I have mourned

I have mourned the Georgian athlete
whose life ended in a fasterthanbreath collision.
They ran a story that day that spoke of genetics
of risk-takers, born for adventure, their lives
a tightrope walk across the Grand Canyon.
Who are They? And what right do they have
to toss him into a chasm of statistics?

I have mourned the Georgian athlete.
He has a mother, a father; probably
brothers and sisters. The darling of his family,
hero of his neighborhood, success story of his
town, name known throughout his country.
He was young, so hard-working, dedicated,
placing his life in the hands of a Committee.

I have mourned the Georgian athlete.
My eldest son is 8 now. You know him, he has no fear.
He has a mother and father, a brother; he seeks adventure
and the adulation of others. He makes mistakes,
falls a lot, scrapes his knees. He trusts everyone.
I have mourned the Georgian athlete
and I will never forget him, for what he did
he did for us. He did for me.

lgb
2/19/10

Latest Poem

Today I thought I lost them


It was getting dark, and no kids.
I had sent them outside to play
and they know to come in before dark
and to not go where I can’t see them
and not to talk to strangers
or get into strange cars.

But it was getting dark, and no kids.
I walked and drove the block – no kids.
I yelled in the back yard – no response.
That voice began in the back of my brain
and yet, I felt they were safe somewhere.
Even their bikes were home.

Finally I stood in the dark house,
centered, that panic grabbing me
and the thoughts of calling police
and my God, what would I say to their dad?
I wailed for my eldest son, desperately, loudly,
and I heard his reply.

They had sneaked back into the house
and put themselves to bed, perfectly quiet,
completely covered by their blankets,
ears stoppered to my yelling with sleep.
I stood looking at them, dumbfounded,
no sane response.

I won’t dwell on where my mind had gone.
Shots, treatments, anguish, surgeries, years,
cannot have more, and no longer have each other.
I won’t focus on how my life revolves around
these two small and wonderful souls.
I will just live gratefully.

30 Dec 2008