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
