First Place: Front Porch Friendship by Debbie Burton

The sticky air shelters in place.

Immoveable, like me, perched upon my porch.

Here, I search the neighborhood for companionship.

Soon, the jangle of dog tags and smack of flip-flops

Break the silence.

My friend and I talk for a time,

Six feet apart, but seeing eye to eye

About our hope for tomorrow.

Susan’s Thoughts:

"I love the utter humanity of this poem which, in just a few lines, tells of our need for each other’s company and the shared expression of hope. Such ordinary images which lift the scene to what is important."

About the Author

Debbie Burton is a published poet and children's author who began writing after she retired from teaching with Orange County Public Schools. Her first book, Buddy the Beagle on Blueberry Street encourages children to never give up when facing a challenge. Visit Debbie's website at debbieburton.blog to enjoy more of her poems.