my friend walks on thin air
carrying a box
wrapped like a present
kelly green with white sparkles
laced with red ribbon
it doesn’t matter what’s inside
be it witchcraft
or magic beans
perhaps a talisman
or winter snowstorm
my friend opens her heart
the rest of us
gazing at night sky
and blinking repeatedly
counting each and every star
november two thousand eighteen
copyright j matthew waters
all rights reserve
I play this rock and roll
is how you see things
spreading your philosophy
to those drifting into or
near your path
somewhere along the line
there were lawsuits and
birthday parties
and many a prescription filled
selling cars off virtual lots
to pay for it all
all the while pretending
to be in other places
nearing forty years now
you magically appear out of the
proverbial atmosphere
same eyes and smile and laugh
same angry bird
chirping on my shoulder
thankfully reminding me there are
no goodbyes here
not as long as you
have anything to do with it
april two thousand seventeen
copyright j matthew waters
all rights reserved
Dedicated to Gary W. Keena
March 1, 1952 – February 1, 2013
What have you to live for
before you leave this world? before you’re on your own?
What cause will you die for
in your final hour? at your greatest need?
Tell me before you leave, what have you to say?
Tell me of the lonely riddle and the unknown way.
Old man, sit up straight,
don’t cough away your life…don’t hide your eyes.
Listen to my words of wonder;
do they matter? who really cares?
Answer me one question
before you leave this world…to satisfy my fear.
Tell me if you know
where you’re going next…tell me of paradise.
Today, today, it yearns for yesterday;
take me back one day so I might know the secret of creation.
Tell me before you leave, what have you to say?
Tell me of the lonely riddle and the unknown way.
About Gary
Poetry Video
recorded and posted february second two thousand thirteen
originally written circa nineteen eighty-four
copyright j matthew waters
all rights reserved
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