New griefs
Still alive
but failing
dropping pieces of yourself
behind you
abilities drip away
and we face a new you
seemingly oblivious to
this reality
poem- new sage May 7, 2016
Life
floats nine months,
then makes its way
crushed for thirty long hours,
squeezed from under the heart of things
past the blood red fire, riding the drumbeat
of love into shining
light.
.
.
(For Saige, Martina, & Jared)
poem-later May 5, 2016
Tap tap
Oh?
Mmm,
No B. O.
Hmm?
Big guns!
Big guns?
Yo!
No.
Oh?
No.
No?
No.
Oh.
`
poem-realities May 4, 2016
It’s hard to love you
when you shred me,
slice my skin on the sharp tips
of those needle teeth.
It’s hard to love you
when you track mud,
make puddles, and leave
stinking pellets behind you.
It’s hard to love you
but your eyes twinkle,
and your tail wags
and you keep trying to climb into my lap
It’s hard to love you
but the hard things are worthwhile.
I’m building a love story
with training and time.
poem- bloom May 3, 2016
There is a certain futility
in buds blooming in a vase,
but undeniable beauty
bursting open without hope
of bearing fruit.
poem- guessing May 2, 2016
I guess
I should remember
the curve of your cheek
the reach of your arms
the pitch of your voice.
I remember
the imprint of your fingers
against my thigh, rising scarlet.
I remember
the strident screech
that foretold your speeches
about the unfairness of life.
I remember
the flash of your eyes
the thud of the door
being poor.
I guess
I remember
you.
.
.
(FYI- written in persona)
poem-journey May 1, 2016
From my backyard swing
I see you on your journey
flying high above me.
What joy or sadness will you bring
in a public celebration
when you arrive at your destination?
.
View from the swing in my backyard.
poem-optimism April 30, 2016
I bought a yoga block today
To help me do those trickier positions.
I have the yoga mat in a nice new case
at the top of the stairs.
I bought a couple of yoga CDs
and a stack of yoga magazines.
Occasionally I stretch my arms and think
first position of the sun salutation!
Someday, I going to turn on the CD
or go to a class
or take the block from its package.
I have faith in me.
I’ll do it.
Eventually.
Shawn L. Bird 