Poem: Third Place Commons

Young and old dance to the music of a Hawaiian band
at the Third Place Commons
Photo by Diane Hettrick

Third Place Commons is the organization that uses the public space at the Lake Forest Park Towne Centre for community activities and events. The main commons area has a stage, a meeting room, and seven restaurants. Dozens of formal and informal groups meet there, small children play, others use the giant chess set - sometimes even for chess. Every Friday and Saturday live music groups perform. Sara J. Glerum is a regular inhabitant of The Commons and was inspired to write this poem.

THIRD PLACE COMMONS

By Sara J. Glerum

You asked me to tell

you just what it means

and why I proclaim

such depth of delight.

IT’S THE . . .

Rattle of dishes

tapping of keyboards

laughter of children

jumping on chess squares.

Knitting and sewing

drawing and painting

writing, critiquing

and practicing French.

Conversing of moms

loving their time off

meeting an old friend

running committees.

Spying a loved one

next to my table

pulling up chairs

expanding the chat.

Hearing an excerpt

from operas and books

watching recitals

clapping for choirs.

Old people tired

young full of vinegar

parents and singles

families and teens.

Everyone welcome

all with a purpose

coming to Third Place

to have a good time.

Dinosaurs are an important part of chess
Austin Carpp and his sons play at Third Place Commons
Photo by Diane Hettrick