Jack's Orange Jacket

I don’t really know
why he gave it to me
all those years ago, but
I’m guessing Laura didn’t

like its color. It’s
rather like a Cal-trans
worker’s jacket to prevent
getting hit by passing trucks

while working on
the highways. I have
worn it for years for its
warmth. It reminds me of

Jack’s giving habits.
He was the givingest
person I have known. And
Laura has distinctly good taste.

So here on a chilly
December 1st I took
the trash out in the orange
jacket carrying Jack’s memory

with me to the dumpster.