Leaves, distinctly singular, but like each
of us, one part
of a much
larger
whole.
JDG
Opting Out
After surveying her options
this cold, gloomy day,
Murphy opted for bed.
What’s a cat to do
when options are few?
JDG
We’re All Geese Sometimes
His wing was damaged.
He couldn’t fly.
His flock left him behind.
He didn’t want our help.
“Don’t be a goose,” we said,
but that’s what he was,
one of the Canada kind.
He couldn’t fly,
but he could run
and run he did and fast.
We persevered,
caught him, drove to the vets.
Bird poop spilled forth.
We hope he’ll be ok.
At least we know we tried.
We’re all geese sometimes.
JDG
A Subdued Invitation
Many shades of brown
fill the woods, cover the ground
this non-vibrant fall,
inviting us to see what
we probably missed before.
JDG
Leavings
Frost covered leaves on
ground and trees – an icy shift
to a new season.
JDG
Still Waters
How many times have I said to myself,
I can’t be in
two places
at once,
but
when
I saw
the full moon
reflected in
the still pond, I thought, “Oh, that’s how it’s done.”
JDG
Small Lingerings
What lingers after my walk this morning –
four small, red leaves
hanging from
a gray
branch.
JDG
Golden Grace
At the post office
filling out forms to return
Jimmy’s unopened meds.
Woman behind the counter
asks me what kind of dog I have.
I burst into tears.
She calls a coworker to tend her station.
“Meet me at the door around the corner.“
I go. She opens the door.
“Come here, hon. It’s hard. I know.
They’re like family.”
She hugs me.
Her name is Grace.
JDG
A Matter Of Speaking
The pond, reflecting on all the sun shows
but leaves unsaid,
waits to hear
from the
wind.
JDG
Evensong
Across empty fields, acres apart,
dogs howl soulfully
at the partial moon.
I, standing in the dark.
join my song to theirs
and together we serenade the rising moon.
JDG
