The Anniversary

No, no, not us. We've been going for 51 years and still counting.
















Jointly the path of life they tread
she looks aside, he looks ahead
their glances skirt the plants along the way
she humms a little tune
her mind conveniently blank
he walks behind
not thinking by the hour
whither their way goes,
neither one or other knows.

Talking is cheap they say,
so, easily they throw the chance away...

The path ahead comes to a fork
will they turn left or right
together silently to walk
or seek a little spark to catch
and find themselves some other match?

The Nest is Empty

The nest is empty now

the birds are flown

the joy of flight

their wings uplifting

life's unending journey

spurs them on to shoals

and dangers, happiness

and fears, through stormy seas

to light so blinding

that the senses swoon

What path awaits

in untried tumbling flight

where will their hearts

find haven after toil

we can but wish them well

*

The nest is empty now

while silence deafening

booming our senses stuns

the home is silent now

small chirping children's voices missing . . .