Inheritance

She left him money, not much
but enough
to get something special
from her to him

First he split the money
with his wife.
He knew she loved
his mom, too,
and because
that‘s the way he was.

He took the rest
and purchased
an overstuffed
leather recliner.

Why?
Why a recliner I asked him.
His reply?

Every time I sit,
I’ll feel her arms
around me
as if she were a huge
old stuffed recliner
bringing me comfort
after a rough day.

Between Two and Four

I disappear around two p.m.
Down time
is a stretch of time after
work out, errands, meetings,
writing, painting, lunch.
Then I fade to a beige caramel
melting…into the color of my walls.
No one can reach me -
I am gone.  My eyes
flicker, heart begins to beat
again - first signs I’m coming back.
I revive, become alive after
four.  I‘m ready…

The Past

The wrinkles mask the face of his past, a face so smooth,

so handsome he had his choice of women.  This tower
of a man stoops at the shoulders and walks with a gait,
but still the strong body of his past shows when he attempts
to stand or walk. He was a man who rode horses and built

his muscles on the farm he worked.  His glazed over eyes hold visages

of the eyes of his youth, as blue as snow at dusk. Fleeting life can’t
camouflage the knowledge in his past.  His slowed heart beat
doesn’t tell the story of a good man who saw beauty in those with a good heart.
He raised his family to do the same. They prospered and carried on that legacy
of this man now wrinkled and stooped who is their hero. He died with them at his side.

Peal From a Dark Room

(A Grandma’s Lament)

Can you hear the peal
of laughter as you walk by
the darkened room, her room?

That sound gives me  peace,
and even a smile from time to time.
Take my hand, walk softly, tell
me if you hear it, too. Now.

No laughter, no sounds
at all ?  Can’t you her the phone
ring, hear her speak, there, laughter!

Succulent

Sweet, juicy Georgia

peaches so plump,

sticky juice drips

down my elbows

as I take another

bite of sun-ripened

deliciousness right

there in the orchard.

Briana

In the casket is a girl
Just nineteen
Black silky dress
Ladybug tattoo
Behind her ear
Life palpable
All around
Her grandma pleads
Wake-up, Ladybug!

Salt Water Gift

Salt water in the gulf

is a healer, buoyant

and giving.  Plays

     with me with sudsy

          like waves that bury

               my feet in the sand,

     then washes them free.
Salt water brings

     me gifts of seastars,

           sand dollars, and shells

     with seaweed bows.

The Puddle

My puppy goes right for the puddle.

I was sure she’d skirt it for clearer ground,

but she stood right in the middle after

her bath with Gorgeous Dog Shampoo

and Conditioner with Baby Powder Fragrance.


I watched stunned as she sat down

in the mud and wiggled around before

she began to slurp from around her.



I meant to jerk her up out of there,

meant to say, No! Nasty! Bad girl! Up!

Instead, I remembered the feel of warm

rain water and mud as it squished through

my toes. I said nothing, smiled and waited.