I sit on her porch.
Alone.
It’s quiet
Except for the faint
Rolling of crickets
Chirping their song.
There is a calm, cool breeze
Gently rocking the goldenrods.
The second day of autumn
Brings with it their sweet, soothing scent.
Only the distant hum of engines
Break into nature’s easy sway.
My girlfriend’s birthday is Friday.
I can’t talk to her
About what I’m really feeling and thinking.
She likes things calm—
No rocking the boat.
I wonder what to give her.
Dinner out?
A book?
She coos in high, praising tones
To her dog
As she enters her house.
I wish she’d talk to me like that
But that would be silly.
We’re ten years a couple.
The cool breeze causes goosebumps
To grow on my bare arms.
I’ll go greet her now.
Robert Fiedler has been attending GCC part time since 2010. He is majoring in General Studies, with a focus on liberal and visual arts. In his spare time, he enjoys running, volunteering, cooking, and writing comedy. He grew up outside of New York City.