205
A baby rabbit
Standard suburban thumper
had been struck
And its small form struggled
tiny paws flailing
Scooting on its side toward the main road
trying to get away from its blind-sided pain
And I thought in horror
Oh child don’t go that way and
I hoped the woman in her car waiting
to join traffic did not see it
I know some would have stopped
and tried to help
But I could not
When you’ve watched a man
drown in his own home
go still in your own arms
turn blue and wake up dead
You may understand
That rabbit has gone to its Maker
While I am still waiting to join traffic
trying to get away from this blind-sided pain
10-8-22
#204
Perhaps the soundless opening of the portal
for your departure
Was the soft thing that brought me awake
You were still but not like death
not cool
So perhaps your spirit was yet moving about
the earthly tent packing
Your hopes your memories
your immeasurable loving heart
Saying grateful things to your
stubborn weary body
Lingering to be sure nothing else was needed
Perhaps you watched me caress your face
kiss your lips, hold your comforting hand
--Oh I miss holding your hand!--
Perhaps you saw that I would be okay
because I knew you were at last beyond
all the pain
Perhaps you saw me keel into my grief
before you turned
forever forward
10-7-22
Here’s the link to the last issue Grateful, which I still am.
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It is mixed emotions for you as you face this Christmas season. I can only pray for God's grace to keep you company.
Oh my Lana, such deep and heartfelt and touching poems! Yes, I remember reading of John's death. This Christmas must be extra difficult for you. Sending love and prayers.