of a closer cohort

Perhaps such a time as this
transports us
to different times when
men such as us
were of closer cohort.

When at one time men gathered
for battle;
for land or glory
or to win the heart of some

Young lady.

Perhaps at a time when

Men congregated

on the terms of

competition and sport

for yet more glory and land

and still there must be

a young woman.

On more joyous occasions

Of revelry and storytelling;

Of song and creativity do men gather

To restore a balance of fruit and labor.

With each round table

Do men consider themselves kings;

With each wound and drink,

With each ballad and calloused palm

Do men find themselves of royal worth.

At such a time as this,

Let us drink to this single moment

At which we find ourselves

in such a close cohort.

photography by Rob Stukenberg (c)2009