51st birthday dream

I was climbing the hills around Minnedosa

edge of Lake Agassiz

glacial waters of massive inland ocean

lapping these shores 

I hang on to tree branches stepping up

rocks and sand under feet 

I’m not sure why I’m here

sore knee hindering speed

but it feels good

rough touch of tree bark on palm 

rising upward

eyes glaring dusty setting sun

I don’t reach the top in my dream

wake up in blanketed bed in Red River valley 

back at the bottom of the lake

flat prairie pilgrim

psalm V

painting has begun

green summer fading into

yellowbrownred

every leaf

every branch

every tree 

I pass by on road

and see the big picture

your great hand

sweeping

with large strokes

every day a new shade

feathering canvas 

I walk on leaf littered grass

and see your careful tiny brush

making miniature magic on

Manitoba maple leaf

the slow burning colours of

death glowing 

my eyes listen every day

to this September symphony

knowing all too well

blackening bareness

of October

autumnal thoughts

summer flute plays frantic minor melody

air stream cut in half over hole

in silver mouthpiece

vibrations causing sound waves to ripple out

in a tumble of notes

like September days

creating crescendo of coolness

browning the green

and inviting the frantic rhythm

of death into year  

face of love

her lovely shining face

reflected off car window

in light of full moon

round white cut out in black sky 

I think of 336 moons of marriage

of waxing and waning

of cloudy skies and clear starry nights

of frigid Januarys and warm evenings in July

of moonlit walks and stormy nights in a tent

of a friendship glowing and reflecting

in the round full light of love