bluebirds have returned

to the nesting box

in the bur oak tree

I know that your spirit 

will always be with me

mom's birthday

so close to christmas

memories of you

in every star

that lights the tree

Happy Birthday, Mom!

(1919-1996)

"From Russia With Love," 

a James Bond poster 

in the antique shop...

it's then I realize that I'm older

than half the merchandise

leaves with ragged edges

recomposing 

the summer light

a note here and there

softens the emptiness

florida in february
we stand elbow to elbow
for a travel photo
who knew then we were
supposed to shelter in place

on a country road 
without cell phone service
we find ourselves
heading north towards 
iowa from east jesus

with the extra light
in january's time-zone
I try to decipher
the last pages
of animal tracks

news surrounding
the latest plane crash
on a foggy afternoon 
did a missile take down
TWA Flight 800

somehow I know it's you...
the forlorn call 
of a killdeer
on the lonely side 
of sunset

remembering 

our conversation

about drug addiction

the greatest tragedy

is your own self-loathing