#NaPoWriMo – day six

in the morning,
silence. and in the mourning,
silence. and then all the words
and what words
cannot say replaced
by touch. or maybe a meal.
or a drink with a friend.
 
and then how to be lonely,
or sad. or how to be,
or keep moving, working,
saying good morning, or
thank you. and it’s okay
to laugh again, or enjoy
another’s company.
 
we keep saying
we almost lost you and
we did almost lose you
but maybe we also found each other
in the speaking of loss
sitting next to each other,
skin frail and paper-thin.
 
we keep saying just get better
and “better” is a relative term
so we sit here together
in silence. we take turns
talking of the possibilities of loss
how it is a shadow in the room;
in every room, now.

#NaPoWriMo – day five

I wanted to write an “Easter poem.”
Something about resurrection.
 
I too often feel like a white-washed tomb.
Chiefest of sinners, me.
 
I too have found myself walking in a garden;
A single destination in mind.
 
I too have sat in stunned silence,
Shrouded in wonder, bathed in light.
 
I too have found myself in need of new words,
Another way speaking/ moving through the world.
 
I have had days of new beginnings
Emerging from the river with singing.
 
Fill my cup once more.
Remind me there is a thirst to slake.
 
Remind me that stones are worn away.
Remind of that each beautiful day.

#NaPoWriMo – day three

open the gates!

there is talk of processions

misplaced acclaim

what must be torn down

what must be built

*

all day i’ve been cleaning

house, yard, expectations

look at my hands

*

the path is never the same twice

nor the river

nor the trees

*

i will never trust you again

without exercising faith

there is talk of confessions

the power of names

*

the table is ready

everything just so

let’s keep things simple

talk of commandments

not of suffering

*

you should probably rest,

now

National Poetry Month 2026

Once again, National Poetry Month is almost here, and once again I will be attempting to write a poem per day.

In Canada the theme will be LAND & SEA. From their website:

"Mother Earth began with spirit — first water, then land — alive and sacred. To walk on the land and touch her waters is an act of respect and gratitude. Every stone, stream, mountain, and drop of water is a teacher; every breeze, a messenger. We are called to listen, honour, by giving thanks through acts with care. Speaking with water and land we acknowledge its life-sustaining gifts; carrying the lessons of the past into the future through ceremony.

This National Poetry Month, the League and NWIA invite poets and readers to explore their relationship with water and land — to write, reflect, and celebrate our shared responsibilities and the sacred bonds that sustain us all."

In the United States they are celebrating their 30th year of National Poetry Month.

I hope you will join me on this year's journey -- my 12th of original poems and 16th overall -- and let me know which poems you like (or don't), and why.

   

#NaHaiWriMo 2026 - the final batch

#NaHaiWriMo - Family

All that laughing
The way we take up space
All that weeping

#NaHaiWriMo - Soap

Look at my hands

How many ways are there

To get clean

#NaHaiWriMo - Pink

Shoes, dress, eyes, nose, mouth
Fingernails, eye shadow, jewel

Underwear, tongue, skin

#NaHaiWriMo - Teeth

Whenever they break

You feel it larger than life

All those small pieces

#NaHaiWriMo - Titanic

They tried to warn me
The idea of you is so large

I can’t contain it

#NaHaiWriMo - Witch

They said all the names.

Only some of them were secret.

Only some of them.

#NaHaiWriMo - X-ray

There’s no hiding.
We can see everything.

It doesn’t matter.

#NaHaiWriMo - Lace

We weave together.

Decorate empty space.

Your hands so nimble.

*

Here we find regret.

Here we find forgiveness.

Here we find beauty.

*

You took all the swords,

Transformed them into ploughshares.

Magic takes time.

#NaHaiWriMo - Last

Despite everything
We keep collecting days

A necklace of hope