~ written, with much admiration, after Mary Oliver

When did it happen?

“Long before I knew something like this could ever transpire.”

*

Where did it happen?

“In a forgotten place where soft-shell clams gather at dawn.”

No, tell. Where did it happen?

“Where the sound of the sea rushes in to the wild chambers of the heart.”

*

What is your heart doing now?

“Oh, child. It longs so for you.”

if I’d had the legs,

I would run to you

and never once falter

in my stride.

*

had I wings to span the heavens,

I would fly across oceans

and over every mountain

just to hover above

the very hairs on your head.

*

every breath, every good thought —

were I to mechanize

the ferocity of my heart —

I’d pour it out, every last bit of it

over the sundry sands of an eternity,

so I might love you again

just one more time.

paired up at 71 degrees —

this morning’s uber early

temperature & dew point —

means the smart bet today

would be to remain indoors

Christmas came today —

a slew of boxes

*

packaged in swirls

of brown-paper ribbons

*

to cushion uneven, bumpy roads

a trove of poetry

*

joyful new images,

all mine for the taking