http://slow.writerscafe.org/jackson5 The original writings of author Christy Sargent en-us Copyright 2026 WritersCafe.org 1776004989 WritersCafe.org RSS Generator 15 Another summer, another season for blackberriesripe, juicy, thorny, purple bird food plump on the vine, beggingto be plucked and planted into anotherBlackberry pie,lip-smacking prize.We drive together down the coiling switchbackszig-zagging the hairpins and corkscrews rocks tumbling down a.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/1807317/ I look out of my kitchen windowpast the clubhouse and the school acrossthe way. There, a stand of pine trees shiverfrom side-to-side under rain clouds, gray curlsthat form a sodden backdrop for the wavering trees.A chocolate wind picks up spinning dirt over the barren meadowand there, beneath the sh.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/1806606/  Legacy Her stomach roiled as she moved through the doorInto the hustling classroomLearners fired to get their donkeywork outJokey and boisterous as they gathered paints andbrushesAnd half-finished canvasesEasels heaped in the corner draggled into the ligh.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/928833/ SomethingMagnificent  TodayI looked through unveiled windows Exposedto an afternoon sunshine that pushed Pastthe parched balcony and insideLeavingpinches of lightThesesunlit sprinklings danced across the smooth wood floor Cavortingand pirouetting like a.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/912054/ She Will Hear Me Calling I had heard of the rainbow bridge andThought it was nice but not likelySomething for dog-lovers to hang ontoWhile they mourned over the loss of a good friendThis week we lost our dogWho was even more to us than a friendFor ten years we we.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/885038/ River Rocks We have begun the sorrowful chore ofGathering river rocksEach one necessitous And uniqueSmooth now from eternities ofTum        B           L i  &nb.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/869390/ Motley Couple Days are passing andThis chilly silence has settled inSome would call it frigid Glacial in fact…Nothing to say?Nothing at all?Is it really that cold in hereBetween us?I watch you from a distanceYou look altered entrenched there on.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/841154/ Winteriness  No wonder I felt cold last nightEven in your armsI pulled close those heavy blankets Tried cuddling beside your sleeping bodyBut I could not get warmInstead, I lay there in my frostinessThe indifference and unfeelingness between usThe coolness an.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/839795/ Were You Resting Night was hushed within these old wallsThough quietude took it’s timeIt was welcome StillnessSummoned calm Untroubled peacefulness (A settling down)And finally quietnessMotionlessnessFixityGood bait for good sleepRestful.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/839786/ Was It You I heard you last nightNo kidding friend…I heard youYour heavy footstepsThrough this old houseThen straight out the front doorIn and outI lay in bed…in the front bedroom andJack came running in He stood hovering over me On .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/839627/ We Make a Likely Twosome This old house has memories of its ownTogether with our recollectionsOur musingsOur ponderingsOur valuations We make a likely twosomePut together here whereWe watch over the Verde River Together I listen to the sounds.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/839271/ Cowboy Café My husband asked if I would like to have dinner out“Well, that would be nice,” I saidThankful because I had not been wellChills, a sore throat, aches… coughingAnd so we went back to Nate’s Cowboy CaféSomeplace new an.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/831210/ CharlieAtwood  Theday that Charlie Atwood beganTopee in his bedroom slipperWasthe dayThathis beloved NoraCouldno longer close her eyesShehad been doing thatShehad wondered but only brieflyWhenCharlie complained of noises in the base.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/821238/ A Two- Bedroom there it isa sign we have looked forin big red letters…for rent…it wags in the windwhile yellow leavestumbleunseatedousted from olden treesthat stand watch in theyardare those really blackwalnuts we pull.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/818731/ Breast Cancer http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/811368/ The Park I settled on the low brick wallMy feet tired from the dayI could watch my little darling Climbing, crawling, pretendingOn those hard, hot monkey barsShe had no playmates that dayFree-range among the twisting bars and slide“This is my house Gram.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/811151/ Pop Beads and Roller Skates Pop beads and roller skates Bathing suits, Easter basketsCartoons Little friends across the streetElvis on Ed Sullivan andMother on the phone“Turn that tv off!I am on my way home.” Black olives and chocolat.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/808684/ Wait a Damn Minute We met this summerWhen you and your sweetie came byA BBQ… where all of us were strangersYou sat back in a corner taking small bitesPassing on the peach pie, at firstAfterwards… you asked for the tiniest pieceAnd I was pleased&.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/806554/ Thank You For The Visit This morning we sat togetherSun-drenched and happy over Quiche And Dutch Apple PieDotted with Red Hots andDusted with nutmeg…sinful It has been more than thirty yearsSince you were that young manA college boyAnd.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/806019/ CousinOh yes darling…we are definitely connectedWe have always been linked togetherTied to William Robbins though he deserted us Generations agoSister and I always at your ma’s Between movesThat took us to places far away“Are we there yet?”&ld.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/805735/  lastbouquet  midnightand rainingsnowlikely before dawncloudsdraped low all day about the peaks andI look over at the last bouquetofwildflowers hand-pickedonly yesterdayyouwould not guessfromthe looks of themstandingso proud .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/804299/ ILove You Today Weare connected CousinsYourfather…my uncle Mymother…your aunt Georgeand ErmaBrotherand sisterTheyloved each otherSowhy did Uncle George always, always Alwayscome aloneForvisitsHewould come to Dor.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/803785/ A Song for Richard Jack saw them firstRunning through tall grasses that play   Beneath the sacred-mountain                 His ears were pointing upwardsHis nose sniffing at the breeze.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/803773/ If You Believe He claims she was standing thereIn a white terry bathrobeA soft towel binding her long damp hairShe stood in the bathroom doorwayThat was all But one eveningA faint rustling sound A slight quick whoosh of cool air andA gentle hand.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/803772/ Me and Mari Come with me friendOnce you said you wouldlike toYou said, “I would haveloved to have gone with you,”That it would have beentwice as much funSharing those lovelyplaces You liked my adventuresThe sounds of themThe pictu.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/803768/ Neighbor Lady You are at the door holding a crumpled newspaperYesterday it was a cupcakeThe day before stale pizzaWith freezer burnIt is how you gain entryUnder the pretense of gift baringPushing your way through the doorwayScanning the place as quicklyAs.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/803763/ Now Here Is The Rest Of The Story… She said, “Let me watch your dogs for you,”We had to be away you seeFor the dayA short tripBack home again by early duskHow could we deny Such a nice Rrrrrussian womanEven though she had been tasting Vodka.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/803762/  ThatRussian Woman ThatRrrrrrrussian woman(Youknow who I mean)Theone who is loud and generousTheone who brings offeringsSpontaneous       AndSuperfluousNeedlessplates of “grrrrrapes” Andplum.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/803761/ Stella Stella is loudHer voice cries out to be heardIn that thick and lovely accentPure RussianWhen Stella says the word it comes out as“Rrrrrrrussian,”She can roll that “R” like nothing I have ever heard“I am Rrrrrrrrussian,&rdq.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/803760/ All Those years Ago I thought I knew what I was doingAll those years agoA young mother Alone with three kids I thought I was rightI thought I understoodI thought and thoughtAnd worried and cried and triedEverything…To be a good motherWise.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/803751/ Dinner Meal I looked over at the man Who sat leaning in towards the ladyCozied upElbows on the tableHis legs crossed underneath his chairWork shoes curled around each other snuglyAt the ankles I watched him settle his plate on the tableLoaded as it wasPushing it thi.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/796370/ What Do You wish forsoft brown eyes watch methey seem restless this morningtroubledwhat are you trying to saywhat would you want me to knowwhat are your wishes for todayas you lay there on the floorunable to move would you say yours has been a good lifeand that you have had a lot of funliving i.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/780146/ A Poem http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/779029/ The Cloakroom We had argued early that morningSo when you walked through my classroom doorAnd straight over to my deskYour face pinched and wet with tearsI thought only that you were sorry For being insensitive and mulish  And that you wanted forgiveness In order to start yo.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/775740/ The WalkIt was Sunday afternoonAnd as it turned out a good day to walkThe Englishman who strolled easily along the pathWas not alone todayAs evidenced by the red leashHe carried in the palm of his handHis long fingers curled lightly around itThe leash belonged to WallyA somewhat beefy Jack Russell&n.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/774938/ My first experience as a Hospice volunteer. Doris and I faced death together. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/774284/ Never ForgetI start to forgetOnce things settle downAnd you manage to get off the hookAgainThat is where I make my mistakeIn starting to forgetHow this thing called alcoholSneaks up on all of us and Grabs us around our necks and Chokes the living daylights out Each and every one of us.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/768939/ A New Friend“Hello,” she  called out to usStepping from the shadowsOf a stand of tall pinesThey swayed softlyThat afternoon Under a springtime skyBirds chirped from Pinewoods“I said hello there,”She repeatedWanting reassurance That we had heardHer greeting.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/764617/ A Spider and A FlyIn the windowsill above my writing desk A web of silk whirled into a fatal snareThe amazing ambush of finely spun silkThat begins in a corner and is Sewn with graceful threadsAcross the window ledgeLike a sheet of smooth dust suspendedA fibrous nestMy instinct is to remov.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/754887/ I Still DreamI still dream of those timesWhen I was youngAnd so frightenedOf livingI am in the basementStanding before my fatherMy sister is beside of meWe  are afraid of the yardstickThat will soon sting our legsI am in the car with my familyWe are going to visit relativesWho we have not seen .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/754299/ A Good Love SongSeems everyone likes aGood love songEspecially the unrequited kindWhere the lover is vileFaithlessPhonyInexcusably woundingWhy do we likeThat stuff http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/753925/ A Mother This gentle soul of a womanCarried her brown leather purse To the dining hall every noontime Accompanied by her sonHe pushed her in her chair carefullyAnd remained by her sideUrging her to take one more biteWhen lunch was over and herFull plate had been cleared awayHe would p.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/753237/ Memoirs of a Hospice Volunteer http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/751318/ A Woman With Two Cats And A TurtleAnna…she told me her name was AnnaThesia“It is nice to meet you AnnaThesia,” I saidThen I asked her to tell me about her name“I just always wanted to be named Anna Thesia,” she said“And my son’s name is Sy Chotic,”&ld.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/749741/ The Boy In the HallI pulled into the hospital parking lotNear the Hospice wingA long floor where every patient was terminalAs I walked toward the unit I thought of the many service hoursSince my first encounter as a volunteerI greeted those patients who lingered outsideVisiting their families and en.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/749478/ She Smiled and Waved GoodbyeHer name was Doris and I shall never forget The lessons that she taught me on death and dyingI knocked on her front doorA brand new Hospice volunteer and a stranger to deathMoments passed and I stood wondering if anyone Would let me in, afraid to knock twiceI ha.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/748889/ Aunt EllaI have grown old Like my old aunt EllaJust like thatTime passedNow I find myself In the mirrorAn old womanAches and painsRiddle my plump fleshGray hair creeps over my headOnce you pulled fifteen hairsTo be exactFifteen gray onesAlmost hidden in that shiny brunette Not anymore.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/746367/ While Your Family SleptI dreamed of youOf course daylightProvedIt was not realIt made no sense at allIt seemedNightmarish actuallyDisquieting But for a while I was in your presenceI was in your homeAt your tableIn your guest roomWhere you came to meWhi.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/741849/ We Did Not CryMother DearWe did not cryNo…neither Sis nor ICried at your farewellIn factWe laughed wildly Unable to stop ourselvesUntil we’d wet our pantsImagine thatGrave diggersBattled willful dirtThat caved in All over DadWho waited patientlyFor youBeneath the groundYou lai.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/741700/ The BallroomWe did not know each other And had been told toTo find a spot onThe ballroom floorAnd to spread apartThe newspapers wereRolled up tightly and Laid out acrossThe ballroom floorBefore usI looked down at mineConfusedThe lights went outThere were no instructionsOnly silenceAnd I sa.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/jackson5/741187/