psalm XIII

there’s a beat

elusive amid rustle of

hypnotic repetition

wind waving branches

inside fabric of new leaves

kick drum heart beat

beneath interweaving brass band

flights of finery

steady always there beat

the flap of wing in

massive blue infinite

you and me

two hearts tied

leaning on those speakers

red felt bulging with beans

hand stitched

tough edges like evening caress

like us

tied to each other

year through year

in full aliveness of the other

facing out together

bulging with constant spring

family song

we would sing together

five of us

at first just children’s songs

simple hymns

little Lynette backed up into my knees

while I strummed

and then songs and hymns

in four parts

now the kids took solos and duets

clear glass voices rising together

preparation was sometimes

fraught

so easily bruised by words and looks

but sometimes a small bird was released

wings strong

and would soar in deep blue magical sky

quartet (toTim)

there’s this funny picture of the four of us

a frozen moment

and you are wearing

a beret I think

harmonizing a low note lips pursed

and ridiculously holding a ukulele

other dignified hand on hip

we are about 30 I think

give or take

I’ve got jacket slung leaning against piano

black-rimmed shades

smiling at the world

Joel plays toy silver trumpet

elbows out

black blazer

sleeves too short for his personality

and taking the front

fingers snapping

Esch is duke of earl

eyes closed red beard flaming framing face

our shadows defined

behind us on wall

yours is nearest

we didn’t see them at the time