Cancer

hard conversations
and a tongue well versed in the
dialogue of death

cherry blossoms-
walking the garden
with just enough poison

Transformation

staring at myself
I see that I have become
what I feared the most

predawn-
coming awake
in a stranger’s mind

Destination

driving down the road
catching a glimpse of my wife
in the passing train.

flat water-
migrating geese
pass overhead

Confusion

worn and creaky stairs-
cobwebs draped in the corners
of her addled mind

rising fog-
a futile search
for clarity

Decline

a chance encounter
just glimpse of your face then
you’re lost in the crowd

incoming tide-
all these memories
built on sand

Houston

hoping against hope
to stem the incoming tide
and still it rises

august-
forsaken
by the sun

Leaving

robins flying south
I’m left stranded alone with
my desperation

evening dew-
california poppies
closed for the night

Deception

i look at myself
and listen to my own lies
praying that they’re true

reflections-
outside my window
a magpie

Blindness

history lessons-
hard fought wisdom wasted on
those who will not learn

melting ice-
unwilling to accept
being this path

Acceptance

head back and arms wide
inviting the elements
to do what they will

an umbrella-
defenseless in
the light of day