My Black Walnut Office

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As a child I was an explorer.

There wasn’t a tree I had not climbed,

Nor a branch in the wind I spoke to,

In words I had not rhymed.

 

I tied a box to the highest branch

Filled with secret thoughts and words…

I shared my pain and wisdom,

In the privacy of birds.

 

My father wanted a swimming pool,

My tree, chain sawed completely down…

Still today the words I write,

Feel rescued from the ground.

 

I give credit for the rhymes I write

And the rhythms I use today,

To my Black Walnut tree office

That  gentle breezes would sway.

 

 

Relentless Time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The rain this week is relentless,

Sounding like gravel on the roof…

I think my dream of finding peace,

Maybe somewhat quite aloof.

 

Friday, sadly by Boxer pup died,

I lost my companion and best friend…

How many times must life teach me,

That everything must end?

 

Life provides few safety nets,

Even less protections for one’s home…

Once again, I face more years

Living all alone.

 

I wish I had religion,

So when my lifetime ends…

I’d be reunited once again,

With all my cherished friends.

 

Silent Morning

 

Sometimes age may dictate changes,

You obey the signs and do not cry,

There are so many different directions,

Yet few available options to try.

 

Denial can’t make smart decisions,

You succumb to accepting your fate.

Relatives make the harsh decisions,

Designing a safer life out of state.

 

I suddenly remembered today,

I used to live on an island…

In a house on a cliff by the water,

With a view and orchard I walked in.

 

I recall tossing the keys on the floor

Closing the door, that very last morning…

Boarding the ferry for one last time,

To commence my silent mourning.