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

requiem (elegy for Tim - 1960-2019)

rest now

even with so so much still

left to do

and see

your way

                bass tones chuckling

and fear assaulting

like fire from above

scorching the way ahead with

fierce rage

rest now from tasks well-done

and a life well-loved

even with all the

G. Timothy quirks

and coming up short

and sadness rising

like a flood through floorboards

soaking shoes

rest now

dear friend

for you will shine

bright chords soaring in our hearts

lingering

so rest now

et in terra pax

and on earth

peace

no

this earth bleeding

anxiety

     pain

         distrust

    anger

       death

           fear

       coldness

deep

deep sadness

falling into doubt

daring love to be present

here on terra firma

this firm earth

so frozen now under all this

suffocating

snow

and yet we bundle up

scarves

down coats

wind proof hoods

and walk

crunching ice underfoot

and smile to neighbour

and open hearts to people

let them in

yes

love be present

and on earth

yes

Trump haiku #15

what will it take to

indict impeach repeal re-

place this vileness?

Roger explores the English Gardens

hands splayed on old felled trunk

happy unguarded smile

for he’s found his spot away from

wedding ado

that connects with the life of the warm earth

under bare feet

who cares about

little button up shirt

suspenders and bow tie

so formal in the midst of this

green and gnarled brown nature

bright face and random blond curls

one with this garden

always

snow

sometimes the miracle of snow

overwhelms as it settles on every surface

the miracle of snow overwhelms

as it settles on every surface

sometimes overwhelms as it settles

on every surface the miracle of snow

sometimes as it settles on every surface

overwhelms the miracle of snow

sometimes on every surface as it settles

overwhelms the miracle of snow sometimes