under these stars

amidst a week of goodbyes

including the planting
of Hopi Blue Corn

amidst the finest mist
of a gathering storm
of desert spring moisture


and my heart singing
with the sweet sadness

inspired by
the diverse and gentle affections
received upon departure

an unexpected visit
from an old and dear friend

a homemade greeting card
filled with reminders


the mind tosses up
unexpected images
to try and understand the present

my twenty-year high school reunion
was already nine years ago

when in reality
accurately perceived by my subjective experience

it really was only three or four years ago
six at most

wasn't it?

_______

themes like mortality occur often:

how can anyone avoid realizing
this blessed impermanence

permeating each day's
every action?


it stuns me with poignancy

for each moment
as every fellow traveler knows

is not to be missed

_______


I've had the good fortune

to be part of a couple productions
of summer theater under the stars

and so this moment is familiar:

set it up one more time
enjoy it all now that we've got it down

amidst a sudden rush to savor

this community of lovers and fools
the bonds and routines

which despite best efforts
have been taken all too for-granted

and wonder from where this silent tear arises