This Is the Place

by Michael Dylan Welch and Richard Tice

First published in Frogpond 49:1, Winter 2026, page 90. Originally written 11 October 2025 at Japan Week, Building L, Bellevue College, Bellevue, Washington.

empty stairs—

the monument to seagulls

in a pouring rain Michael

Little Cottonwood Creek—

the condo grounds flooded Richard

before the choir rehearsal

in the tabernacle

pin-drop demo Michael

traffic jam—

snow shines

on the capitol dome Richard

our long walk

to the Great Salt Lake Michael

Cathedral of the Madeleine

two spires rise

out of the smog Richard