Elton Porter 1907-1924

Elton Porter 1907-1924 (An Ode to Luella and John) My best friend John Molina, and I Spent many a carefree afternoon on bareback, Astride the furious gallups Of our sure-footed steeds; Barefooted in summer and bundled up in winter; We rode and ranged over the northern foothills, Ablaze with mustard blooms in spring, In search of squirrels and sunsets. We roamed and roved like Crusaders, Over those imposing heights, Awash in winter mud and debris, Seeking the Holy Chalace of freedom, But still rich in grace, Rich in impetuous youth. And we both talked at length, About Luella, the girl we most admired; Certainly not for her obvious beauty, no. Certainly not for her alluring bashful ways, no. But instead, for her sublime singing voice. Ah, I remember it well! That day in this cemetery long ago, She sang “All Or Nothing At All” by the front gate there, And lo, the Muses all gathered in spirit roundabout, Gathered to christen our surging hearts to the gods, With a soft embrace, And a simple kiss.