Michael Riedell
If I Were to Go
it would be to find a bench
in the plaza of a far-off Mexican town
where church bells ring on the hour
and pigeons live on puddle water and tossed bread.
I'd join the old men, be a mute among them,
watching sun stretch west and young lovers gather.
Yes, I would play chess. Yes, I would cough.
I would be a fool with stained shirts and memories.
And I would whisper to the boy strolling hand in hand
beside the girl with green ribbons wound in her braids:
Espera, espera, mijo.
Hay dulzura en esperar.
Wait, wait, my boy.
There is sweetness in waiting.
Bio
Michael Riedell is a teacher, poet, and songwriter living in northern California. The author of three books, his work can be found in journals including Blue Unicorn, Canary, Clutch, I-70 Review, The Heron's Nest, and Right Hand Pointing. He has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and was a Best of the Net finalist for 2024.