fingers

I wondered when

and what to do
when she asked
whether l hold hands
palm to palm
or with fingers
interlaced.

Caught off guard
I only said
I didn't know
I had never
given it much thought.

It seems to me
it always changes
from time to time
instance to instant.
So much like hugs
and even kisses
it's always the first time
that we remember.
 
-dp-
11-9-14

> pan

you could be my

Neverland darling. 
and I, after several costly
and complicated 
operations,
could be your sweet,
nearly pubescent,

Pan. 
friend of fairies,
captain of lost boys,        
foe of the evil captain hook.
clap your hands if you believe

-dp-

11-8-14

routine

it was routine

I lacked 

before.

mixing oatmeal,

slicing apples 

peeling boiled eggs

for lunch.

slipping 

frozen dinners

into the microwave.

doing my laundry.

perpetual 

terminal

laundry.

Once 
I walked into 

the mississippi

and almost drowned,

like my father did

and his father did

but without intent
battling different

sorts of storms.

But a red moon

saved me.

lead me

from that torrent.

brought me home 

wet and tired,

scared and 
scarred, and

terminally

cautious.

Then,

I met you,

and still there
is routine.  

routine,

and waiting.

waiting for you

to show me

that hope 

is eternal

and love is

hardly routine 

-dp-
4-28-14