DEATH IN THE FAMILY

The cat died the end of May,
the mice took up their kitchen play,
the birds resumed their nesting habits,
the garden fed the local rabbits.
 
The dog died sometime in June
and I began to sing a tune
resembling Handel’s famous chorus
with just a hint of feigned remorse.
 
My father died in January
his home-town fame was legendary;
but I’m still trying to recall
if we were very close at all.
 
My mother died the other day,
the earth began to tilt and sway;
and I’m left standing all alone
as if I weren't quite full-grown.

THE OCCASIONAL FIRE

POEMS
Life Scroll
Spirit Wings
Death in the Family
Flight Chief
Legacy
Honeymoon Photo, October, 1939
49 Chevy
The Seed of Me
Land of Rest
On Allison's Leaving
Telecom's Bequest
Starbucks, Tuesday, 3:36 p.m.
Action Still
Vital Meaning
Fools

HYMNS
God will not let us go
The rising sun blazed out of night
Light! Light! A shattering light
Worship the Lord
As a doe

ABOUT MARK RHOADS