My Delta

Under a slivered yellow moon,

When the stars take back the night,

Mt. Diablo turned blue in the horizon,

As the Mallard ducks took flight.

Crayfish in the mud and reeds,

Hid themselves from greedy carp.

White Egrets hovered over them,

In search of any beating heart.

This aquatic life continued daily

Along the banks the river wets;

The sun sinking behind houseboats

Ignited flaming red sunsets.

Yet I remember most of all,

Red Wing Blackbirds in the reeds;

The Bull Frog's baritone echoes. 
Dove and quail nests in tall weeds,

Wild lily pads and crickets,

Hyacinths and thick Duckweed…

Remind me of my youth and home;

Memories, like dyes that bleed.

Speed

Impatient in my younger days,

I had the need for speed…

I yearned for the years to hasten,

A “Buffet of Life” fueled greed.

Faster on the roller skates,

The cars, the years, the pen…

I realized rockets have no brakes

I’ll never be young, or fast, again.

No Road Map Home

Cities, the island, places I’ve been;

The funerals, another death…

So many memories, more to lose,

Before I draw that final breath.

I’d give it all for a road that leads,

Me back to my first home…

Where my inner heart remains:

My fields, creek and cornerstone.