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

caw fee

strut scraping morning on

highway 1

I see a crow land in snowy ditch

picks up part of a Timmy’s bag and flies off

maybe there’s a coupon attached

and he can light on the drive-thru window

and get a double double

if he just taps with beak on the glass

poe-like

someone will say

may I take your order please

cuz crows need coffee too

just ask ‘em

Gretna Post Office

stands sentinel

on this corner of Main and Hespelar

red burnished brick

peaked turrets

imposing                              important

impressive                          impactful

symbol of connection to

world

like the train tracks across the street

now ninety years old

not that old really

in the larger view of things

yet it shivers a patina of permanence

on this icy surface where we slip and fall

snow drifting over our

flawed forms

remember          we can still send a letter

handwritten

pen on textured paper

folded in an envelope

stamp placed carefully in corner

walk up the cement steps and drop it in the chute

and know that it will wing its way

our cry for

mercyhopeloveconnection