The balm of sun and charcoal smoke
instantly evoke lost togetherness
from the very first time in the eighties
when beguiled by a well fired banger
and Russ Abbot opined a party

Hold fast to the Proustian rush
as soon enough the dim seasons will return
and the muted, sterile days withhold
all but a sense of cold and pause,
so revel in the glut and sing

I felt you in a space that no one else can find,
Expressed things that weigh beautifully upon my mind,
Touched by your thoughts I can barely comprehend,
I find myself exposed to a brand new kind of friend,
My mind silenced by the sound of my heart beginning to beat,
I felt lost and yet found while attempting to find my feet,
And as you revived the parts of me I never knew,
Or maybe even forgotten waiting on something true,
How can I express what I've never known,
Or begin in what I've never been shown?
Without question the answers sought never to be found,
Without words you gave me something more profound,
Wonderfully written upon my heart I find them everyday,
Yet still I search for the right words to say,
Now I reflect in the wonder of how I could be so small,
Realizing you showed me how I need not words at all,
Without question... One day I opened my eyes and began to see,
Your heart was beautiful enough to finally find me.....  
  For the love of my life ... Feb. 2 2017

don't eat it,
but don't tell me
"It ain't Texas enough."
I know.
We are in Seattle,
the owners are Chinese,
and I'm Californian,
so it's definitely not Texas.
It's a mutt.
"Dog food," said a customer.
I don't blame. I ain't mad,
they just pay me to be here.

Long summer nights
the sky is filled with stars
humid breezes across the grass
back porch sitting is required
along with a glass of tea
crickets chirping at the moon
an old hound dog scratching
lightning bugs dancing in the air
the smell of BBQ lingers

Friendly faces, shallow compliments
Pouring wine and piling plates
I smile and wave muted
Croak "ah" where there was a "thanks'
This makes a nice change at first glance
The lifestyle of the amiable
Each birthday greets the whole town
I make a beeline for food
Nibble and pick until I burst
Washed down with obligatory wine
I'm fed and full, no one gives up
The BBQ is smoking
This will be a long night
I stand feet tired mind sleepy
Wine hates me
I stand by my partners side
His woman to make up the party pairs
I hover like a bee
Bored
Fed up
Silent
Stuck
The toilet gives me space to breathe
The bedroom a cozy retreat
They call me outside I drag my feet
Evening draws near I'm cold
Can't leave too rude
I will give up one moment
Any moment now, make my excuses
TV on, party was fun
But solitude is sweeter.