I’m sorry dear mister
Melanchton Cliser, you stoic—
I don’t blame you for not
taking their five-thousand buck check.
You wanted your place and business
and ham sandwiches, pie,
and pumps—instead you sang the Star-
Spangled Banner to deputies.
I thank you for your courage, firm—
but also thank those men.
The clear park lands have offered me
a healing sanity.