March's Lovely Death Throws

I emerge from the canopy of cherry blossoms
into the flurry of massive conjoined snowflakes

I am wet and desire nothing more
The cold defines me intimately
with no malice nor rancor
I am completely aware of March
as the chrysalis of Spring

I work my way along the byways
hoping for sun later
but not now
Now the snow and cherry petals
and cold faced clouds
are bracing and affirming
affirming that my struggles are not in vain
that my effort defines a life
a life of growth and vitality

I am tired
but alive
living and burning down
to the radiant end

not marching like a resigned soldiery
not kicking like the shaven headed inmate
not shuffling like the plebeian cannon fodder
condemned to a neutered and gentrified tranquility

I feel today the Spring emotions
running like a bear or an ocelot
through me
a solitary predator
on the line
stretched thin between
the point of fervent survival
and indulgent self possession

A Strange Bird

riding my bicycle
today
at dusk
I saw a heron inches
from the juncture
of shore and water
I wanted so very badly
to arrest me my travels
and walk down to this dusky bird
and
enthusiastically
and
adoringly
squeeze it
in my arms
as a precious childhood memento
I abstained
and sallied forth
along the trail
towards the Sellwood bridge
The river was reflecting
the low lying clouds
The river was
purple as a bruised eye
as though I had injured it by rejecting
that spontaneous affinity for the heron
of just moments ago.

Dry Times

I hate these times
with no grand eloquence
to express these joys
nor the withering despair
we Americans encapsulate
The scorned and hated
the populace bereft of health care
social security, job security, national security
the giant corporate back hand
throws us across the room
slamming against the wall
We, teeth bared in impotent resistant
unable to believe that
biting the hand the feeds
has any merit to bring positive change
Ever modern individual
wants the same chance
a chance to own their destiny
a chance at security
a chance to be heard
and for that voice to be reciprocated
with meaningful political action
clean water would be a nice touch
as well