~ for Shelly & Diane

three poet friends gather

beneath the creaky boughs

of a sturdy old oak

spring breezes have subsided,

just a bit, as a waxing moon

takes center stage

on a crisp April horizon

spirits in hand, each takes her turn

reading lyricisms honed

for just this occasion

the work itself is not important,

it’s the camaraderie

and shared love of poetry

that draws, and keeps

these artisans together