Recent poems
December 1, 2016Favorite Fiddle Tune
When the sundial’s shadow has faded from view —
When the red leaves of autumn are gone —
When your workshop is quiet, and your kitchen is, too,
May your favorite fiddle tune play on!
And I hasten to listen to your voice presently,
While your singing persists, loud and long,
But when the tides lift your body back out to the sea,
May your favorite fiddle tune play on!
Muggle Snuggle
No incantation keeps our stars aligned;
No wizard conjures us to share one mind.
Yet you are mine and, likewise, I am yours
As utterly as Snape was Dumbledore’s.
For Trisha, Who Is Turning 40
Is it time to retire to a spot by the fire?
Are you fed up with slogging and grinding?
Not likely, my friend! But I do spot a trend:
You’re over the hill, but still climbing.
Be willful! Be stubborn! Be bold and unbowed!
May your path remain craggy and winding!
Your ultimate races have yet to be run;
You’re over the hill, but still climbing.
Well, your mom was a fireball up to the end,
And of that we all need no reminding,
For her life-long momentum continues in you;
You’re over the hill, but still climbing.
Yes, you’re just like her, as your dad would concur:
You’re over the hill, but still climbing.
* * * * * * *
My Track Record 
Wonderful! Do I detect a Crowther echo in the first poem? Gee,let’s not get too preoccupied with going down to the sea …..
Yes indeed, Beverly — “Favorite Fiddle Tune” was inspired in part by John Masefield’s “Sea Fever,” which (as you know) was read at your father’s funeral and which I still find stirring.