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

summer introit

new green breeze flutters

sun dappled lawn robins land

sing anthem to warmth

writing it down - Mom

and then it is over

a life of 92 years and two months

a journey breathed through

sun and storm

water and fire

in this room of breaths

eyes open           faintly focused

we gather vigilant intent

on letting ending happen

we the living

letting a part of ourselves

slip away in         these        slowing             breaths

another syringe of freedom into tube

and we touch her hand               shoulder              face

assurance of presence

until it seems it is here

a presence descending

and through tears we begin the songs

half words           half hums

melodies float on the breath of tears

and her face

changes

from tension and labour

to restful submission

we sing until the breathing seems to stop

only a few           last         gasps of struggle

and then we pray her spirit into peace

water and fire

sun and storm

a journey breathed through

a life of 92 years and two months

and then -

adoramus te (Wedding Poem X) Philip and Felicitas

thick ancient walls

recessed windows

faded frescos

echo voices

clear      angelic

overlapping and dancing

in rarified holy air

of radiant lovers’ vows

made facing imposing wooden cross

simple vase of roses

and two thick candles

burning with the e/motion of the moment

congregation sings praise to the Lord

smiles and tears overlap and dance

in morning air

with wire hearts of children

hanging in delight

and these thick walls remember these notes

of covenant and joy

as they tumble

echo

and live

in love and praise

one week after: what I will do today

walk soft lawn

of greening

blades pushing up into

gusty air warmed

by sun in May

gaze new leaves

unfurling bare branches

a billion births

unscrew valve and

let black oil of old year

steady stream out of mower

and add

a new golden year

listen to birds

sing a mozartian welcome

to this   this

so new and familiar

don’t block out

memories of mother

planting in May

garden of love

elegy - Mom (Anni Ens-1923-2015)

generic  room

white walls         third floor

Concordia hospital and

two dozen roses

pink and yellow

in vases on the windowsill

opening to the sunlight

and this woman

this mother

bruised by life   but undefeated

having won every battle

every fight

with hands of determination

shoulders of patience

tender eyes of beauty

arms of love

high head of courage

quiet solid faith in

                the sheltering wings of God

through tragic loss

fearful famine

world of war

untimely upheaval

mass migration

maze of marriage

house  of children

weary work

bereft widowhood

shrinking old age

this woman

has come to this bed

and this room to defeat death

and live on

in our many        many memories

now open to the sunlight

aufwiedersehn Mama