6/23/25: “Boilerplate,” & “Jus Folk.”
Boilerplate
There is a rhythm to the proceedings
You can feel it even if you’ve never been
This sort of rattling forward in relaxed
Semi-sterile air despite the tension
Of a gee-tar string
It ripples with predictive speed
So anticipated as the tides
That a byline, code, or point of discussion
That would spend it over time pushes
Uncomfortably against the thickening air
Hanging sticky like cotton pulled
Fresh from the boll, molasses walking
Talking in a seersucker suit
Tying off with,
“Motion the first salute Motion the second Aye
Any discussion?” Mostly nods. Roll call, please.
Then there is a moment, this cocoon of stillness, of suspense,
That demands intrusion after heavy dispensation and it spins as such,
“Motion the first salute Motion the second Aye
Any discussion?” Resounding silence. Laughter.
The fever breaks. Roll call, please.
“Anyone from Eastwood? They’re having a reunion.”
Jus Folks
Families well-dressed and cordial
Make space for one another, smiles
Free in-between our improvised musical
Chairs for every one who wishes
To be seen and heard and to see and hear,
Easy congeniality.
Those best dressed come in their Sunday best
With family or loved ones in tow
To accept promotions for the city
Show their own cast of Jacksonville Strong
On the stage of public procession
In the eye of auspicious opinion.
Late June a day before a spiking Heat
Advisory yet cool heads prevail here
Even in local calls for personal grievances
Addressed in individual addresses
Seeking damages redressed
Compensation’s misgivings.
Tense but for the assemblage’s preferences to garner thanks
For the big things and the small—“Especially the small”
Seeking safety in our schools and safety in our streets
Even if garnering support came like pulling teeth
With special dispensation on data-driven efficacy spoken
By none other than our very own Chief of Police.
And Jacksonville’s City Clerk, Brenda Long,
Given special mention most notable for giving
Those running for public office everything they need
And more to be on the best footing for the campaigns,
Where one such individual speaks, long time liver of this place,
(To paraphrase) “We shouldn’t be afraid to say I don’t know”—
Moments such as these
To doff my cap towards Eudora Welty
In the halls and presence of these community members
Gives a feeling of solidarity in colloquial uncertain times
Where priority above most is given to feeding hungry children
It gives me hope for just people, jus folks.