! ! In Golden Gate Park. For Jim And Thanks To Lawrence Poem by Michael Shepherd

The older couple who've set down
their folding chairs, a blanket, lunchbox

not too far from the old Lincoln
inhabit three islands of peace

which by the time we're their age
we'll know perhaps to envy:

his peace, and hers, and theirs:
neither got high grades, but

they're wise enough to know
after all those years together

those three islands; watch them with discretion
and join them if you can across the years;

in that third island which is won
from two islands neatly cropped.