The trunk's base cradles the child's shrine,
where roots begin to split
in their course toward the infernal deep,

a hollow for Saint Imagination, marbles,
plastic figurines, Donald Duck among,
even one like the Virgin Mary

on so many near lawns–
though not the Madonna herself–
nor a molded Saint Peter who might ask, Quo Vadis?

As I return on the walk to my solid home
on the Via Non Appia over sidewalk slabs
in upturning concrete, perhaps evidence

of an ongoing Anastasis under the municipality,
but beyond its jurisdiction, while Disney-deities,
to the children in their pious play,

offer protection from years' pull
and the road upon which my toes
will tire and feel, pilgrim-deep, that taproot tug

About the poet: For thirteen years John taught English and Latin in a private all-girls school. Eventually, he wrote a dissertation, which focused on the pragmatic comedy of the Canterbury Tales, thereby completing his Ph.D. in English. Currently, he is an adjunct instructor at Chatham University in Pittsburgh. However, he has had many jobs in his life including archaeological field assistant, obituary writer, and television-screen-factory worker, which–he hopes–have contributed in positive and intriguing ways to his writing. He has had poems published in such journals as Aries, Ascent Aspirations (CAN), The Chaffin Journal, Common Ground Review, The Journal (UK),Pulsar Poetry Webzine (UK), Third Wednesday, U.S. 1 Worksheets, and in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. His iPhone is now his primary poetry notebook, and he hopes his negotiation with technology in regard to this ancient art form continues to be successful.