Long Beach Poems (Part One)

By Robert Jay

The wild parrots of the palm trees
Announce their displeasure
Above the soaring price of gas

The breakwater
Quiets the waves
Into a steady whisper

The carved images
Of angry Tiki spirits
Cry out from half dead trees

The latte cools on the counter
The dog outside
Can only wait longer

Between playing
And practicing
The coins fall into a
Street busker’s hat

In return
The homeless lady offers
A smiling face
Of silent gratitude

Passed out on the sidewalk
Your arm for a pillow
The moon for a blanket