material for her writing, both prose and poetry.