A Long Friendship

Today, her ‘life celebration’

(she died peacefully at 92)

over a hundred people; she 

was entwined with this community.

1995, came to my market stall 

for a reading, then every month, 

always my first customer – 

my luck, I said – 

bringing me a gardenia 

(I started bringing a vase).

Months ... years. I brought her 

to Tai Chi, she shared André Rieu.

Walking from different directions

we’d meet for breakfast.

She promoted my readings

to friends, family.

(I still have the hand-crafted 

earrings her niece bartered.)

Poem #108

My Cousin Anne

My cousin Anne was beautiful.

Dark hair and eyes, rich voice,

soft, curvy figure and that smile….

After childhood friendship,

life sent us apart.

Young women

briefly together again

in the big city, we still

talked long, shared books 

and clothes, and secrets.

The man she loved

couldn’t be hers – not 

full-time. (Wife, kids.)

And eventually not at all.

Known as glamorous, efficient

super-secretary, she who loved

children never had her own … 

though many fond nieces and nephews.

Poem #107

My Late Adopted Brother

Bulky, deep-voiced, bushy-bearded,

smoker (both kinds) 

acquainted with drink.

How could he be an angel? 

Thus: 
           deep down 

a gentle, gentle soul

(words of a mourner

on facebook); the kindest, 

sensitive, most creative … 

deepest feelings (another);

his musical gift; and the way

he always had my back.

I like to think of him

pleasantly surprised,

finding himself there;

can well imagine he’d choose

to stay now, not come back

for another turn on the wheel.

Adios, Bro!



[Poem #106]

I'm sharing this one at the latest Tuesday Platform at 'imaginary garden with real toads', and at Poets United's Poetry Pantry #485.