write

To Dad (9/24/2023)

Well,

You are fragile.

Like the floor-boards you say will crack 

with every 

step. 

so I tip-toe down the hall

and i'm past her room,  

(that you stole)

into the kitchen,  

(you control) 

where I find you

an infant at the age of 52.

Sometimes I stomp

(my intention)

in vain, I suppose, 

(you love the attention)

and, as if

by divine intervention--

you stir,

you sit up,

and the house is awakened

deafened by the sighs, the tears, the rage and--

exhalation.

You return to hers,

I retreat to mine.

And my eyes burn.

Red marks of a splotchy design.

Scratchy throat.

Aching spine.

They say 'time heals all wounds"

You know the rest.

Evergreen (10/27/23)

Over the hill

The cracked and withered trunks wrap around one another 

For warmth I assume,

Are they cold?

Do they love each other?

Like I love you?

Do they whisper,

So silent,

As the wind passes through? 

Hands gravitate towards hands

It’s instinctual,

I think,

So,

When branches hold branches, 

Find me there,

And let me know,

May our arms intertwine,

Roots tangled with mine

Your love is my evergreen.

Live Forever (12/13/23)

If I pet you each night, will you live forever?

If I hold you so tight, in bed, or wherever?

“Sweet Angel,” “I love you,”

“Little baby,” “So clever” --

I’d give you the world

But you just want my sweater.

Will three drops of wine keep you this way?

Will a sparkling fountain keep sickness at bay?

Please tell me, are you hurting?

Or do you just want to play?

I know this is silly, believe me, 

however —

Excuse me as I search 

“How to make a cat live forever”