For Jeanette ... when she grows old

For Jeanette ... when she grows old


Between the sprinkles from the dark of clouds,
she whispers, "Where are those diamond slippers?"

"Placed them in a hidey-hole ... so long ago.
Can't quite remember when or where.
The rainbow's end was glowing ...
there ... right there ... I think."

"I'm not so sure these days, but come what may,
these Kansas cornfields will be my home.
Two clicked heels will always bring me here.
Oh dear! Where have I placed my slippers?"

Between the sprinkles from the dark of clouds,
behind her, where horizon bends,
diamonds sparkle in the air,
where rainbows end ... just there.

Kåre Enga

Catalogue number: [161.359]
20 juli 2004

Author's note: I meet wonderful people everywhere. Jeanette is a hoot, in spite of her bad knees and sugar (diabetes). She cleans rooms and had a diamond ... once. The cornfields grow tall and green, laden with ears, across the highway from Airport Motel in Lawrence, Kansas. Do they hear our laughter?