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Quandary and Answer (Poem)
as a child, I often considered where to place my grief
if I buried it deep in the ground, I feared what might arise in season
a poisonous plant, a nest of spiders, a revenant with sightless eyes
if I threw it into the sea, I knew it would wash ashore somewhere
a killing algal bloom, a stinging jelly, a jagged sharp of broken glass
if I sent it upward into the sky, I thought of all that could already destroy
a hurricane, a flooding rain, toxic smoke from nearby mills
and could not add to these because I knew what it was not to be able to breathe
in the end I decided best to keep my sorrow and make it a friend
the world had woe enough
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The Vixen’s Stay (Poem)
and when sorrow comes unbidden
makes herself a nest inside your day
a dolorous vixen in her natal den
ready to birth more woe
allow her a resting place
a brief tender acknowledgment
grief ignored has sharp teeth
will bite to remind you she’s there
you do not have to make her your own
she arrived so likewise can leave
you gave gracious shelter without offer of harm
bid farewell and let her depart
watchful for the next to arrive
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Callie’s Gift (Poem)
in those first months in a glassine box
tethered to life by tubing machines
I lived, died, returned over, over, and yet again
what brought me back so many times
determined to breathe with half-formed lungs
and one day open my eyes
your hand gentle , your voice soft
your constant abiding for a stranger’s child
all these were reason enough, a precious gift
I have carried with me through the years
your example of vast expansive love
I hope I share it well
