If Only

 * Tears Allowed *

11

If Only

Hoarse and stumbling

You spoke on the phone

I tried to offer comfort

My tongue grew heavy

Expressions

were not our language of love

The language you had me learn

The tongue I’m comfortable with now

has alienated us more.

Why Still This?

 * Just Another Day *

9

Why Still This?

At sixty

I thought 

I am thick

Unassailable

by frowns or sneers

Unruffled, unshaken

Say what may.

Be kind

You too will age one day.