Jump !

The taunting voices all screaming, “Jump”!

I was trembling on the rocky ledge…

Gathering courage for my first lake dive,

I trusted fate and stepped off the edge.

Fifty years later I’m haunted,

By the same screaming voices back then…

I lie in bed growing older,

Hearing their screams, “Jump!”, again.

Spirit Bird

Bald Eagles soar beside me now,

Owls drop their pellets on the hill,

Blue Herons pick treats from my ponds,

White swans arrive from Siberian chill.

Starlings swirl above the prairie,

Crows curse me wherever I go,

Quail hop one footprint at a time,

In my tracks on fresh winter snow.

In my youth, along Delta Waterways,

The Red Winged Blackbird’s song was heard;

Perched among the cattails and reeds,

I discovered my spirit bird.

.

Conversations with My Young Friend

Hey little guy, I love you

Thanks for listening these sixty years;

You have given me sage advice,

While setting aside my fears.

You’ve shared my pain, and I yours;

Our loss of pets and many a friend…

All the joys and disappointments

In the darkness where good things end.

So remarkable is the wisdom,

And strength at your early age…

You remain my pillar of steeled resolve,

Calming ebbing faith and growing rage.

Together we have sunbathed

Naked in the worst political weather.

I find bittersweet comfort in knowing

When the sky clears, we’ll be gone together.

Oh I love you, little man…

My friend in my thoughts and dreams…

You told the truth from the beginning,

The world’s as awesome as it seems.