of irises and lilacs

because ephemeral

a few days in June

this year coincide

because beautiful

blooming white light purple

petals fresh and new

because gentle

tender scents dance

in warm winds

because bountiful

profuse plenteous blossoms

a gift of risen spirits

because perennial

unbidden break into

lovely lilac hues

because love

they remind me of

you

Relay for Life - 2015

winter wind in May

leaches away warmth

like cancer

in this green hilly park

with figure eight path

lined luminary

white messages

of love and remembrance

we in our layered lined

coats and hoods

defy this wind

and walk the path

the journey

of survivors

and supporters

carrying blue baton in gloved hands

lighting fires in

cauldrons of care

beacons of warmth

in hearts that

keep beating

pumping

hope

out to buffeted hills

winter wind in May

makes faces ruddy but

we smile

and face these

hills and

walk this path

together