the wood pile half gone
looms frozen
its bruising weight ready
to defeat the toughest skin

the townsfolk
sharpen their axes
for the Meeting
a month away

the short winter day
lengthens its unbearable chill

crows dominate the sky
over the shallow prints
of the occasional
slate-colored junco

in your life’s moment
drink a cup of happiness
look! an empty cup

You have succeeded so long
And still your breath
Only whispers against the wind…

I may have left the main trail too soon
impatient with reminders to stay in line
I hung back…

…
but the heart is full of holes
even the chorus cannot fill
…

the ground is forever shifting
sometimes a disaster
always be ready to die
joy is to be found in every moment
– a bright blue sky over a burning house
– an island swallowed by the sea, a mystery
– suffering loss, feeling alive
when the plates move
will you recognize the beauty
      amongst the ruins?
or wallow in [...]

Suddenly
In our middle age
You are a stranger
Back then
I met your stiff-armed resistance
Like a child wanting
To understand and to please
But the pendulum swings
And each peg waits in danger
Another moment, an era, a sweet dance
Like a movie ending
Brings everyone to their knees
So how are we to meet
The latest changes
With love and an understanding of chance?
Or with a [...]