Remember our first
dance
in Spring moonlight beneath the stars?
We quarreled one summer day–
a broken tea cup on the floor.
The first leaf fell in autumn–
you are gone–will you return?
Each winter night I watch
white snow fall on frozen ground.
No one knocks on my old door–
I listen day and night for you.
This Spring I’ll dance in the dark,
my shadow, my only comfort.
Auf Widersehen
For Ben and
Martin in celebration of departure
We travel highway
ribbons
singing the songs from our time.
Tomorrow, you fly away
to your homes far across the sea.
At dinner, we raise our glasses
to memories we share.
We’ll meet again in a place
on distant shores in a strange land.
In that land we’ll see new sights–
in wonderment we’ll sing songs.
Recall the nights we watched the moon
cross the skies fading at dawn.
Neither sea nor distant roads
fade memories of sunny days.
When your hair turns white like Queen Ann’s Lace
think of me, an old, absent man.
Then raise your glass, smile again
and say "for auld lang syne!".
These sijo were
previously published in Lynx XXII: 1 February,
2007
A White Horseman
Will it end, this
summer heat,
oppressive siege like your absence?
No letter from you today—
nor did it rain—unbearable.
Earth and I thirst for your presence,
fill my garden with new blooms.
Twenty-three days with no word;
the earth cracks, the grass turns brown.
Last night thunder in the skies
returned with clouds, but no rain.
In my dreams you ride a white horse;
you wear black and do not speak.
Autumn winds relieve the draught;
a letter commends your acts.
Your bravery saved many lives;
your funeral complete with taps.
Quiet tears fill each of my nights
grieving victims of all wars.
Previously published
in Lynx: XXI: 3 October, 2006
