i exist
and don’t
exist
like a scar
i am both
a memory
and an omen
like fragrant flowers
hanging on the gate
of the cemetery
or a tombstone
with loving words
written by those
who are no longer
around
to remember
their dead
Meditation — I exist
Meditation — My lover
my lover
and I met
in a garden
of lemon trees
in a field of lavender
we had our first kiss
my lover
and I sang
in the vineyards
made love
among sunflowers
and we cried
where hyacinths bloom
my lover
and I grew
wherever
there was soil
to hold our roots
and when we died
in the winter
our bodies
gave birth
to spring
Meditation — Shimmer
You stand
across from me
in this grassy field
while silence
spreads
like spilled ink
in the space
between our bodies.
The clouds
overhead
are afraid to move.
I hold my breath
and so do
the mountains
and the squirrels
in the branches
as you
clear your throat
to say
good-bye, forever.
And even then,
the alphabet
shimmers
when you speak.
Meditation — In the shadows of buildings
Because of you
I now walk the streets
like a lost man,
these streets
that knew me so well
and called me by name once.
The windows stare down
at me with pity,
and the street dogs
get out of my way.
Because of you
I now walk
in the shadows
of buildings,
the sunlight
bends around me
so it doesn’t
have to touch me.
Meditation — The top
I will hold you
in my hand
like you were a top,
then wrap you
in so much love
that when i let go
it will send you
spinning
out into the world,
and you will spin
and you will dance
long after
I’m gone