Demanding possession…
nine tenths of the law

Last bone to fight over
—its marrow unwrought

(Dreamsleep: October, 2020)

I was perfectly happy,
a singular chime

I was perfectly happy,
alone in my mind

I was perfectly happy,
my world underscored

I was perfectly happy,
my feelings secure

I was perfectly happy,
adrift in my world

I was perfectly happy,
no feeling’s unfurled

I was perfectly happy,
till one fateful day

Now misery haunts me
—in love I must stay

(West Philadelphia: June, 2018)

Memories of the future,
dancing in my head

Recalling what will come to pass,
joyous and unread

Reflections yet to happen,
vivid they befall

Voices that still wait to sing
—calling me enthralled

(The Book Of Prayers: September, 2020)

Dodging a bullet,
the PET Scan loomed large…
results both good and bad

“Nothing today
to worry about,”
but tomorrow left unclad

The moment secure,
the future unsure…
prognosis under siege

The lights of the O.R.
calling his name
—with hope the last reprieve

(University Of Pennsylvania: September, 2020)

Can our culture live on,
can its message be contained

Will an eagle looking down
see the joy or the pain

Will our heritage run deep,
like the river that flows

To an all-consuming delta,
and the life force who knows

(Pine Ridge South Dakota: June, 1993)

Poetry…
my breath,
my life

Feelings
inhaled,
thoughts to delight

(Dreamsleep: September, 2020)

We cannot eat lies
or feast on empty promises

No more than the bison,
starving in the desert sand

We cannot clothe our children
as we run from the Wasichus

Our teepees torn and freezing
amidst the winter snows

(Pine Ridge South Dakota: Late September, 1994)

You whispered

And the Stars came into existence

It's beautiful

I don’t want to be the one who shies away
and loves you less

I don’t want to be the one asleep
while you’re awake

I don’t want to be the keeper of secrets
you cannot share

I don’t want to be the one you miss
—until I’m gone

(Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)