*In Passing*

I drove by this house
for years,
slowed for the owner
as she crossed the road
from the mail box.

I drove by this house
for years
with the “For Sale” sign in the yard
as the owner
was cared for elsewhere.

I drove by this house,
pretending for years
(along with the timer-ed lights),
that the owner
was might still there.

Now I drive by this house,
empty, dark,
waiting, alone.

 

*Celebrating the Lunar New Year*

 

I

Winter wind is cold
but it blows us to our home
and family’s love.

II

Pretty is the snow
and our toes are so frozen;
our hearts are so warm.

III

The long nights are gone,
we feel that Spring is coming.
Why is it so slow?

IV

The moon is dark now.
Hang the red lanterns tonight;
new year tomorrow.

V

You sweep the house clean,
now throw out all your sadness,
smile through the new year.

VI

The sun shines on you
to warm you in the New Year.
Share its warming light.

 

*Late Freeze*

Maple trees had reddened,
with no attention paid
to a late surge of northern air.
The peach trees, too, had blossoms
that are now brown and crisp.

Human wisdom runs as deep;
you’d think that by now we’d know
what to do and when to do,
but we, too, stand rooted,
just wanting and waiting for
what is about to happen.

 

*Lake of Tears*

We all cross this lake of sorrow
in these too-flimsy boats.
We try our best to avoid
each splash that could
soak us in sadness.

A little splash of the oars,
wind churned water,
and sorrow becomes ours.

But when the sun shines
and oars dig deep,
we glide without a care.

 

*Going Seventy*

Hear that engine purr,
she’s a cat with claws
and she’s digging in,
giving her all.

We’re going seventy,
clicking off the miles,
and they slip silently away,
silently away, silently,
they were friends
and are now no more.