up hill I follow a shadow
maybe a wind
gliding through grass

matching the movements
of Hayden's concerto
you sway you dance

a peaceful kind of magic
is woven
into your steps

and yet no ring on your finger
no earrings not even a scarf
for the wind to play

I wish I could melt
in this dance
with hues and scents

is this the time
to complete the circle
you sway I stay

dancing alone
spreading the magic
of falling leaves

up hill through the gold
red brown and magenta
you leave

I HEARD THE ANGELS . . .

for Jasmin

I heard the angels
some angels
carry the depth
in their eyes

I try to discover
perhaps the voice of the ocean
perhaps the silence
that is pronounced

I find
swift beauty
in hands
care giving
to
         five children 
         borrowed so to speak
         the dog the cat
         and the rest of us 
         mere mortals

         the tiny diamond 
         on the left hand
         the ruby and the golden band
         the aquamarine your birth stone
         on the other
         and the black hills golden rose
         five rings in all
         where used to be six

one is missing
that cannot be borrowed
taken away
with the piece of you

one is missing
freely given
with your heart
the blessed one

rains ask no questions
leaves cover the valleys
the Rockies teach
seven different shades of snow

melting into
the Snake River
wandering ‘round your home

I caress
your lines
and the lines for you

         could you find peace
         in my arms

lost by the sea
I wonder

         where do you hide
         your wings
         when you are falling 
         asleep