This changes nothing and everything

The bells ring the quarter hour
Without fail
They pealed on Christmas eve
As always
The air is chilly
But not cold
The sky is perfectly clear
Serene they call it here
The pace hastens
Lights twinkle
Shops are full
People are happy
Everyone says auguri, auguri, auguri
They smile
The family comes
And goes
Life goes on as normal
As he lay dying

Steal Away

Like a thief in the night
Sometimes I wish
He would just drift away
In his sleep
In peace
To know no pain
Or suffering
Neither his
Nor ours

The Act

A twelve inch
Sutured surgical wound
Someone so angry
With you
They brutally block
Your dreams
And yank a secure rug
From beneath you
Yet still want you
With a canister
Of chemo
Hanging from their chest
Despite entreaties
Use no protection
So you get
Your own little dose
And its implications
Finally
So despondent
Just the thought
Of affection
Provokes waves
Of tears and trembling
Only to be suppressed
It's all just an act

Writhing with a straight face

Terror with a tranquil expression

Indistinguishable anguish

Trembling

With a firm hand

Smiling serenely

Eyes abrim

Swallowing the lump

Breathing deep

and exhaling slowly

Foreboding forbid

The Guide

A tall thin Black man

On long limbs

With long 

Powerful strides

Guides walkers

Quietly 

Fearlessly

Tirelessly

Through these mountains

He guides them

Where will we go today

They ask

Just up that mountain

Across 

And down again

He guides them

As though it were 

Only a hill

He walks

And within the year

Will you scratch my head

The fellow walker asks

Breathlessly

Yes, that’s just the spot

He nods and sighs

Unable to speak

Lovingly

Tirelessly

All but fearlessly

Beside 

Two friends

Through

One last game of chess

One last partita

He guides them

To see them off 

On their journey

To another life

When it's time

Remember to brush Fluffy
You know how matted she gets in the spring
Don't forget
To leave the water running
In a hose during winter
Otherwise the pipes will freeze
Okay
Maybe you can find someone
To spray and prune the fruit trees
And the vines
I will
Gianni should be able to help you
Dismount the pool pump motor
I've shown him a couple of times
Check the oil in your car
Do you remember
Where I showed you
To replace the windshield washer fluid
Yes
Check your tires
Summer and winter
All right
Take care of yourself
And Gianni
I will

That day will come

When your son is small
You comfort him with a breast
As he grows
Your arms
When he can say
Mamma help me
Your lap
Taller than you
A hug
There will come a time
When his father says
Mamma help me
And I can not