Irony – Page 9 – Iron Haiku

Cancer

hard conversations
and a tongue well versed in the
dialogue of death
–
cherry blossoms-
walking the garden
with just enough poison

staring at myself
I see that I have become
what I feared the most
–
predawn-
coming awake
in a stranger’s mind

driving down the road
catching a glimpse of my wife
in the passing train.
–
flat water-
migrating geese
pass overhead

worn and creaky stairs-
cobwebs draped in the corners
of her addled mind
–
rising fog-
a futile search
for clarity

a chance encounter
just glimpse of your face then
you’re lost in the crowd
–
incoming tide-
all these memories
built on sand

hoping against hope
to stem the incoming tide
and still it rises
–
august-
forsaken
by the sun

robins flying south
I’m left stranded alone with
my desperation
–
evening dew-
california poppies
closed for the night

i look at myself
and listen to my own lies
praying that they’re true
–
reflections-
outside my window
a magpie

history lessons-
hard fought wisdom wasted on
those who will not learn
–
melting ice-
unwilling to accept
being this path

head back and arms wide
inviting the elements
to do what they will
–
an umbrella-
defenseless in
the light of day