Rolled-Up Trousers

by Michael Dylan Welch and Penny Harter

First published in Presence #57, March 2017, page 71. Originally written in March 2010, via email, with refinements in November of 2011.

grandpa’s rolled-up trousers

. . . the incoming tide

breaches the moat Michael

in the park, abandoned

sneakers on spring grass Penny

forgetting the time,

the groom admires his tux

in the mirror Michael

jumping puddles

kids in yellow slickers

light the bus stop Penny

a black streak on the slope

from someone’s wet ski pants Michael

still looking for

that perfect tweed suit

in the thrift shop Penny