What solace is required to fly north and remain?
These geese seem to know for their flights are never pained
with silence whether in groups of two
or of twelve.
What does such clumsy honking call forth
that silence
cannot?
Oh our fears of awkward
have cast many down on the
plains of Abraham
where you could have been a sister
and I could have been a brother
but
we wither
away.
So please
honk at me
and I’ll fly
with you.
upon
a ridge of land
assumed
they lay your cross
and stretch
your body
suspended
creation surveys your majesty mocked and crowned
nails pinning peace in a longing embrace for
fleshy wrecks and a
city of broken
promises
your heart
flows
while violence
beats
wisdom’s rage
and power’s aspirations
two kingdoms
crash at
your feet
and we long
to speak
a better word
than
Abel
University of British Columbia, Point Grey Campus (Vancouver)
“We would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather
is the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) People.”
Before Spring’s shy kiss
ruby red promises stand still
taunting cool blue skies.
Red skies.
The light turned green.
The gap was small.
A flash
sped between a
Mercedes-Benz,
a Tesla too,
a rushing has-beens BMW.
A quick side check
and I see you pause:
White hair. Grey specks.
Looking back for just cause.
The last time I saw you I’m sure
t’was at the cemetery,
but on that we cannot tarry.
Another mile you see
and I’ll be home.
Your dark eyes a gift – my short poem.
“Still here.” “Still here.”
Still here I smile
and rush on.
a question
I never had
came to me
though I yearn
to utter it
I’m not sure
I could have
asked you
before