Its scent weakened by passing timeMy nose snuggles next to its eroded cakeNot like beforeWhen powerful spice cartwheeled out of a newly opened packageStockpiled for days that never cameEight years murmuring manly man perfumeSneaking out, now fading into wisps of memoryWhispers not shouts.Whispers like those memories I seek to capture from before Pain eased into … Continue reading Irish Spring

The Narrows, Willamette River, Oregon You return to me in these places I journey.Solo explorations beneath canopies of cottonwood and maple.I hesitate to admire the trillium only today peeking out from the soil and hear your voice telling granddaughters about these white short-lived beauties that wake in those first moments of spring.The brilliant yellow flowers … Continue reading Of Place