His Son and One eye Barney

1. One-eye Barney

Yellow ducks in blue borders
Sunlight highlighting a dust showdown

White fence crib with a high back
Silent sheep hang still above

One-eye Barney sits on a satin trimmed blanket
Missing me missing you


2. His Son
You were to be our bridge
My ticket was ready. My plane also… to depart
My heart… to hope for spring

I planned to see you soon
Dreamed of getting to know you
Sheltering you… spoiling you
Being a friend. Then I would have…
seen your father again

I planned to love you forever
My brother’s son, his first born
I rejoiced at the news of you
For his sake… I knew he wanted you,
was looking forward to raising you.

Nothing goes according to plan
In one call
A dream ceased to spin. Reality seeped in
Like rain through a straw roof

I planned to call you often
Now the cellular silence echoes in the gulf
Of awkward comfort and banal phrases
Inadequate condolences
And a aching pause

I planned to hold you close
I can’t get away so soon…
He doesn’t ask me to come
After tomorrow I will hold no more hope
Only the shadows of missed opportunity

I planned to bring you gifts
Clicking the “proceed to check out” button
my last hope for you is sent
May my lilies brighten your grave…
And become our bridge in your place