Flickering Fall

An  ekphrastic poem — that is, a poem that responds to or is otherwise inspired by a work of art.

Spring is here, summer near - I am  thinking of fall.
It’s not that I can’t wait, can’t allow spring
to disappear while I long for another season.

I am content with the season I’m with,
though  I  change locations in the summer
to find a better season and some relief.  Still,

I wouldn’t want summer to die. It's just that
fall pumpkins, leaves,  colors of orange and brown,
and celebrations  flicker unbidden in and out

of consciousness no matter what the season. 
I can’t control the flow of thoughts like cool crisp air,
or visions of apple orchards and pumpkin patches,

long nights that cause us to gather round
the fireplace, light candles, and eat pumpkin pie.
No, I don’t wish for the seasons to leave me
but  I have  much  to look forward to in the fall.

His Point of View

Following is my poem for PAD that is from another person's view point.  I chose my husband's thoughts while we waited for him to be wheeled off for surgery.  I know these were his thoughts because he expressed them to me.

Today is my birthday.

I had plans for celebration

but instead I lay in this hospital bed
hooked up to beeping machines.
I place my hand over my wife’s
As she stands by my bed.

She stands on that side of the rail

and I’m lying here, she can’t understand. 
This really is a journey each of us takes alone.

I am afraid but I’m a man. I can’t show it,

can’t be the one to crumble under the weight
of the C word and worry what they will cut out.

The anesthecist gives me a shot of courage. I guess

I didn’t carry off the brave act well enough.  We
are going, moving to the operating room.  I love you
Honey.  Did I tell her everything I wanted to?

That she is the best thing that ever happened to me
and if I died today, it would be OK because it’s been
better than I ever dreamed.  Not to worry about me.
That I’ll be with my son if I am not here with her. 

Yes, I know I did.  Nothing left to say, so I’ll sing.

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to..