Tanka Sequence

                                                               TIME PASSING    

                                                                   longer nights

                                                                   he slips into his last sleep

                                                                   quietly

                                                                   the release he waited for

                                                                   is not his alone

                                                                   Dutch homestead

                                                                   a rusted water pump

                                                                   the handle half-way;

                                                                   so many stories forgotten

                                                                   so many never finished

                                                                    double-Dutch jump rope

                                                                    the sureness and speed

                                                                    of the girls’ steps;                                                             

                                                                    how unalike I am

                                                                    with my hesitant moves

                                                                     sometimes I see you

                                                                     when you are young with dark hair

                                                                     moving easily

                                                                     your shoulders straight, your face smooth

                                                                     before I know of time passing

                                                                      I saw you last night

                                                                      felt your presence

                                                                      heard your voice

                                                                      and know you will come again

                                                                      when I least expect it

Ribbons, March 2013