batter up
hats over hearts as
taps floats across the base

snow day
children everywhere
angels

summer afternoon
grandma’s laundry hanging
over the garden

twenty-one gun salute
in the bright winter sun
a baby coos

snow cone man
children running
from every directio

a blink of light
across the field
the chase begins

children barefoot
through the grass
green fireflies

open a door
but don’t close another
where does it end

autumn afternoon
the sound of a woodpecker
tapping

swinging in the park
sunshine reflects
off of my son's hair

looking out the window
at the cold gray morning
the doctor's face says it all

sunny day
playing in the grass
at grandma's house

in the dark they meet
and share a smile
he leaves mad

all alone
in a strange city
will he ever come home

spring afternoon
walking in the park
sounds of water

tears are shed
as she reads his words
not meant for her

midnight thunder
she calls for daddy
through the bedroom door

schoolyard teasing
his question about dad
all the way home

phone calls to make
on a beautiful day
heavy heart

cloudless sky
still water…
cannonball

thankfulness
no cries or rings
one moment of peace

in the shade
of the big oak tree
tire swing

hot summer sun
beating down on the jar
sun tea

trees breaking
in a cold wind
marriage mending

breeze through the screen door
grandma’s breakfast
toast and coffee

Saturday morning
children and dad
giggling in the kitchen

tangled necklace
he patiently takes it
from her hands

cold winter night
a dinner date for two
running late

Grandpa never known
       his orange poppies
up this spring again

quiet night
                 listen
not so quiet

standing in the water
cast the rod
deep exhale

rip
another shirt snags
on her nail

darkness
close your eyes tightly
coin in the well

soft rain
        for a while
creeks running loud now

warm hot chocolate
next to the fireplace
grandmother’s stories

 
sand in my eyes     enemy or friend 

boat docked
thunder
bouncing off the bluff

bright helmet
three years old
pedaling faster

cloudless sky
life jackets, water-skis, sun-block
fill the boat

Mom’s garden
peonies
come and go

silent flight
            great horned owl
working the meadow’s edge

in a house
with no power
sex heats the room

weeding
purple flowers
grandma in her hat

warm Sunday afternoons
mom and daughter ponytails
chatting in the kitchen

summer warmth
breezy kitchen
remembering mom