Ruffling the feathers
Of your expectations.
Rilke to the left.
The portrait of Alf
The back of my left ear.
What unconscionable theives,
These Time Czars,
Where we live with the scars,
As joy bounces on the crevices.
I see you in the dark in some cave.
Let me be your bombastic populist.
The Strong Arm of the Soul.
Play in the light of least resistance.
My garden grows in the garden of your heart.
My every breathe is your eternal existence.
Bite the doughnut.
Press for hugs.
my new quilt is made of hundreds of cats
grandmother quizzed me. Are you sure? Did you count them?
maybe fifty cats? I said.
grandma cora stared me down.
I was squirming now.
sixteen cats?
her face said that she knew better.
I took another stab at a count “maybe six cats?”
she asked me to hold up the quilt.
knowing when I fib, even if it is through video chat.
she has the knack!
probably because she practiced on my mommy.
Dear Ava Rose and Cora
I’m so sorry my babies for making you cry.
Mommy didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye.
Sometimes important tasks are left undone.
But I will be up here watching you with God’s loving son.
I will be in your hearts as you continue to grow.
Mommy loves you so much, and this you will always know.
Your family and friends will always be there.
They will fill in for Mommy when you need extra care.
Work hard at school and take care of each other.
You are your sister’s keeper, so love one another.
Both of you are special, there is nothing you can’t do.
Hold onto each other, I will always love you.
Love, Mommy
Cora was my favourite pet
a black labrador/Doberman dog
we loved to walk in the fields
in all weathers except when fog
We lived out in the countryside
enjoying the nature all around
Cora was my constant companion
travel miles aplenty together abound
Cora had amazing sound hearing
could hear parents car a mile away
good watchdog barked real loud
obedient to your word quick to stay
In my mid 20s Cora passed away
during it's latter years would take fits
so vet advised mercifully to put it down
thinking back now my heart still hits
The memories of Cora still linger on
happiness and contentment it did bring
my black lab had such smooth coat
such great thoughts of it so to cling