Moving-day Eve
[4/16/26]
The boxes have had kittens
And those kittens had grandcats.
They rest their cardboard mittens
On every surface which is flat.
One hardly knows today just where to stand
And where to sit
For all about my parents’ land
The packing-clowder fits.
Soon they'll all be filled and ready
To flock to a new home.
Then the brown and white squares
Cry ready, set, and
Go somewhere else to roam.
Cherry song
[4/17/26]
Tricolor wonders slip away,
Lazy tails a-twining
Many kindred here to stay
May be a silver lining
Hey, ho,
Little fears, let them slip your fingers.
Calm your cares with cherries-o
And it's the taste that lingers
Old homesteads stand empty, near
Childhood land is selling soon
Memories still to make, no fear,
Beneath cicada suns in June
Hey, ho
Little fears, let them slip your fingers.
Calm your cares with cherries-o
And it's the taste that lingers
Teatime
[4/18/26]
Is the sky pouring down to make soup, or tea?
There are leaves on the ground aplenty,
And floral teas can be pretty neat,
I think.
I drink
My tea with you when we meet;
Your apple-spice, my China black lychee.
Perhaps the warmth helps make our conversation free.
Your tea nook is a weather-map
Of friendships over time.
The chocolate and the berry swap
Tales of places far, and joys sublime.
Rainy days still make us bloom,
Lightning flash and thunder boom
May try to bring the heat
But there is still a lovely story here to eat.
For a far-away birthday friend.
[4/19/26]
Whisper, will you be back soon?
It's your day today.
I wish I could fish you down the moon,
And wrap it up so come what may
You'd have a gentle light to guide you
When you cannot see a light inside you.
I hope you have Publix Chocolate Cake
And playful paws draped across your shoulders;
And that your ship of life has a first-rate mate
Ready and steady as you grow older.
I'd wish you a future of sushi and sunshine,
And books that wring the best sort of tears.
I'd wish to see your town, I hope you'll see mine
Sometime in our waiting years.
Keep whispering when you cannot shout.
Always let the bells in your heart ring out.
Lucia
[4/20/26]
Valiantly face your shadow
Like a namesake gone before.
Royal child of hidden kingdoms,
Seek to hear the Lion's roar.
You're a child of blooming Spring,
Born for thaw and blooms and singing.
Writing
[4/21/26]
I ebb,
I flow.
My feelings grow,
Until the words can dance and grow.
I choose
To loose
My silence, noose
Still leaves a hesitating bruise.
