james b. nicola
October 5, 2015 Comments Off on james b. nicola
Attempts
My dear friend did not want the procedure.
She only went in for some literature—
for “a friend.” But it took so long to get through
the mob outside—and just for a brochure—
that she thought, “Better now than later,” and had them do
it right away. So many did not come
who’d had appointments, it was easy to
get a doctor’s appointment the same day.
I visited her in ICU. Some
time later in the day, my dear friend died.
I told this to the protesters outside
and brought a snapshot of her, certain they
would tone it down a bit, or even say
a prayer. Not only did no one pray,
I think I was the only one who cried.
valerie rosenfeld
September 6, 2015 Comments Off on valerie rosenfeld
uncharacteristically
I slice the vegetables thin
instead of into thick chunks
my spirit lightens
making gazpacho
r.k. dunham
July 29, 2015 Comments Off on r.k. dunham
Natural History
Deeply linked we are
to all that came before,
promise for all to follow.
From boding storm’s utterance
earth conjures fierce joy,
blessing our being
~ whole again.
valerie rosenfeld
June 23, 2015 Comments Off on valerie rosenfeld
Down the Reach
I knew Margy my whole life. She took me to the lab to be her young assistant when I was 14 to help her measure calcium and albumin. I always felt guilty for not going into science. But I was never interested in science, only being with Margy. She was always so kind to me and my family and provided a generous ear and thoughtful, head square on her shoulders, and ever compassionate advice.
When I was in my 30s I visited her in Maine and we went to a jazz concert. I never liked jazz, only being with Margy. A man sitting next to us asked if Margy was my grandmother. She and I looked at each other. She said “no, I’m her godmother.” He laughed and said “maybe you’re her fairy godmother!” We laughed too. Yes, that was it. Margy was my fairy godmother.
She will ever be a part of me and I will think of her always when I smell the sea breeze or take my calcium supplement before bed. I will think of her when I look within and am in need of a fairy godmother. I see her there now, her salty smile and eyes like the ocean, reflecting the mid-day sun.
sea breeze
has changed direction
sailing down the reach
its your turn she says
handing me the rudder
inner art journal 