Bill Harney lives in Beverly and teaches in the English Department of Endicott College. A former resident of Somerville, he keeps in touch by reading The Somerville Times.

Bill Harney (right) with Professor Dan Sklar.

The Ride Home

Now Gloria’s house, her neglected gardens, shouldered to one side
By the wide gravel road for trucks that carry fill to the property
And felled pines out. New homes. Work for the men who
Build them, Young families safe in circled dwellings.

Forgive me, if when I drive past I wish it all put back,
The progress of her illness checked, her husband and
Children around their table, even the son who took his
Own life, a teen again.

— Bill Harney