origami

paper wings
folded in perpetual open
waiting
for a lofting breeze

still

be still:
i found your photograph
through tears of missing you.
all aflutter, my mind,
seeking solace in memory.
in perfect silence
it spoke
straight to the heart
of my matter.
spindley branches
new green shoots
perfect poise
unlikely
still
against the backdrop
of heaven.

shared

a long day at the end of an almost long week
running in every direction, little to show for it
a persistent whisper -- for several days
a mental sparring match...it's too hard, i can't do it
i will cry
i will feel vulnerable all over again
i will lose her in another moment of a series of moments that remember the loss
...weep with those who weep...
a humble present of time, stepping forward in surprising affirmation
i call.
she sounds hollow & congested
i wonder at the paradox of that
just let her talk
lean into her grief, born of a sudden loss.
her heart bursting to tell the whys & hows of the passing month
her depth begging to tell things to someone who will nod in memorial unified.
yes, they are gone -- in many ways
no, we remain -- with the important parts & comforts of what they were for us
...for they shall be comforted...
the twining of their memories is a healing for both of us
quite & speak, this & that
they were... we did... wouldn't they have... remember when...
tears mixed are the chemistry of grief
sigh.
disconnect, but better
or so it seemed, as the sun set quietly on the ordinary day.

wings

my spirit soared in the windless sky
unbidden by a pained breeze
too high to sweep along its current
reveling in the majesty from above.
your words of loss -- that grieving wind
rushed up & touched my wings
& i dipped low
mourning the passing
of one who helped me soar.

shift

the moon slipped across the sky
casting a gauzy glow on night
tickling my face awake
to see its nocturnal bliss.
it stole my sleep with its beauty
pulling me into a moonbean, a dance
tune unplayed by man
& a willing partner was i
til first sun touched the east.
my rosy partner dipped to the west
out of sight beyond distant trees.
& i turned to greet the sunrise.

because

in the colorful, strange place
over the din of the crazy crowd,
the voice said...you must love
with a love that is whole & uncomplicated,
a love that disregards all pain.
in that moment
the crowd slipped away,
a hushed quiet surrounded what i heard
auditory heaven.
& so i loved to pain
to hurt
as i was told
because i must.

relief

everyone we meet
is carrying something
too fearful to share~~~
our love must see past it,
reach out a hand to lighten it
with a glance of 'all is well'
& a smile of life...
you are my neighbor

known

a sly smile
& twinkle of an eye...
i see you too
past the weight of your burden,
straight to the heart...
the light place where you shine