Tai Chi

children's voices from the creek
tai chi in the park on a hot day
four of us sync with our teacher
smell of cut grass slow precision
sun spots like unwanted attention
hot breezes off the pool parking
cooling when the direction shifts
specimen trees fine companions
bow to each other at conclusion

After All

after all we used to think possible
what remains we have composed
to be like this here now for a time
refreshed by the changing seasons

after all we are still who knows it
listening for hints of unspoken joy
itches aches pains the aging body
better able to bear the old routine

after all the moment come move
on the day breakfast and all that
ready to receive and giving back
blessings grateful to be our own

What I Mean

if I can't talk to you there's
no one between us only air

this the way it is then words
hopeless only action speaks

you don't wait for approval
or care what I am thinking

interesting if true love truly
on another level altogether

I believe what I must must
avoid saying what I mean

Rabbit Thoughts

for Walt Whitman

nature is a problem now
growth needs to be cut back
beauty an accidental remnant

my ceaseless musing hurts
without revealing its sources
in turmoil like incoherent soup

possible solutions never stick
cleaning the field for more dirt
rising sun watching in dismay

what we have done to deserve
this only too obvious heedless
instinct pushing its own button

such a situation uncreated calls
for leaps of joy beyond when
failing legs no longer spring be

mellow in your later years be
happy to have loved be glad
not to have made things worse