Storing Foolish Sentiment
Locked in the depth of my memory bin
behind a locked sealed steel door
are many foolish sentiments
They are hidden in the dungeon
not because they are sentiments
which are unmanly feelings.
Rather it is because they are
so very foolish, personal
and unimportant.
Keys to the sealed door are
numerous and scattered all over the place
but they can only be used when I am alone.
John Wayne shooting from the stagecoach roof
and then walking down the street
to meet Plumber Boys is a key.
I have seen that movie scene so many times
that I know each line of dialogue
and yet I choke and sob out loud.
And there is Ronald Reagan in bed
with teammates and Pat O’Brien
telling them to win one for the Gipper.
All the way home from the West Theater
that snowy day tears and sobs
for that brave man.
John Wayne and Ronald Reagan, great actors,
can bring tears of sentiment to my eyes
despite their politics shouting from the far right.
Beyond their heartless politics is a
shared humanity wrapped in tears
and sentiments . Doug Minnis 1/16/13