Cheers to Tears

on Monday, a beer
because the cafe was closed
and i needed one

it was a sports bar
and the tears she shed were mine
in goodbye moments

(i didn’t share them–
not then, not out on the street–
only in words. here.)

because i’ve been there.
we have all been there. mothers.
sisters. wives. children.

i should have seen it.
the comings, goings of days,
built on loss and fear.

her tears were my tears.
her daughters were my daughters.
we are all the same.

At Least There’s…

always a kitten 

to keep my toes warm at night

and my heart warm too

Art Night Redux

the canvas denied
 (i forgot the calendar)
 and now she’s alarmed
 
 cuddling, crying
 is how Thursday’s doomed to end
 (until humor comes)
 
 thank god for sisters
 who constantly entertain
 (our family of friends)
 

What Should I Wear?

the perfect lesson
in my first period class
in fifth? disaster

thank goodness for luck
(first hour observation)
and a good review

then onto the day:
grading papers, copies made,
driving the carpool

then circling back
for “emergency group work”
(that’s due tomorrow)

and a crazy booth,
a new and broken scooter,
quick crepes for dinner

the usual groans
for the chores that make our lives
in a wheel of work

weekdays are beast days
with an endless set of hats
that go with nothing

Up Before 6

A two-headed cat
Made me forget about poems
Ad everything else

It’s Only Monday

the chaos of days
 marked by appointments, meetings
 (it drives me crazy)
 
 

Realization

clarity comes late
 (too many times rejected)
 praise understanding
 
 
 

Spent

i’m too exhausted
 to be engaged in the truth
 that is our shadow
 
 
 

What If?

what haunts me today:
 overheard conversation
 with the goal: no kids
 
 how free life would be–
 we could always do as pleased
 with no complaining
 
 i could ski all day
 and not have to wait on them
 (or wish they would come)
 
 weekend getaways?
 we could have one once a month
 (and even take hikes)
 
 we could protect Earth
 from all we’re taking from her
 with reproduction
 
 because it’s so hard.
 the constancy is. so. hard.
 when gratitude’s gone
 
 and bickering lives
 in every waking moment
 (even getaways)
 
 so the words we heard?
 amongst pool friends and laughter?
 they sting me slightly.
 
 cause i can see it–
 now that it’s too late, of course–
 i can see the choice.
 
 (it wasn’t my choice–
 i wanted and still want them.
 but it’s not easy)
 
 
 

Peaked

the stress melts away
 with blue sky, snow mountain views
 and sulphur hot springs