the cat…

first of all
i should note
that
the cat
never seemed
to
trust me
so
when i would bring
my old friend home
from
a concert
for
he could
no longer drive
at night
i couldn’t help
but
note
that
as i helped my friend
to the door
i could see
eyes peering
at me
from the darkness
it was
the cat
and
the cat
would only enter
the doorway
after i
had left
the immediate area
now
i’m not a believer
in souls
and
such
but
i must admit
the cat
seemed to be
linked to
the old man’s soul
and
as evidence
one night
the cat did not
appear
days went by
and
still no cat
neighbors searched
as
did i
but still
no cat
i presume
the coyotes
finally got
the cat
a natural process
but
none the less
sad
oh
now for the evidence
without the cat
the old man
seemed to quickly fade
becoming more
dependent
upon others
as if
he’d lost
one
of his lives
the cat
never
appeared
and
the old man
disappeared
into
heaven’s ether
i
presume

christmas minus the tree…

this year there’s no tree
but here’s my christmas present
all wrapped up and warm
right beneath the quilt  and sheets
my love who’s my lifelong friend

friends and lovers…

we all need someone
who calms the noise in our head
all that constant noise
that mutes our heartbeats and hides
the soul’s gentle voice of truth

error of judgment…

harsh words said to friends
casting them as enemies
lingers in the mind 
long after their flesh grows cold
then you’ll know your enemies

 

 

a poor man’s petition…

now lord
why don’t you
show
some heart
and
keep my friends
from
falling apart
ain’t asking much
like raising
the dead and such
just asking
for
a little mercy
can’t stand to see
my friends
falling apart
so
why not
show some
of
that divine
heart
and keep them
and
pain
apart

just just-in-time friends…

called
on
an
as needed
basis
otherwise
their
faces
are
quite
invisible
no need
to
warehouse
personal relationships
nor
store
past emotions
of
devotion
when
one can
merely
send a text
requesting
that
everything be dropped
on
their behalf
but
best to wrap it
in
phrases
like
we really should have lunch
or
i’ve been thinking
so much
about
you
for the longest time
however
better yet
is the admission
of
the sin
of
omission
with
some
act of contrition
words
deeply personal
admitting
to
the neglect
of
your special relationship
with
said friend
seeking
their absolution
before
asking
for what
you
really
want

old friends…

sounds
of
night traffic
pulsing along
urban roads
have replaced
warm laughter over
dinner debates
debates
on
everything
but
not on
what
defines friendship
that
was
known
and
required
no
amendments
to
what constituted
why
we
loved
one another
but now
an
emptiness
a
fading out
into
the arid landscape
of
time
where
a grave stands
unattended
for
all those
who
cared
are
gone
so this
grave
bearing
my
name
will be
drought-stricken
no
tears
from
those
i
loved

 

regardless of what they say…

lost another friend
today
most will say
he lived
a good life
and
was fortunate
to
have found
such
a wonderful
wife
they’ll
talk about
how he
didn’t
have to worry
about
paying his bills
his
coffers
were filled
they’ll
list
his civic
contributions
and
how
he was admired
and
how
he
inspired
so many
they’ll say
it was a blessing
he
didn’t have
to
suffer
one thing’s
for sure
he
didn’t
die
an old duffer
then
they’ll
list
the survivors
family
children
grandchildren
and
such
but
i
lost
another friend
today

 

that old dog…

ain’t worth
a hill of beans
can’t chase rabbits
anymore
too hobbled for that
and
even
the cat
now
parades
unafraid
in front of him
stopping from time
to time
to lick its paws
yep
that old dog
has lost a step
or two
can’t even see
who’s coming in the house
be it
friend or foe
he just wags his tail
and
grabs his stuffed toy bunny
recalling no doubt
the days when
a good toss
meant
a romp across the yard
and
retrieving it
was rewarded
by
a pat on the head
or
better yet
a belly rub
he’s surely
knockin’ on heaven’s door
has to be helped
up the steps
and
needs a ramp
to get into the back
of the truck
one lady said
i should
put him to sleep
i said
doc says he ain’t
in no pain
she said
there’s nothing left
but
i said
he’s still
full of love

 

goodbye my friend…

the words
another good man
done
gone on
sticks in my mind
for
another friend
has taken up
the task
to present my case
before god
as to
why
i should
enter
those
uncharred gates
gates
in
an undisclosed
location
that
we’ve been
assured
entry
with
the right password
or
legal representation
since
my friends
know
i can’t recall
any
of my passwords
and
must maintain
a notebook
just to logon
to my own computer
they’ve been
forced
to
undertake
the project
of defending
my
failures
as
not
blatant
disregard
for
angelic membership requirements
but
as
mere
extended
senior moments
throughout
my
lifetime
i suppose
the complications
of such
a defense
is why
so many
have
left me