the sun shines enough to warm the sidewalks

happy-looking people on Main fill their eyes with history

noise from lazy weekend traffic drifts through the back door

barking squirrels jump back and forth from branch and fence

woodpeckers beat their loud rthym against wooden utility poles

all so familiar, almost enough

to lull me into a sense of ordinary complacency

underneath, the faultlines shift with almost perceptible rumble

and I cannot forget

that all of this ground is hollow and riddled with caves

time does not wait.

you do not open the the door

to find it crouched on the step,

patiently gazing up at you

with soft expectant eyes,

as if to say,

here now, if you are ready.

you do not turn the corner

to chance upon it leaning on the wall,

insouciantly lifting a hand

with casual cheerful mien,

oh there you are, let us visit.

if it pleases, if it helps,

picture these gentle regards.

but truly, if you dare to remember,

time does not care.