a patch on the elbow
of the sweater I pull close
fireplace crackles

ice storm
no television
we entertain each other

squeak, squeak—
higher and higher
we soar on the swings

the domino
that fell too soon
still five full seconds!

top quarter champion

top half champion

bottom quarter champion

sea of rhododendrons
sheltered under aging willows
ferns line the path

patched knees
my green thumb
blossoming

more miles
than grandpa's Ford
tennis shoes

Grampa’s garden
rusty tools
new peas and potatoes

top half champion

champion

bottom half champion

the tropical plant
sent the day my mother died
one leaf remains

given to me
after the service
I hugged that flag so tight

child’s artwork
she finds
after his death

scar on my chin
as I look into the mirror
I remember my best friend

top quarter champion

bottom half champion

bottom quarter champion

a tiny runt
not quite right
my new best friend

my father’s old wristwatch
tells time
twice a day

Grandmother's basket
made by hand
missing handle

worn teddy bear
I still smell
mom’s scent