Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Ours Valentine

Sometimes I think our bodies
Are like clenched fists
We hold so tightly things
Of this ephemeral world
Is it because it's all so fleeting
We get a little frightened
Nothing's really there
While everything's hurrying on
To the next seemingly
Inevitable step in the plan
Only in that little moment that is ours
Between being pulled back
Or pushed forward 
When we think of those we love
Does the world begin to make sense 

Alchymical Valentine

Fire standing next to ice
The ice melting into water
Extinguishing the fire 
Thus a puddle's made 
From what's leftover
Leaves and ash 
Houses falling
Caught half way
And that enormous sun
Floating in over the water 
And I have not kissed you 
Yet today what light is left
Whatever has happened
But at least there's always that
To look forward to not miss 
 

Good Friday Valentine

You will be handed
A bowl of porridge
Because you are an old horse 
Making it through the winter
Which is the summer of your years
Since it doesn't snow here
And the beach isn't far away
There is a pattern to all this
Like a quilt thrown over
Your back and the bit 
Sinking into your teeth
The last days ridden
Faster than the first
And the porridge sweet 

Here On Erth Valentine

There is a swaying tree
Eclipsing a cloud and me
But now the cloud's
Moved on to other trees
Fleeing from the crows
A swallowtail crosses
Left to right and for
A moment after
Reminded of something
Everything pauses
As if to embrace
Everything separate
The turns slowly 
And waltzes away 

Seriously Valentine

Did you seriously believe
We could get to some resurrection
Without passing through the cross
Did you really think it was all a story
In which you played no part
So far out on the periphery
Of your closed private life
The myth there is glory
In love's suffering and sorrow
Was it lost on you
No worries every year
You get a second chance 
Or did you seriously convince yourself
Spring could possibly forget
And not come back for you 
 

Night Watch Valentine

Go to bed old man
The full moon said
I'll keep an eye for you
But I just sat and stared
Right back at it
Swaying in my chair
Neither warm nor cold
Neither alive nor dead
Weaving through the poplar tree
The bobbin of some destiny
We all will share
But just then bright Venus chimed in
Over my shoulders flung 
One of her favorite songs
Begging me to stand
And sing with her alone
Whatever memory can stir
Whatever love intends