Fog horns sound though air soaked in blackness. All evening long listening to hiss of trucks, cars. Shadows brush across walls as trees trace their branches. Gathering and waving together then swaying apart. While I sleep, stars glide through heaven making their appointed rounds in ancient sacred procession. Dreams as smooth…
The Dark Keys
I have the piano keys, Printed on my body. Black and white, Dull and bright. At some points, Notes are the darkest. At others, Just an unheard sigh. The darkest ones, Took the most beating. Play these together, To hear a melodious cry. The rhyming of words, Got lost in hiccups. All I remember, Is…
Winter Warriors
I have examined the night sky. Seen appear the moon, stars, and meteors. During winter’s freeze, Orion, lost in Crete, stands tall, his belt tight, against his waist, hosting the seven sisters , glowing, – Pleiades, bright. And to the North we view Perseus, holding Medusa’s head. Taurus, the heavenly bull shines out. …
The Fire
In the cooling air of the lingering dusk, the flames from the fire-pit clawed higher The steps to the wood-rack, heavy and slow, retrieving more fuel for the pyre Each log, as it’s placed, sends bright sparks in the air, chasing tendrils of wispy grey streaks Glowing coals painting pictures within the mind’s eye,…
A Street Musician’s Plea
Sure, I screwed up somewhere along the line. But at least I held onto this guitar, even if I can’t afford new strings. And I know some old songs, not from my childhood exactly, but I’m hoping they’re from yours. Yes please, recognize something in the words, evoke a time when you were warm…
A Feather in the Sun
I no longer hear the footsteps of a stranger from up the street out for a morning weekend walk with a growing little gleeful dog; her footsteps replaced by the continuous fury of a thirsty visitor with wings announcing every arrival, each one to sample a sweet blend. How it hovers nearby, a magical…
Golden Giant
Who is sitting in the heavens and staring at me? Who is sitting in the golden palace of tomorrow? Who is smiling? Golden staff in his hand flashes a dazzling light. Ah, the flashes of lightning- interweave over my head… I walked into the crystalline corridor of the time- I want to open the doors…
Ode to the Discarded
While sitting on the curb, I see a rusty old bolt laying on the pavement. I pick it up, turn it and feel its heft, its cold edges, My fingers now stained orange. I run fingertips over threads still sharp, not stripped. It once held something together, and still could.
Rainbow Chalk
The chalk dissolved on the pavement when the first rains of the year came, Hopscotch trails and stick figures disappearing as the ground turned a deeper grey. Only the children were disappointed, having to retreat indoors, While the jubilant adults rushed out to dance naked in the streets, Mouths open, drinking, children themselves once…
A World Away
Another night scratching my head as I reach for a pencil. Another night spent torturing words in the mind’s muddied trenches, proving that yes you can press money from guile and oil from stone – If you’d just continue squeezing please . . . I’m reminded of other nights, other battered moons and throw-away…