PERSONAL FIEFDOMS
Putting on the lights just now
On the outside and parking lots…
Reminded me of little duels
We had at certain spots.
–
The shifts back then had two of us
Working together…
And who did what had to be fought,
Depending on the weather.
–
When the outside lights went on
Was the province of the Desk…
One light switch for the porch
The “At Large” guard could wrest.*
–
With two-guard shifts behind me,
Except during daytime…
I only have myself to control
And that is so sublime!
–Jonathan Caswell
* “wrest”…an older form…the base word of “wrestle.”
By the Mighty Mumford 