Going to Bodoc

I often travel to Bodoc,

Now on the stretch of road between Lebeau and Big Cane,

The stretch where the grass is kept groomed

With such rural pride.

Now in Big Cane itself,

With its store holding the rich memory

Of my stopping there and buying boudin, and

Talking so amicably with the aging couple

Who run the store without pretention.

Now approaching Dupont,

Now turning along the bayou road,

Curving and turning,

Passing changed houses where relatives once lived.

Now coming to Bodoc itself.

Now unlocking the back door.

Now being filled
     With the palpable presence of home.

 --March 8, 2013