Is awash in inactivity,
Chips piled to the heavens,
Logs stacked like fallen soldiers
Waiting patiently for loading

Beneath a towering ship
Destined for China,
Or some other foreign port
With a name I can't pronounce.

The mill across the street
Is barely open and operating,
Without the employees
I once knew.

My daughter studied economics
And learned Mandarin at Chico State.
My son studied abroad
And signed on with the Peace Corps.

I hope they're ready.