Sweetwater

The water is dark and cold and swift,
And in it like toys rough blocks of ice drift.
With a sound as desolate as the breeze
Despairing the broken fall on their knees.
The water is swift and dark and cold,
Too much for the weary, the sick, the old.
The young men's eyes meet, their owners say,
"We will carry you all across today."
The water is cold and swift and dark.
Those strong pairs of arms, like Noahs ark,
Carry the people too weak to go
Through the black water to banks of white snow.
The water is pleasant and warm and bright,
So diff'rent in this sunny summer light
That shines as I stop and ponder on
The sacrifice of those brave boys long gone.

Olympic trials

Strong arms propel sturdy bodies,
Throwing them into the sky.
Graceful spins in weightless air,
Whirling, twirling, way up high.
Precision etched in determined faces,
Regardless of ages, forms or races,
Trusting themselves they fly.

Lifting a toddler out of his stroller.

Your arms are sleepy, heavy.
They automatically curl around my neck.
And unaware your little hand
with tender concern pats my back.

Father's day

Pickles and cards for Fathers Day,
More similar than you'd think.
Crisp, sharp, flavorful, tender,
I believe he's tickled pink.
And yet I sort of kind of wish,
I'd had the time last night,
To buy some peaches for a pie.
It might have been better. It just might.

Sunshine

In the green water
Fourth of july fireworks
Crackle their white hot glitter.
Mirroring the cinnamon sugar sparkle
Of my golden skinned, tender white donut.

Foul digestions

Oh tummy, poor tummy,
I wish you could understand.
Oh tummy, poor tummy,
Press yourself into my hand.
Oh tummy, poor tummy,
You're in twisting, knotted pain.
Oh tummy, poor tummy,
I'll never eat it again.