Time to Live

the news arrived
a sudden jolt
a toxic cloud
of dread and fear

a fog of pain
his life on hold
a fervent wish
was made in vain

but then the push
to gather facts
to have a plan
to foster hope

and once begun
a sense of calm
the path now set
the journey clear

and past regrets
began to fade
as future goals
held less appeal

for now these days
held more import
his present was
his time to live

Ode to a Young Gannet

when first you heard
those endless cries
you could not see
the restless hordes

but now you sense
how lost you are
amidst a sea
of swooping forms

and huddled there
how could you know
that sheet of blue
your future home

but first survive
the frigid gales
and then endure
the rain and sun

your parents strive
to keep you well
as scavengers
await your death

should you survive
it's off to sea
until your time
to parent comes

Night Vision

it is at dusk
our landscapes fade
as mother sun
withdraws her light

and then we see
the worlds beyond
and face the truth
that darkness brings

No Racist

he was no racist
he told us so
he even hired one
he paid him well

he was no racist
he knew the truth
they could be lazy
they could be trouble

he was no racist
some were his friends
just not on our block
just not at our church

Clouds

adrift above
like silent ships
sailing by
on steady winds

ever changing
vapor mounds
reflecting light
producing shade

at times alone
amidst the blue
at others packed
across the sky

bringing rain
to desert lands
or raging storms
to hapless towns

taking shapes
that children see
evoking fear
as darkness grows

they mirror us
in many ways
fickle friends
sudden foes