The Senate
Outback, where the town is small or old enough
There is a Senate convening once a day
Or weekly somewhere in a diner or cafe
At counter seats or tables drawn together
As randomly democratic as the members.
Grey heads in baseball caps presiding over
Men walking stooped and slow
Sitting silent in each other’s presence
Or softly hearing the freshest news
Considering the consequential truths
Digesting the daily moments, muffins
washed down with dishwater coffee.
Citizens in the Republic of the Ordinary
Finding community, some back row dignity
Sharing wonderment and wisdom
Health doubts and home discourses
To the echo of Billy Joel and CCR
Crooning softly in the air.
Eternal flame, eternal life, you’re always on my mind
‘Cause no one ever really dies at Graceland.