Category: love
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how I became a poet
When I was in fourth grade they tried to teach me violin but I was called a sissy I put down my case and fought When I was seventh grade I wanted to play French horn but trombones were cheaper I knew all the troublemakers and band secrets I’d laugh and would not snitch When…
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poem for her husband’s passing
She wrote It’s been a long journey He passed away this morning I’m ok Our son is here for a few days Family and friends support me Due to COVID There will be no service, but some day In the future, we will gather for stories and food Love to you For your friendship all…
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Chill
“Some feel the rain. Others just get wet” Bob Marley (and several others) no umbrella no rain coat long way to house hurrying won’t keep you dry no sense in rushing luxuriate in sensations of chill winter rain you will be home soon enough take shoes off at door remove wet clothes feet on the…
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fragments of paradise
Lying broken she asked what I saw when I shut my eyes I said I see nothing She said she sees fragments of paradise floating cubes of white fragrant as soap wrapped in ribbons and beads stars and hearts shiny, bright and beautiful She shuts her eyes drifts off to sleep I rise to leave…
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Christmas eve 2020
The Christmas Eve It snowed In Nashville She woke Tried to understand How she crashed Paradise shattered Pieces floating In her head She told a nurse She needed to pee Lay on a bed pan Said her head hurt Begged them To make it stop She asked me To help her remember Her obligatory prayer…
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Solstice sage
Because she lay broken in a hospital bed We did not burn sage in a solstice fire this year We will not pass this way again or be reborn We did not watch Jupiter and Saturn converge We will not be here the next time planets meet But we will pray for her to heal…
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A father’s vigil
All these people each one rides elevator up each one worried each one wishes they could lay on hands remove pain heal broken bodies In dim light by her bed you stand watch quiet offer silent prayers conjure magic wish you could take her pain as yours 12-21-20
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Evolution of an artist
She laid in bed at night and complained , something is wrong with our child; her genetic donor rolled over and muttered, go to sleep tomorrow, we will fix its flaws _____ Norms mutate They don’t know why They just do _____ Grocery shoppers eat the beautiful, avoid bruised fruit Chuck, evolution doesn’t care about…
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Buttered limbs
Today, I go into the wilderness, no armor or weapons. Face monsters and wild beasts. I will not resist their hunger their gnashing and tearing their ravenous devouring. Should I shower first, butter my limbs, flavor skin with spices, sprinkle oregano in my hair? Today, I go into the wilderness, look for me in scat…
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for want of a piece of hose
Years ago, I’d ride a stolen bike across campus to the grounds shed, rake leaves in large piles for a truck to gather and carry away, sit in class, leaf mold and debris on jeans and boots, compete with the leisure class for grades, laugh at sorority girls who’d pull at short skirts if I…
