(x = space)
x
x
Old River
x
There is sunshine I haven’t
Seen for a while
Western Pennsylvania had been
Living into its reputation
For precipitation
(there is a flood watch on
because the Ohio,
deep and wide
like the song,
could overmarch its primordial
lines)
I’m glad to be with family
Took two occasions—three if
Counting my sister and hers moving
Here—being New Year’s
And my brother’s illness
x
Four out of five
Like the dentists
Have made it here so far
The fifth is coming soon
And I don’t know how to contemplate
What might happen next
x
An elder brother’s murder
Was the dilemma for sibling Claudius
Here, cancer wants to commit
The crime,
The murder of my brother’s health
Unlike those of Claudius,
My words fly up with thought
And heaven catches them
I’ll keep offering
And offering
x
In long ago, a sacrifice
Might help
But in the suburbs
No such help
Because we’ve grown beyond
The need
Some might say
(and should)
The laws have changed
Now it’s medications, institutions
On another altar
We can kneel and pray
Ancient of days
Will hear
As if it were the temple near
Whose opening we’d approach
As clean and ready
Bearing gifts
As we can be
x
selah
x
Now roll away, tumors
Like the stone that matched
An opening
So long ago
x
C L Couch
x
x
Pittsburgh
x
January 3, 2022 at 6:45 pm
Wow. Sending prayers. Because I believe in the science…and I also believe in the other altar. Absolutely.
January 4, 2022 at 3:29 am
Thanks! Me, too. I was taught that religion and science do quite well together.
January 4, 2022 at 12:25 am
Dealing with death, no matter its form is grief. Sorry to hear your news.
January 4, 2022 at 3:31 am
You’re right, I’m trying to understand how to grieve now, since I’m feeling it inexorably. Thank you!
January 4, 2022 at 1:16 pm
Rightfully so. Take care.