ever did you

subzero
could not
keep you away
from the day’s fun
that day when
even the city
shut down
ever did you
play.

long white pickets neatly
standing the fence strong
beneath gray hat shadows
slightly tilted as your smile
all the stories ever told
Vaudeville songs and lore
still seeing your face there
looking past the lens in that
‘Madam Madon’ kind of way.

– For Grandpa Clyde

of that, the days carry long
stones polished and edgy
upon the paths’ canvas shoes
dusted memories roll the hill
rest upon the mossy ledge
teeter there a while before
wind softly shadows cast
twisted images dancing bares
the hope you carry daily
for what lies ahead waiting.