For Holly

Porches, with roofs are a sanctuary

for this strange world of third stage living

galaxies force themselves upon us, 

springing like slinkies 

from behind previously familiar dolls and

blocks, infants weaned and crooned 

over, with dreams filled by 70's, 80's and 90's 

Today's  Parent wisdom,  are determined, 

intelligent familiar strangers.

Partners, children, family, friends, loves

not physically present on this porch, 

surround our sorting, seeking, growing 

conversation,  moving in and out,

 like aches, 

we thought would never greet us,  

We sit grateful for

the 30 plus years of friendship that allows 

us into each other's hearts with 

deep love for all those familiar strangers who

fill our galaxies, tripping us up, 

and sending us delight beyond any 

 wisdom, past or present.

matriarchs 

when did they get

so young?

This third stage living not meant for all, 

we both know loss, those too soon dead, while yet

we live and love and grow, still seeking, oft weeping, 

we carry on, with gratitude

galactical love a coverlet 

we hold for one another.

gkn August 2016

Bouquets from the Labyrinth

Surrounded by your presence, 

and yours and yours, 

flower gifts 

memory, a smile, 

a twinkling stern eye,

I must, I can, I will 

determination flooded by 

You. 

Movement continues. 

gkn August 2016

What if?

with thanks to Mary Oliver (How Everything Adores Being Alive)

What 

if you were

human

and your soul

and a significant amount of courage

aroused you to come 

into 

your world

of so many dreams

becoming

and 

what if

you 

clamoured aboard 

falling into

the grinning face 

of possibility

and 

allowed yourself 

to be 

embraced

by its

succulent unfamiliarity

a happy prisoner?

gkn August 2016