sometimes that’s all
we can offer 
some dregs
of warmth
our ancient
heat 
from dying embers

        May 18, 2025, Robin J. Phillips

I know the crow
has to eat
but I also have to
bang my broom
against the gutters
waking the brave juncos
sitting guard over
fragile eggs

we can hear so much better
than we can see
we can hear around corners
or behind us
I can hear your heart beating
with my eyes closed

we can hear faint whispers
and loud cries
over the sounds of the city,
I hear tiny birds in the trees

~ Robin J. Phillips, May 2025

Sorry
Mom said that a lot during her final weeks
Sorry you have to help me
Sorry I’m such a bother
Sorry I made a mess

Being from the ‘I’m-so-much-more -evolved-emotionally’ next generation
I suggested
Maybe you could just say
‘Thank you’
That might feel more positive, Mom
Thank you for taking care of me
Thank you for helping me
Thank you for cleaning up this mess
Thank you for loving me

Although she didn’t say it out loud,
I’m sure she was thinking to herself
‘You don’t have to be
such a smart aleck’

Because she was sorry
Sorry to need a hand
Sorry to lose her independence
Sorry to be aware enough to know
she was confused
And a little bit sorry to have me
see her like this

To you, my Mom
I say ‘Thank you’
Thank you for the memories
Thank you for letting me help
Thank you for riding out
your final days with us

Thank you for raising a smart aleck
Thank you for loving me

~ Robin J Phillips May 18, 2020