The little tin
hat that keeps
rain water out
shakes in wind
trapped like mice
who exhaust themselves
looking for freedom
but I know
that this tympani
means oncoming storms
so batten down
for May’s fury
Category: Love
Ends
The day stretches
a winding river
through the valley
of quiet night
carrying with it
boulders of change
chilled by snow
fallen high above
these stones scrape
the daylights weariness
finally sinking down
into hot springs
of bath and
a robust Malbec
opposite of you
and in front
of your foot
whose toes taunt
this little piggy
went to market
Maestro
To lead quietly
and by example
is to conduct
life’s own symphony
allowing each person
to play their
own separate part
in perfect harmony
with each other
and in that
disappear in silence
Worth
By and
for and
on behalf
of others
but now
myself has
unlocked mysteries
of life
and love
heretofore ignored
focusing now
on my
self worth
instead of
validating attention
Nibble
It’s now this
time of day
when missing what
casts its long
shadow as day
draws to close
and low sun
brings with it
this dark reflection
as though I’ve
been sitting dockside
pole in hand
hoping for at
least the nibble
of someone’s curiosity
HARLAN DIDRICKSON 