Flock

It moves like one giant being,
Here, and there, swooping.
Noisy chatter follows this sky creature.
Back and forth, here and there,
Culminating in pieces,
Breaking off,
Pulled by gravity into treetops.
Emerging into single birds.

Chaos

The kitchen is in a tip,
Laundry is undone,
Clothing is wrinkled,
Toothpaste cap is gone.
The kitten is begging,
Dog is simply gone,
Birds are yelling,
Nevermind the rest.
Both phones are ringing,
A cable trapped my foot,
The coffee pot is empty,
No wonder it is ten a.m.
And honey, I am done!

I have no idea what to say,
The standard "so sorry for your loss"
Is inadequate.
I can't say I know how you feel,
But, I do imagine it is like losing
Your best friend, and dearest childhood playmate.
I imagine it is a huge hole,
That surprises you each time you catch a glimpse.
It must be the realization that he won't be there,
Silently communicating so many things.
Finishing sentences, a known loving presence.
Since I don't know what to say,
I will have to stick with the inadequate
I am so sorry you lost your brother.
And, if there is anything I can do....

Stars

I want to look at the stars tonight,
And see all the mystery laid before me.
I never understood how the constellations worked.
I can find Orion's Belt, and the Big Dipper.
Other than that, they are glittering dots
Spread on black velvet pallettes.
I remember seeing the Southern Cross,
In my younger travels, and being so excited!
No mistaking that one.
At my brothers, standing on his porch,
I looked up and saw the Milky Way,
Like I hadn't seen it since childhood.
I could have stayed forever.
I want to look at the stars tonight,
And remember, I am a speck in the cosmos.
I need that reminder,
From time to time.

Letting Go

Others want to let go of the year past,
Just tear it into shreds and let
The first wind passing through
Grab them, and take them away.
I can't just do that yet,
There was too much going on.
I need to savor the bits and pieces
For just a little while,
Hold them in my hands,
Observe them with my minds eye,
It is only when I have the important parts
That I can ritualistically shred the pieces,
Into small squares,
And toss them in the fire,
Saying a soft goodbye as the ashy
Fragments are carried away,
By the first wind passing through.