Living Zen Life

In 1997 we moved to Seattle
leaving Reno, never really home to us.
Quit our jobs sold our home
to live closer to her daughters
they in Portland, too close it seemed.

Driving across I-90 through the Mercer tunnel
revealing the beautiful face of Seattle. 
Don't remember the how or why
continuing north on I-5 
turning off onto Eastlake
where we found the 14-Carrot Cafe.

Reading this, whoever you are,
go to the 14-Carrot Cafe
and toast Carol and Tom
who came to love Seattle there.

Years passed. 
Seattle seasons one after the other
spring sweet seasons
winter chilly seasons
summer sun without rain seasons
autumn seasons brilliant leaves and cool.
Together we loved them all
our front porches our fireside chairs
backyard dinners times on the town.

Granddaughter came and Portland called
grateful we heeded her cries!

On a summer's eve friends called us back
to celebrate with them their married years.
Ten years away from Seattle 
we went enjoying time with old friends
in the lovely late summer's light.
We sat before the others - 
Carol was tired. 
We took a table, our closest friends joining us
the sensuous evening went on and on.

We were to leave for Portland the next day.
Breakfast called and we were off 
to the 14 Carrot Cafe 
where we had come those many years before.
I took her picture there before we left.
Weeks later she was gone.