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People Watching
Cadets
parade ground smart,
manners brightly polished,
carrying trays of useless tags
smile, laugh
with me.
Busy shoppers,
(there are always shoppers)
frowning, in a hurry.
I pause to listen
as wise mothers
answer childish questions.
Young people
newly weds perhaps,
earnestly examining
carrots, broccoli, bananas
laugh, kiss,
ignore the shelves of tempting goodies.
Old men
on their own in the coffee shop
grumble together.
Couples in the deli
watch people watching people
share jokes, local news..
Crowds
morning shifts, late shifts,
early birds, night owls.
janitors, store clerks, bank tellers
customers and clients
mix and mingle.
Strangers
a young woman stops
retrieves the cane I dropped.
comments cheerfully on the weather.
Sends me on my way
smiling.
Vera Jensen is a writer, gardener, great grandmother, retired teacher and a poet.
The joys and fears, the tears and laughter that these professions encompass are reflected
in her poetry and stories. She lived for many years on the very edge of the ocean on the
East Coast of Vancouver Island. Recently she moved a short way inland and into the town
of Comox. Sidewalks and streetlights are a new experience, but she still has a garden. Add
up the wear and tear, aches and pains of approaching old age, a generous dollop of imagination,
a good measure of faith, a wonderful loving family spread across this continent and you will have
a picture of Vera as she sees herself today. She has had stories published in Ranger Rick Magazine,
and the Collections Editions of Gage Publishing; Stories and poems published in various regional
and church affiliated magazines; and stories in the local newspapers. One of her recent poems won
honorable mention in the West End Writer’s Contest.
Email: Vera Jensen
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