August 8 Election Day in Knoxville poem

Election Day in Knoxville 2008


While standing outside the polls today

handing out vote-for-me-cards for my friend Amy Broyles

I met a woman who had just given birth

to twin boys under 2 pounds each.


She said one baby was so small

it fit in her husband's hand

tiny head resting on his palm.


Another woman was getting married

in the Smokies tomorrow

in blue jeans, snakeskin boots,

and the top of her best friend's wedding dress.


Her boys kept saying how

right after the wedding

they were all going to the beach.


Early in the day some guy came by

passing out sausage and egg McMuffins,

a non-partisan dude too

because Republican or Democrat


he didn't care

he fed you anyway.


He said he'd been in politics

since he was fourteen years old.

He called the mayor Bill.


I kept thinking how this is

what community is all about.


We all have a story to tell.

We all need someone to listen.