Two More Poems

These two poems were composed in Cenci, Italy in 2001.
I share them here for all those we carry within us even though we don't see them anymore.


Separated by Time

You leave the nest to seek adventure in life,
Believing it is out there, in some other place.
If I were a bird, I'd sing, saluting your departure,
Your triumphant flight.
Then I would settle in my nest, and wait awhile.
In time, I would make the journey to your new land.
I would build a new nest, made of twigs and leaves familiar to you.
Then I would settle in my new nest, and wait awhile.
In time I would come to sing for you, to you; at dawn, at dusk.
Eventually you might recognize me
And I would offer to share my nest with you.



Separated by Space

If I were a bird, I would build a fine nest outside your home.
If you would allow me, I would build my nest from
     the feathers of your pillow,
     the threads of your clothes,
     the hair from your brush.
I would watch to see that you were safe and well and happy.
If you were, I'd sing for you.
If you were not, I'd come closer and sing for you.
I would use my wings to brush away any tears of sadness you cried.
And when you were gone, I'd set perch on your headstone;
Eternally.
Finally.

RIP Sister Walter Anne

  Last month I learned that Sister Walter Anne had recently died at 90+ years of age. Some folks who met with her last summer told me they had a wonderful visit remembering the early days of St. Pius X school. As far as I can recall she was the first principal of the school. By the time the class of '64 reached 8th grade she was no longer teaching but I think she was still the principal. I don't really have any personal memories of her, I just remember her tall presence in all the school activities during the first half the sixties. Maybe someone can add a comment if they have any warm memories.
   I know that schools no longer have the services of nuns for teaching like they did 50 years ago. I suppose we could have had more strictly trained teachers…but I'm not sure we could have had more dedicated or helpful teachers and therefore any better teachers. It's kind of amazing to think of these women, dedicating themselves to teaching children, without the distractions felt by so many elementary school teachers today.