Real Birds

they didn't notice the nuns
but the party on top of the
747 made them worry

the nuns came in right
crossed and went out the
door just as she came in

two real birds studied
the stuffed caged bird
without tearing it apart

wind was not a factor
though they were flying
550 miles an hour

that's how I knew it not
a real play or party birds
only dream of singing

More Me

still more me than old
I wonder objectively
what feeling good means
at eighty-five is this it
this vague malaise
is anything wrong I need
to do something about
or is this old well-being

The Piano

not just a director
like Elia Kazan
wrote books too

not just a writer
like Virginia Woolf
published books

not just a word man
like so many
played the piano

not just an artist
like Frank O'Hara
a lover of life

Too Fast

we learn how to live with it
fire up the generator
profligate with ancient gas
warm enough in layers
I even work recollecting
how I lived in another time
doing too much too fast
and lived to tell all

Bright Wounds

in the afternoon low sun under clouds
glittered on the icy trees
freezing rain
in the night broke them
major branches down tops snapped off
leaving bright wood wounds
trunks bent to the ground
century-old oaks uprooted
the power is out
well pump phones internet down
we are helpless in the dark
cleanup not yet even begun

My Day

 1
is life boring
or am I boring
or am I fine
not bored at all
barely time

2
cheerio say I
to the chickens
or ciaou ta ta
thanks for eggs
thus my day

Private Museum

 random content from the New
York titled publications meets
one's personal historic images
every day as a private museum
aging furniture threadbare rugs
creeping stasis weaved illusions
disenabling forward movement

every element demands renewal
choice thinking witty exchange

Worth Remembering

 one day when I was there
who came in but you
do we know each other
from somewhere less wet

how rude to have forgotten
if there is anything worth
remembering is there
do you remember me

not that sensitive we

won't breach the compact
sharing never judging
dry off and go away

After Lunch

would I be saying staying
mum what can't be words
not worthwhile thinking

I sense there might be

more squeeze day play
solitaire but not too soon

everything gets done I
nap after lunch work
easy in the afternoon

what I wanted to say
emerges whether I will
or tease the opposite

Letting Go

 are actors entertainers are
opera singers are writers
yes we all want to give you
a good time and something
else you don't always get
in ordinary everyday life

simple words for a simple
idea letting go of all that
seriousness naturally play
with thought and meaning
have some chocolate turn
on if you like to have fun