The Gardener
11 Dec 2022

“Who is speaking?” Ogre I know.
“Hateful words”, somewhere below.

I , devil unwise,
Spoke regretful thought,
Stat surprised.

“Lost dark-heathen”, show me your marque.

“Dawn cry-scent blackened”, Beelzebub harked.
“Experience forgetter, thorn ever-last,”
“Asthmatic throb, last-pain-filled gasp.”

“Lucifer, foul-blossom, demon-on-hold,
Craven brass, once claimed true gold.
Alchemist silver, tied at my bow,
Exorcist arrow-rain, will, your way flow.”

Let me lie peaceful, eternal my own.
Fiend away, leave my wooden door home.
Wolf heed us  laden, stay further encore.
Peonies, roses, quiet my core!

2022  
In cold morning. on broken  deck, lies a child. Alone.
Dove near her heart, reminder of family,  peace she once knew.  
It  cries her pain.

Soon all will be lost, to love once again.
Close in deepest sleep, an angel missing.

How can this child lie among all the stars ?
How she sparkled, played, fingers spread!  
Unfulfilled.
Heart still.  

Heaven and earth soaked in her spill.

B. T. W.  2016
In the morning on the deck lies a man. He's alone.
There's a dove near his heart, a gramophone .
Most days more gentle, he senses the pain.
Soon he will be lost to love once again.
Somewhere close in her deep late sweet sleep,
One angel’s, missing this sheep.
How can it be he’s hidden among all the stars.
Where he sparkles, fingers spread, unfulfilled.
Heart full till heaven and earth soaked in it’s spill?
B. Whittaker
(As first writ in 2016 mourning my first wife lost in 2014)

A Forever World
Dec 10 2022
My words are my Worlds. Christmas thoughts.

My favorite walk was in the forest,
My body soul got more rest.
Where the wild cried out peace.
Where poverty was only leased.
Where love held and hold.
I felt so brave and bold.
A Forever World kind and right.

My favorite music made me smile.
Words were true and wild.
Mother made breakfast every day.
My best friend called us out to play.
Fresh sweet tarts, jam and bread.
Chores at home filled my head.
War was far away, then stopped..
School visited by the local cop.
A Forever World with steady light.

Rent was due and promptly paid.
Allowance for theatre, table laid.
Uncle and Dad played crazy eight.
Parcels sent never late.
A Forever World with girls and dates.

When I woke up early morn.
A new world  no fight, safely born.
Country drive was never far.
Dad had a old find car.
A Forever World was new delight.

Neighbours near were easy friendly.
Christmas cards mailed, presents sent were plenty.
Chestnut grew on backyard trees.
Same tree where dogs would ***.
A Forever World sweet on sight..

The time that we were living here.
A time with wine and beer.
A time when our loves were warm.
A time we kissed every storm.
Kids played in safe green yards.
That dreamed delicious cakes and tarts.
A Forever World on birthday bright..

If only we were here with words,
A Forever World free and bright.
A Forever World,. Time to start. To All, “Good night.”

Dec 29 2021

Each waking morning I celebrate you.
You are my earthly love, passioned true.
In the cold of winter, the promise of spring,
You are my gift, always giving right living.

In the darkness of forever lasting,
I will dream of your touch, your laughing.
In the pain of loss, the thief of grief,
I have found you, Hallelujah. All relief.

Stay. Keep heart warm and free.
As you travel, cantor our soul alee.
Distance, an illusion of this world.
Beside you, hear my songs dance, twirl.
,
Softly, tenderly, I whisper your ear.
You are safe. I am here.
Hold eternal our bands, our hands.
In this ever strange, hungry, neverland.

Hallelujah.
I celebrate you.

Your hope is my guide,
In rough seas and calm, we sail—
Love's anchor holds tight.

Tide of Age
18 September 2022

Remembering the dates, the times, the pain, the loss,
The tides of age wash over me. A deluge of memory,
Wasting, waiting, finishing me.
All has changed, all was new, all unknown, All, gone.
Where are the shores, the craigs of rock, the sand dunes,
That gave me peace and place, defined me, defiled me?
Rattling, rolling, bruised, I lay tattered on it’s mound.
Age destroyed my trophies, gold turned to old brass, broken glass.
None keeps what they win, wanted.
Tomorrow I will be consumed in the thirst of life.
Tomorrow, perhaps you will join me.
Tomorrow, perhaps you will see me.
Tide of age, all time unstoppable, all time loving you.
All time, loving you. Loving you. Loving you.

Sweet Dreams
4 December 2022

Wonder my sweet dreams,
Filled each eve with you.
Can you hear my tender words?
Spoken kind and true.
Each night flavored wine,
As we head abed,
Holding sweetest mine,
We are gently wed.
Smiling drifting sleep,
Life prayers said.

Every night gathered,
We are not alone.
Waiting calls to come,
An empty phone.

Just around corner times,
Our love singing whole.
Tomorrow sunshine, cold or snow,
Future cannot know.
Dreams of you come with me,
Everywhere I go.
Fate told cruelty hold,
Unable body bolds.


I bring you dream red roses,
Love courage tight enfold.
Will that Gods will bless me,
When time fades to gray.
I dream those times asea,
Every blessed day.

When I rise in morning,
Last yawns loose the dawn,
You’ll be there to hold me,
Listen to my song.
I’ll dream of you forever,
Our love never gone.

Oct 10 2021

Why take summertime?
Winter I will give to you,
Stormy Weather.

15 February 2021

“Cold outside” I said.
“Don’t think get out of bed.”
“These old legs filled with lead.”
Bedside, held my hand, gently smiled.

“Babe I feel depressed a while.”
“This is not my normal style.”
“I feel old, my life held cheap.”
So did I careless speak.
She held my hand, kissed my cheek.

She looked at me, “I Love You”.
“Darling lucky man, you are true.”
“Hold me, I need your hand.”
“Time to stand, you are my man.”
Hugged me, “Count our blessings.”
“Our love will stand life’s wrestling.”

Funny when times are tougher,
We forget that others suffer.
Lighthouse spouse in times of trouble.
Carries her load, my fog, my struggle.
Her pain and tears are my testing.
Make space, count her blessings.

2 October 2021

You came from the dark side, stilled alive.
Disorderly, drunk, broken, with child.
This was not who I knew,  you cried.
This was not what I knew, crazy, wild.

You are my guardian, with the magic #'s.
Why would my dreams reshape, plunder?
Wolves, and demons bring their thunger,
Running I tried to help you, you went under.

Bad dreams stay when I am awake.
Good things happen through who you were.
Swim afire through that flaming lake.
Play, bad dreams when I am awake.

Spring Rains.
28 April 2021

April flood, earth bloom, spring clean. Tao.
From earth to the streets,
Winter leaves,  fills the trees.
Yellows, reds, greens primary, air fresh, scented new.
Squares on the walk rechalked each year.
Skates track the tar, paint the youth.
Arms entwine, ivory vines, warmed sun near.
BBQ kitchen centre, wicker chairs, dusty awning, railed brass..
Popcorn melody, grahams in chocolate sizzling over smoking ash.
Avian song parts the traffic din low……
My heart opens each window.
Welcome  now.

Fate
10 August 2022.

To die bitter old men, yoeman’s mate,
Stare at the gate. unsaved.

Perils, future plans dangle.
Unloved darkened grave waits.  

Stone etched, trued fate and sign.
Take what I have. ‘‘Twas never mine”.

DAWN   2021-03-20

The mornings lie quiet, barely awake,
Cool calm air slides in over my deck.
A dove struts across bragging her break,
Of gray-white breaths welcome here.
A squirrel visits chewing full neck,
Sweet cones no cream sparkles left,
On rime holding taste of pine speck.
Gentle beams caress the yawn of dawn.
She stirs to kiss me and drape across
Velvet still hanging over the edge of her calm.
Morning in my soul pulling away the moss.
Rise gentle she wisps whispers my quaking brow.
Tomorrow again and again you will know,
Me. Ever new, ever old, ever on your soul.

B. T. Whittaker

Intimacy
17 February 2023

In the photo, sepia blood,
One of nine still here.
Eight were lost, queerly stood.

Here or there, I ponder,
Suddenly disappear!
Where is it I wander?

Compassion
10 September 2021.

Lying broken on a old farm road,
A gray eyed beagle licked her hand.

They cried their tears to the tires.

There you were (Hauku)
31 January 2022

I am my body.
You are my soul and life.
I will never die.

Precious Days

7 July 2021

Forever was so far away.
Youth a blur, frozen day.
Life would ever last.
Future yet sweet uncast. .

I knew the path I walked.
Held the promise duty locked
Love was always near.
Loss unknown quickly teared.

Heard the cry of loons at dawn.
Squirrels racing every lawn.
Sunsets, eves of scarlet yawn. .
Morns, excited passioned dawns.

Children with their warm embrace.
Partner with a loving grace.
Years that quickly slipped away.
Kindren grown, on their way.

Successes life gifted me.
Acorns fell from every tree.
Newest quests raised desire.
Life set full afire.

Embers-of golden glow.
Graying airs began to show.
Changed to a simpler pace.
Watched other start their race.

Felt the wins of kindness last.
Swelled the winds of times now past.
Habits soon began to age.
Now lived another page.

Marked the cake at 83.
Candles lit on rolling seas.
Lovely woman married me.
Her care keeps me free.

As I near the end of time,
Solace lives in simple rhyme.
Lost so many to heaven’s door.
Tallying how I might score.

Cherish those precious days.
Albums, records, others say.
Grateful for memories found.
Love that keeps me still sround.

5
September 25 2022

What - A peaceful joyous mind.

Why - Stress of every day.

When- As soon as possible

Who- Every person

How- Get a dog.

Evolution
21 Nov 2023

Nature takes it time,
Bringing change define.
Around our love and place,
Patience sets the race.

We grow unseen at first,
Writing our own rules.
Outcomes finely burst,
Worn out broken tools.

Put aside the pain.
Our path is always plain.
Storm with fertile rain,
Blossoms truth again.

When each challenge rears,
Together we are one.
Accepting without fear.
Our love has just begun.

Mistaken identity
22 July 2022


Orange juice on my fly,
No sleep in my eyes.
Scotch spilt on my shoes,
Reading last week’s news.

Coveralls, oily wrench,
Catching lunch park bench.
Lip kissing my best friend,
“Oh! He’s one of them”.

Left my keys at bar,
Breaking into car.
Checking a back seat,
Now I’m peeking Pete.

Naked in the dark,
Cop says nasty lark.
Holding the water hose,
Sprayed on my own clothes.

Food left on my face,
Shoes still unlaced,
Shirt ripped and torn,
Mistaken? Lots of scorn!

Candles on my cake,
Heirs can hardly wait.
Writing this sad poem.
Should’a stayed at home.

Direction Haiku
5 April 2021

Direction lost.
Physicality grounded.
Merry Go Down.

20 August 2021

Unappreciated your strength,
So many missed who you were.
Few would take that journey,
None could survive.

Your challenge accelerated,
And you smiled hiding pain.
Legs crossed and open armed,
You struggled again. Undaunted.

Now I have your pain.
You were stronger.

I Left You There
22 July 2021

On that cold and broken wooden bed,
In that old cabin we called dread.
No more years left ahead.

I cried to sleep the day before,
Kneeling on that splintered floor.
Winter years showed the score.

Knew one day you’d love someone,
Your lips be for another one.
Darling hon our day was done.

You let me have that final kiss
Gentle, sweet , I’ll now miss.
I heard that leaving hiss.

Today I’m on my way.
No longer could delay.
Bowed my head said goodbye.
Now in that old cold ground you lie.

21 June 2022

When truth exceeds your reality,
Your are living last stage of life.
Acting fool for an ardent audience.
Deceived by frailty.

Yet applaud your effort for they too,
No longer fit the breadth of their shoes.  
Staggering  tracks on a wandered path,
Follow a dimming light that cannot last.

Discontinuity cues the final moment of the play.
How did i lose the way?

30 September 2021

Nothing stirred, nothing shaken.
Skylight held stars in weighted grasp.
On the back of quiet trees eaves,
Stilled in an oasis moon cast.

A black cat lay on board fenced sleeping.
White sound wind longer opened the night.
A neighborhood pond mirrored as glinting,
Empty windows on a dying world.

Perhaps the end had long ago begun.
A banjo lay in the corner hall unstrung.
Two broken Skelton tennis raquets,
Sat statuettes on marble brackets.

All that moved was a mote of dust,
Leaving the trail of century aged rust.
Who would come to page this whole?
Life unwashed, once holding  fervored souls.

11 June 2023

Your whisper echoes,
Revealing truth's solemn gaze,
Now aware, alone.

Sleep
Political Sympathies
4 February 4, 2021

Retired I have few urgent issues.
Of course, health always brings tissues.
Without help you understand,
Could use another hand.
Hiring would cost a grand,
Will I win with a stand?
Wouldn’t that be grand,
I think I hear a band!
What a great man.

There are times a plan must be laid.,
Agreement on games to be played,
Chasing for parts that are  late,
I try to be calm as I wait,
Are cookies left on that plate?
Wondering what is the date?
Seems this is my fate.

In the middle there is some tension.
Did I read any of the instruction?
The scratch on my thumbs,
Might seem minor to some,
But now I am numb,
Some think I am dumb,
No wonder it’s  not done.

Sleep is out of the question..

23 August 2021

There is a tombstone,
Written “I too once was there.”  
"How do I get back? "

(Still have my coat and bags)

Entrapment
5 May 2021

Caught between myself and myself.
My freedom nerve suppressed.
Challenge is to stay well,
While not party dressed.
One of me says a fool,
The other buys the rules.
Only time will tell.
Is this heaven, or hell?

Rainy Night
31 June 2021

Cold from the north brought the rain.
At the window, trees shivered the low.
Somewhere hurt, pain again.
Alone awind lonely flow.
Dreams are hard to find, rainy nights.

She was in my bed, making me restless.
Asleep, deep in another world, crying.
Through the door slats, nightmare Crept, holding her unstirring.
Drops rat-tat onside, this rainy night’s cold light.

Ashes in the fireplace, gray in that way,
Reminding flames past didn’t last.
Heat played astray.
Half-empty glasses, chocolate mark sash.
Shoulders low, head bowed, cold rainy night.

Funny how the room emptied.
Echoed songs unheard, still waiting their turn.
Such cold rainy nights, love’s heat denied.
Cold night’s burn, nothing learned.
Could just be the weather.

Worn Ou1
17 November 2024

Warn in. Warn out.
No clouds. Just rain
Today, naked tired.
Let the broken lie.

15 May 2022-

Silk sheets. Sweat air conditioned, owl-echo growls.
Not yet summer, war, pain, dissolution, summer on prowl.
All winter waits, snow-broken melt on pavement,
Pressing my head, your shoulder shakes, well-spent,
Winds raise the shingles, we twist again passioned.
Cool fall sun lies best on me like you, unrationed.
Whispering, snarling,  orange-layered ******,
Shake in summer heat's thousand spasms.
Hold back the drear of fallen leaf and dove torn.
Peace, comfort-thunder, insist again, warn,
I open your door unbarred.

Lighting, dark enlightenment, ash, strength spared,
Like ice in cold water , spoil the taste of spice and hair.
Lying touched, challenged, used, we stay bare.
Summer heat holds us here. Night, we become one.
Summer heat. It's not done.

Every Day
16 September 2022

You are brave, beautiful, pure.
On every corner, in every place.
I don't know you, or your face..
Simply you live, one day die.

Poetry  (Haiku)

10 Sept 2021

A new suit.
Wrap me in soft linen.
I feel naked.

Can It Be
18 July 2021

Now I know impossible possible.
Space and time crossable.
Love transcends reality.
What cannot, should not, could not be,
Has come from you to me
You are that infinity.

25 August 2021

And so he looks,
As if holy book,
At his own,
A truth looking for home.
All he found,
Around and around,
A man on his knees.
Always trying to ease,
Aggravations of life.
Accentuated strife,
Addled man with his knife.
Alone as could be.
Aeons in need.
Along edges he freed,
Always no seed,
Aeons indeed.
Awaiting since youth,
As if there was truth.
Alas he roams,
Amidst his poems.

Half Hour Haiku
Nove 19 2021

Half hour of love's bliss,
Time slows, your embrace I miss,
One kiss, endless joy.

BTW
==========================================


Age has slowed me down.
No longer much fun in town.
My love for you can’t stop
Half hour, I need your love.
Half hour, to hold you tight.
Half hour will be the bliss.
Time for one more kiss.
Half hour now and then
Against your skin
Half hour to prove,
Love for you.
Half hour is my plea  
Half hour all I need

BTW

Tremors
13 Sept 2023

With shaking hand, he holds  his ghosts,
Memories blurred by illness, pain,
Sweet tastes of honeyed  times, on a wooden post.
Baskets of mead, red wine, ***, stain. Spin again.

Their faces shimmer, lights to guide, lead.
Still alive in dreams. Thrive on me, said.
His smile, wrinkles, delighted in tender touch.
Passions, love partners, families, friends, such.

On the rails of time, he steadies, moving upslope.
One mountain to climb, one gate left to ‘ope.
One last great amour, stays his cold hand.
One soul, steady, true, eternal , grand.

The earth tremors, cracks, and groans.
He tremors, laughs.  He is home.

Husband
23 April 2023

He walks in the room,  hello those there.
No disturbance,   relaxed happy mode.
Clean cut, nice suit,  cut  his hair.
Shoes polished,  pressed pants turning  old.

Offered a drink, was driving, soda please.
Music started  play, friends to dance.
Looked for  spouse to love and  tease.
Soon gave him that comfort glance.

Kids had grown, reputation sown.
Holidays soon to come, time to roam.
People wished them well, stay healthy, safe.
Clear he knew his place, showed in  his face.

End of night  near, time to leave.
Door opened, walked in  his neighbour.
Felt the ladies look, reach for  that  sleeve.
Somehow eyes always got their favor.

Was a man who carried a glow.
Considered by others icon of lust.
Conquests all  seemed to kow.
Made him  not one of us.

Husband wondered about his role.
Trying to keep wise and whole.
Another day wished  could seem,
Like that crazy time, last night’s dream.

Years ago had those offers.
Marriage kept him coffered.
Husband true as any known.
Always found love at home.

28 February 2022

How did we  let them make us old?
Tiger leaders have us cold.
Years gone by their tales we told.
Now the future, they sold.

Follow us they dare to say.
Watch us spoil the lights of day.
**** the children while they play..
Tigers like the world that way.

Most of us hear that song.
Let go on, right or wrong.
Suddenly the are too strong.
Tigers write our death song.

Courage now will be our cost.
Being faithful to our cause.
Freedoms we have lost.
Bold to be, blood be tossed.

Perhaps Forever
Haiku
17 July 2021

Perhaps forever,
Some loves never will die.
Today some still try.

First Snow
24 November 2023


It started as a morning frost covering the deck.
And a little bit of lace cold stars fell.
In the Martin moment of great darkness,
The world was clean again.

BTW

Breaking Away

17 December 2021.

Feeling winds of time, change,
Four seasons, each unique,
Growing the previous.
When a mountain is climbed,
Both are lamed.

Old ease offers less solace,
Uncertain new promise.
Worlds broken, earthquake, storm.

Your freedom, your choice.
Breaking away.
Is there a way home?

The Rendering
29 January 2021

And so we pay out the ends,
Making something profitable,
From other than bankruptcy.
Emptied, we are alone whole,
When all else lies ruined.
Turning the wheel fate,
Leaves what we have left,
For the next as yet unseen.
You can have it all.
My need no longer calls.
Spend yours well while,
It is fresh and young.
Yet to spoil, unhung.

10th September 2023

Each day, a photograph brings such joy.
The truth of you through uncertain days.
Memories of times of love, touch our souls.
I greet you, I thank you beautiful.
You are wide awake, and I await your day

Feather
29 January 2023

Snow, spiral ecstatic feathers.
Diva dance!
Frisson firs, shiver!
Mourning,
Holding stage.
Aside, "Primal, MyWindow."

Pillow Talk
3- August 2022

Head on my pillow, I watch you
sitting on the side of our bed. Hair tussled, eyes closed, night gown twisted showing a bare leg and breast.
You look pretty as a kitten in a basket.

You stretch over, touch my shoulder, bend down for a musty kiss. Soft lips part. Pillow Talk.

Haven’t Heard You Cry
5 January 2023

Haven’t been here for a while.
Last time made you smile.
You must be still OK.
Haven’t heard you cry.

We seemed best of friends,
Squawking every day.
Secrets that we could blend.
In a family’s way.

Used to know your clever smoke. .
Such talent made me laughed pgh.
Your kind of saucy poke,
Made my neighbours gasp. .

Remember Mom made splat pie,
Lemon on the run.
Didn’t ever make her cry.
Found that special ***.

Our old dog, ‘one day beast’,
Had to say goodbye.
Took him to Ever Peace.
Didn’t hear him cry.

When your mom did angel fly.
Heard from all her friends
Truly sorry, frightened cried.
Kissed their own sweet end.

Seems most fine treasures lie.
Old photos when they’re found.
Sometimes you were high,
Memory Kodak bound.

I manage, yup still alive,
Toes touched when can bend.
You did make me cry,
Bone pain, round my end.

Lonely as years fast fly,
Found a brand new friend.
Happy times I plied.
Nice if you came by.

Morning comes into sight.
Bacon, eggs are fried.
Six a.m. quite a site.
You think you tried.

Wanting all my money,
When I grow weak and die.
By gosh funny sonny.
Chance I’ll hear you cry.

12 February 2024

When you can’t get 1 foot in front of the other,
No one really feels like your brother,
no point hiding under the covers,
Life is never that kind of bother.

Wake up my friend and live it well,
We did all in every spell,
Long way down to the bottom of the wall,
Still time, give it hell.

The Christmas Tree
25 November 2023

He saw a spark of golden color,
Under the trash of unending war.
Seven years old, he was taller,
Than his coat of cloth and tar.

Cold rain turning to hail and snow,
Clung to a leather hat taken.
Frozen remains in a plane unknown,
Debris of battles poorly lost, forsaken.

He had hidden there from the trucks.
Travelling the rutted mud farm road.
Each wore the scars, bent luck,
Assaults by past rifle fire lode.  

Crawling to the piece of brass strip,
Now loosed from the stony gravel.
A small tag was tied with jagged rip.
Scrawled red and green “Merry ….”