Denver's Cherry Creek by Sybil Pitmann Estess

 

Denver’s Cherry Creek 

is in the middle of this city. Water has

a bike and walking path beside it for twenty- 

six miles.  Marathons are run here.

But we are here to be near 

a hospital, since someone close

to me is now ill. We must stay here 

in the out-patient motel a long

time.  The creek gives me comfort 

and often rabbits hop these green

lawns and gardens.  On Friday evening, 

I stroll alone by the stream, Cherry

Creek, in near darkness.  Traffic stops 

and goes at the light. Horns honk.

But the water rushes over the stones. 

I look up from my sorrows to see a mother

doe, crossing the creek quickly 

to hide in willows, a barrier between her

and me.  Her small but fast fawn follows 

her, not at all far behind.  Not at all

exposed for long.

 

 

 

 

Sybil Pittman Estess, Ph.D., was one of eight finalists for Poet Laureate of the State of Texas in 2009.  She is the author of her new fourth poetry release: Maneuvers, 2010, by Inleaf Press. Estess has taught at the University of Houston, the University of St. Thomas, Rice University, Houston Community College, and Blinn Colleges.  Sybil Estess, along with Laura’s Poetry Group members Vivian Macias, Kelly Patton, and Sally Ridgway, gave a reading in our FPL Poetry Series in September of 2011.