Pacific

Many mornings I watch the city wake

to a glittering sunrise and pearls of

dewdrops on the grass.

In the arms of mothers infants cuddle

without fear.

I walk around the Community Center

where basketball is usually played.

Laughter follows children running free.

The sound is heard throughout Pacific.

Soldiers are home from far away.

It seems somebody is here representing

every occupation, race and religious creed.

Mingling, conversing with their neighbor.

In every face I meet I see the possibility

of a new friend. In Pacific my mind hears

the pleasures of life. A peaceful silence

welcomes the night.

– Gerald A. McBreen, Pacific poet laureate