Cicadas

as summer's heat
invades the land
they stir from years
beneath the soil

and in the light
they shed their skin
before a brief
and frenzied life

their rising calls
soon fill the air
oppressive heat
their steady fuel

to reproduce
their only goal
before the sun
begins to fade

and by the fall
their parents dead
the nymphs begin
their long retreat

The Wall

in days of youth
I loved the wall
that rose along
our modest home

protecting us
from nature's wrath
a calm retreat
from wind and sun

and as I grew
it led away
a rigid guide
along my path

but there I found
that cracks had formed
transmitting light
between the stones

and down the road
large holes appeared
providing views
til then unseen

and farther still
the structure failed
its crumbled mass
now met the earth

and there I crossed
to brighter lands
and left my fear
within the dust

Earth Day

a splendid day
for mother earth
a clear blue sky
no chance of rain

the crowds arrive
to tour the booths
suburbans parked
a block away

organic foods
for all to taste
and clever gifts
from nature made

and best of all
that stuff for free
from bags to trees
to bumper signs

for vendors time
to show their wares
for all a chance
to show their green

the day moves on
and some must leave
to kill their weeds
and spray for bugs

Secrets

many are selfish
others kind
hidden truth
or cherished dream

a vital role
these secrets play
for they defend
our self esteem

North Country

an ice carved land
between the lakes
from windswept beach
to ancient hills

adorned with pine
and pictured rock
where autumn shines
on crystal streams

a land of moose
and howling wolves
lashed by gales
and winter snow

a cool retreat
from summer's sun
this wild domain
of green and gray

Parents

a life bestowed
a gift of joy
advice received
approval sought

and then in time
their rules despised
our trust is lost
our faith betrayed

but later still
their wisdom clear
when we ourselves
have young to raise

and in the end
their traits assumed
for we are they
and they now us

Junior

named with pride
this cherished son
a symbol drawn
a curse bestowed

for others see
a likeness there
illusion born
of titles made

and in response
resentment grows
of selfish pride
and freedom lost