I knew the gym was closed today.
But, it didn’t occur to me, the university as well.
To commemorate Juneteenth.
When Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas.
On June 19, 1865.
To inform the people, the Civil War, over.
Won by Union troops.
Bringing the executive order to declare slaves freed.
Over the years, becoming a folk holiday for African Americans.
Made federally official in 2021 by President Joe Biden.
Closing schools, post offices, banks.
To honor this second Independence Day.
Proclaiming the end of human bondage in the United States.
So, upon arising, I realized I had a job to do.
One I had forgotten.
For the usual goose feeder would not come to work.
To deliver her morning treats.
I hurried to locate cereal, a bag.
To carry to the empty parking lot at Salus.
Where, indeed, the seven geese waited.
Two parents, five goslings.
Now as tall, plump, feathered as their creators.
Indistinguishable, in fact.
Until I rattled the bag.
Five teenagers scampering after me, ahead of their parents.
Conditioned by the sound to chase the cheerio pick-me-up.
Squealing in delight.
Racing after the bounty I scattered.
I, crooning in my high-pitched Mommy voice: You’re getting soooo big. Okay, here it comes!
I rejoice the geese are free
to wander as they please,
settle down, rear their young
without inhumanities.
Lynn Benjamin
June 19, 2024
