For Helen

Speak to me
Softly
Lay your words as morning dew
Upon my heart
And do not leave so long as they remain

For Margaret

Now comes the darkness
A welcome respite, and
Eternal peace

Rain

Rain falling softly
Tenderly touching leaves, and
Dancing in puddles

Saving Grace

Why did you leave?

     I cannot say.

We loved you so.

     From day to day.

We never knew.

     It hides sometimes.

A fatal flaw?

     A word unkind.

You did not say.

     A silent scream.

You did not care.

     Too much it seems.

What could we do?

     No more, no less.

A final word?

     A soft caress.

What then remains?

     A quiet place.

Forgiveness then?

     A saving grace.

Count to Ten

One little face
One little red nose

Two little feet
Two big toes

Three peas in a pod
Each in its place

Four tiny horses
In a tiny horse race

Five fingers and toes I have at both ends
I wiggle them all with my family and friends

Six silly sailors
In a silly sail boat

Seven sad cowboys
In yellow raincoats

Eight is enough
Not a single one more

Nine buttoned-up maidens
On a buttoned-down tour

Ten tiny captains sailed in circles and then
Counting their blessings, started over again