Heart toughened 

Once in a year trip to see them,
might as well let it be the day
for the granddaughter's ballet recital,
perfumed by the lilac bloom.

Packing the suit case, with slow brewing
joy and Jun day scent; but 
a strange, brief stench.

Sudden ringing of night phone;
heart churns with the daughter's 
dismal voice: "We have a problem.
the septic revers flood the basement,"

(No wonder the stench.)

"If you still coming, stay in a motel, sorry."

My heart, calm as lake;
it's just a thrown stone on the lake;
my heart still recalls the midnight teen's 
car event.

"Dad and I will be there. we've got to see 
her perform, sweetheart."

the reversal stench flood;
the midnight police call;
toughened heart;

I can still sleep through all that!

©Byung A. Fallgren