Poem: 'Burlington County, 1984'

My friend (and wonderful poet), Jared (aka @the_babyfaced_poet) has started a video series on IG -- "The Best Words Show" -- featuring writers reading one of their works.

He kindly featured me this week, reciting a poem that was recently selected to be included in a new anthology, "New Jersey Bards Poetry Review 2025" -- available this month, with thanks to editor James P. Walker.

This particular poem was inspired by a workshop (to edit down something I've formerly written) from teacher/poet Michael Paul Thomas, and a prompt (about devils) from The NJ Poetry Circle, a supportive group that meets every Tuesday evening at The Sanctuary community space in Butler, NJ.

Below is Jared's video of me, after I had recited "Dover Beach" for his sound check and nervously laughed about how I used to recite it to my daughters as a lullaby when they were young -- followed by the text.

Thank you, Jared, James, Michael, and Sofia and all at the Poetry Circle (and thank you, Jordan, for letting me know about this place)...

Burlington County, 1984

Driving up the Jersey Turnpike,

skirting a million acres of acidic, sandy soil.

It’s almost dawn.

 

In the passenger’s seat

Hester closes her eyes, adjusts the halo

embroidered atop her California Angels cap,

and burrows under my letter jacket for warmth.

 

Bright Venus and the rising sun accent

the needles of the pines lining the highway,

casting shadows that flicker and tremble

like my desire.

 

I wish I may, I wish I might, now,

make the sun stand still below that distant horizon...

 

Af if my car were a Mason jar.

As if I could punch air holes in the top

and examine this curiosity named Hester

 

lazily stretching her butterfly limbs.

I would take my car in my hand

and hold the both of us up

to that faint and heavenly light.

 

This tiny version of myself I try to preserve

is me at my best, oblivious in young love,

blissfully teased by the Hand of Fate,

warm, palm up, resting on my thigh.

 

As if, in its lines, I could divine our future together.

As if I weren’t the Jersey Devil in disguise.