The Tomato-coloured Couch 2:50pm
Today in The Little Store
in Clark’s Harbour
which I patronize
as much as I can
I was addressed
by a sardonic neighbour
as “Mrs Blair” — boy
has She got My Number
The Hawk Portico 4:45pm
I want to write
My Life Out
in brilliant vibrancy
like the colours
of My Quilt
Purple & Teal
housed now
in a lavender room
by The Sea
(of course)
where I am
happiest
in a red deck chair
on My Front
Stoop
(The Portico)
entertained by amiable neighbours
taken care of
(in case I still need care)
by My
Glowingly Handsome Husband —
let Me write
too
about My Beautiful
Daughter
My Heroic Son
& yes
as the brightest
of all
let Me write
& Write
about My Love
which strings Me along
from water tap
to ocean spray
I drink
from My Glass
named Life
& I live
in Divine
Completeness
The Tomato-coloured Couch 7:44pm
I need A New Symbol
for good grace
white pick-ups
don’t cut it any-more
license plates with D’s & V’s
are crumpled down
below My New Acquisition
laying out on Eliza’s bed:
My Boldest Quilt
Stating The Strength Of Colour
Pattern
Handi-work
The Tomato-coloured Couch 8:11pm
Doctors & Nurses are The Stewards
of The Dying
& when The Dying finally
Die
The Dead get off easy
(as My Daughter said)
The Hawk Deck 7:47pm
All That I Have Lived For
Is Wrapped Up In This Moment
As I Am Wrapped In My Heavy Grey Bathrobe
With The Spears Of Light Forever Above Me
And All Down Around Me
How Have I Gotten This Far?
Through A Child’s Adoration Of A Pair
Of Love Birds To A Mother’s Love
Of Her Dearest 2.4’s
The Evening Light Is Upon The East
Illuminating The Scrub Spruce Forest
And I Have Come This Far
Joanna Gilman Hyde 