Preparation Day

The light is fading early today.

Rain turns the whole world to night.

I drive through watery streets,
headlights
stretch to bright tapers,
red lamps
softly trailing
blood beneath my wheels.

Death’s details
fill my busy day.

First, the uncut granite,
sorted and sized,
words neatly arranged,
ready to inscribe
the bare facts of your life,

and then on to the small, white house,
with its big front window  and spring  garden
hidden behind the black iron gate;

this is where your party will be.

Our guests will arrive soon,
and I must order flowers, great
purple blooms
to dim this too bright room.

Now we’re nearly finished,

but first I must see
to your final ground,
small patch
of turned earth,

and then tomorrow you can finally rest.

Attend us gently
as we weep
and slowly walk away.

(28 Dec 2010)

This Christmas Moon

This Christmas moon
breaks shining through
my empty, dark night.

Its aching light,
in waves of delight
bathes
stark winter’s shore
in the glittering sea
of Nativity!

Sunday Morning Storm

High above, shifting in the storm

all leaves finally dropped and raked,

the tall tree feigns death,

as emerald grass glows

in winter’s rich rain.

But, late as usual,

the apple tree, like a queen,

spreads her royal leaves

into a golden robe

below.

Requiem

My eyes search the ceiling
in death’s darkness I wait.
My arms lie unfeeling
in death’s stark embrace.

Paralyzed prisoner,
helpless I call.
Oh, bring me sweet freedom
from this still, lonely cell.

Alone in my darkness
I hear your clear song.
Sing gently to me
and I’ll try to sing along.

I’ll reach your strong arms.
I am ready to go
to my love’s sweet heaven.
Oh, take me back home!

The Breakthrough

Slate sky,
the wind has died

calm chill
flows over
the sleeping street

when
bursts a white flame
feathers rising
to the heavy sky.

To the impending rain
ascends the crane

to heaven’s
dark promise.

Life Flies

Life flies into the sunset.

Ride this spinning ball
and chase the sun
on jets streaming
across three time zones.

Set your watch
back an hour.

With speed and
boredom,
buy another
portion of breath,

but it is an illusion.

Life flies swifter than high clouds
ignited by jet stream fire.

Life taunts you.

It will not wait,

not split
even
a tick. 

Empty

Gloom infuses
my desert soul.

I cannot see the stars tonight.

The moon refuses
Night’s lifeless void.

It swallows the sky
and leaves us nothing but
windy lies.