Roasted Peanuts

The smell of roasted peanuts

Reminds me of the firm grasp of a callused hand..

A little rough, a little soft,

But they never let go..those hands..

I resented it first,yearned for it next and treasure it now...

Those hands...

That roots me to reality..

And reminds me of who I am...

The smell of roasted peanuts

Reminds me of long leisurely walks,

On sandy beaches and newly tarred roads.

When profound thoughts were exchanged,

For imaginary pennies between father and daughter.

Today, buried wisdom rises up often

Like a tribute to those long walks.

Those walks

They showed me the way, then and now

Gifts from above;

roasted peanuts....

callused hands...

long walks...

And imaginary pennies......