POEM: Tribute to open space

McEuen

(The Queen of our Hearts)

A Message from the Queen

Some guy came by the other day

His look was rather sad.

I watched him roll his window down,

Take out his pen and pad.

I felt a strong connection

For I'd been saddened too;

Like, when people that you care for

Have been fighting over you.

I blew a little breeze his way,

Warmed it with a plea:

"Tell the folks who really care

To please just let me be."

Yes, If they love me, leave me,

Leave me with what I've come to know:

That the value of my future,

Is not in a multitude of "show."

So spare me all the bangles,

The baubles and the beads;

Not only are they spendy, they far exceed

The public's wishes and their needs.

I'll always be available

To all of your caress,

But please, oh please, I beg of you,

Don't make me overdress!

Leave my softness, soft,

Leave my green serene,

To "lower" to the "highest use,"

Would be the meanest mean!

As I am, I offer open vista,

To see kites and boats at launch,

To hear the umpire's voice cry out

Play Ball! As he "settles in" his haunch.

I know that some expected more:

Change me to help with "Downtown's woes."

They have my greatest empathy,

But that's as far as it goes.

I did not come to this alone:

I counseled with my friend Tubbs Hill.

(And under all the circumstances)

We both agreed, we must accede

In honoring the (informed) public's will.

P.S.:

For those with other visions,

Thank you for your time and effort;

We do not hold disdain.

But under our form of government

It should be: The public's will that reigns!

TOM KANE

Coeur d'Alene