Old apple tree
There is an apple tree
At the bottom of the garden
Where my brother and I once played
Swinging on branches
Climbing high and low.
Tree stood a century
Giving September crop of apples
Now in my old age a shrine
With memories of childhood.
There is an apple tree
Where I often go and sit beneath
And if I listen very hard
I hear my brother’s happy cries
As we climbed high and low.
Circus lion tamer
Great Lionel was a lion tamer, intrepid, bold and true
Star of circus, daredevil hero of the sawdust ring
Bravery second to none knowing no fear.
Introduced by ringmaster steps into the ring
Wearing red satin tights, purple vest, black boots
Cracking whip with pistol on hip, haughty and proud
Fearlessly entering lions cage with contemptuous grin.
Confronting three elderly lions and sullen lioness.
Audience cheer; Great Lionel bows and waves,
Cracks whip with three lions leaping onto barrels
Quiet, ready to perform following his commands.
But lioness refuses, and hungry wanting her dinner
Ate Great Lionel, leaving whip and black leather boots.
Mermaid
Senses reeling, unsure, chaste and inspired
Half human, half fish, consumed with love
Mermaid, beautiful, bold, green-eyed
Saves sailor fallen overboard from drowning
Sinking down to where giant squid is king.
Three-masted sailing ship smashed and wrecked
Hull crushed, masts snapped, sails ripped
Hauled below by goliath squid beneath the waves
All hands lost but handsome second mate.
Night and day she supports him in her arms
Head resting upon her bosom unconscious
Kept safe above white crested dancing waves.
Swimming him to shore waits far off
For humans to come to carry him away.
Thunder of days
Days of thunder roar and rage
Holding memories fast
Howling each storm’s furies.
Once I was young
Chasing dreams and love
Never faltering in my step.
Days of thunder seeming endless
As I outran each purple storm
Never breaking pace nor denying God.
