standing with my back
leaning on the wall
tears tremble
a splash as they fall

waking from a dream
i felt you oh so near
the words you were
whispering
linger in my ear

your love still follows
my heart aches as i breathe
meet me darling,
when its my time to leave

You wake to his laughter
still ringing in the air
you forget for a moment
your brother isnt there

the childhood memories
they swarm and overflow
like the crying eyes I carry
now every where I go.

I wonder every day
what happened
how and why
even though it wont change things
it might help me not to cry.

I lost my brother, Don,
for reasons I know not why
I hope to see him one day
when I lay down to die.

The cold wind,
slipping out the window as spring
shakes the trees and rains cherry blossoms in the yard.

the fog rolls in,
warm now, as the earth wakes up and sprouts new life
dirt dark as chocolate teeming with worms.

the suns rays warm up
the steps by the door, goosebumps raise
on my arms as the cold wind slips out!

Maude

sitting by your bedside today
the light was fading in your eyes
the morphine stealing your laughter
as we said our last goodbyes

you looked so very scared
didnt want to see me go
I knew you needed rest, though,
for your final journey home

How is it that you kept thanking me
for a friendship we both had
all the years  we spent chit chatting
about the happy and the sad


I pray your journey ends tonight
with my love firmly in your heart
feel my hand in yours, Maude
when from this earth you do depart.


You whispered, "Please don't forget me"
Oh lord, hear my pleas
make sure she remebers nothing
but love when she is with thee!!

(03/03/2010 after visiting Maude Kirk in Hospital)

crisp winter air
blows through the backyard gate
I have been standing,
sweater-ed  arms crossed,
waiting for you, you're late.

my tears slide quietly
onto the sleeve at my chest
we were supposed to be together
today, at noon, after your morning test

they say you never noticed
the car as it hit you
walking in the parking lot
red hat all askew...

We waited with the pastor,
saying goodbye, I felt alone
the words on your headstone,
goodbye and welcome home.