Saturday, June 13, 2015

70 YEARS AND COUNTING



Their images 
etched in shadow light

forever
remind of us 
of their plight.

Cries of agony
and pain

frozen
in a flash --

as flesh sloughed
and fell
from mortal frame.

A war was ended
So they claim
the casualties,
a necessity.

Life ended
in Hiroshima 
it seems, 
as
Freedom rang
for you and me.

*August 2015 marks 70 years
since the dropping of the atom
bomb on Hiroshima 




Wednesday, April 8, 2015

THE JURY'S IN

I am sickened.

The taste of blood
is heavy on this jury's
tongues.

No blood
smeared on the lintel 
will spare this man/boy's
life.

His fate 
is sealed,

I fear

No balm exists
for Boston
save this brother's
blood.


Sunday, March 29, 2015

MARGARET'S SONG: ELEGIA FOR A SISTER


I watched you grow,
become a woman
of incredible strengths.

Your laughter
lit my world,
And washed my heart
clear of sorrows.

Where will I find
another you?

Someone who can
transform my days
and sooth life's wounds?

You were my sister.
You are my sister.

This shadow world
of memories
Will form in bright
reverie
on my heart

And thoughts 
of you

Will be with me
throughout 
my days.


Monday, November 10, 2014

THERE SHOULD BE COBWEBS



There are memories
that bring a smile,
a warm remembrance
of childhood’s joy.

Bacon,
sizzling in a pan,

the aroma filling the room,
mouths watering 
in anticipation.

Your mother in an apron,
fork in hand
moving each strip with care


As you cut a peach,
ripe and succulent,

its slices falling
on steaming oatmeal.

But these are memories
never spoke of now.

A jar of
peanut butter,

bargain shelf special --

A loaf of wheat bread,

Freihoffer’s,
Buy one,
get two free

are all the pantry
offers now.

Eight months 
without a job --

No peaches in
her child’s hands.

Only anguish,
where once
there were dreams.







Thursday, November 6, 2014

HANDSOME



I look at his beard.

It is turning white,
making him look
more handsome
and dignified.

I can barely remember
him as a boy --
soft, gentle eyes,
trusting and full of warmth.

Today,
a man near 60,
he has dignity
and stature.

How I love him.
He is my brother.

And I,
a sister,
a bit in awe.







Wednesday, October 29, 2014

THE INHERITANCE



With it came dreams,
dreams of death
with nondescript images
swirled in sensations
of loss and privation.

It had seem a god send
before its arrival --
Her final act of love
for those she held dear.

But with its presence,
loss surfaced
from depths unrealized
in day’s bright light.

I love you, Anna
More than words can say.

I never realized
how dear we were
to you,

Never held you close --

My loss.





Saturday, October 18, 2014

MOTHERHOOD UNDONE


She had played the victim
for so long
It was difficult to drop
the role.

Reaching out, 
making needs known,
came only in tears
of recrimination.

How, how can she
be reached?
How made to see
no blame is needed,

just the words
I need you.