And Then You Cannot Hear Them Laughing.... Poem by RIC BASTASA

yes my amigo
in these unpredictable times
we take what we could
to each his own
and be responsible.

what you choose is yours alone
i am responsible for what i am choosing.

i tell you, it is better safe than sorry.
you tell me, oh, what about ambrosia, she had
taken much risks and never sanctioned somehow.

i tell you, it is not as quick as a hammer to a nail.
neither it is as slow as a snail to a pail.

just remember, we are told, to follow the law and the rules.
do not be hasty to listen to what they are saying.

don't you know that they are leaving sooner than you think?
here we are, loving this place, and caring for it,
we cannot just leave it.

here we are counting these years of our residences,
here we are with all our roots, and roofs, and patios
why listen to what they are saying?

they are ready with their hands and water and soap and
a hand towel.
i am telling you, they are good at washing their hands.

tomorrow they will be gone. and then you cannot hear them laughing.