An Old New Love

and of the new year
and new life
an old love 
feels so new 
we’ve so much 
so much
as we near an end
feels so fresh 
a new love 
a love to last
forever

~ Robin J Phillips, Jan. 2, 2025

HEARTSICK (or On the Transplant List)


You’ve loved me 
with this heart for
so long

you’ve thrilled me
with your smile 
your laugh
your swag
and love of life

and life
life is what will 
fuel our precious 
everything

together we’ll 
love a new heart 

teach it to dance 
in the kitchen
swaying to our own 
special song

we’ll teach this new
heart     (our heart)
to love
in ways 
only we know how     

~ Robin J. Phillips, Jan. 26, 2025

(Thank you to Jim Dine for his wonderful heart art.)

Caregiver Caretaker

Day 4 of my wife’s new heart

I hope I’m helpful 
my head down 
pushing forward 
not falling
but not quite standing

they say 
take care of yourself 
meaning eat, go for a walk
take a break 

but you know   don’t you
there is no break because
you’re really trying 
just not to get hit by a car 
or fall down some stairs 

or lie down at night 
eyes open  
waiting 
just to get up again 

 

~ Robin J. Phillips, March 11, 2025

Focus on the Future

I’ve heard that people 
Who spend a long time in prison 
Need glasses when they get out 
Their eyes no longer focus on the future 
Or distance 
Today is Day 28 in this hotel 
Four weeks
Since the call in the night 
Since the 9-hour surgery 
Since my love 
Was given a new heart
It’s been 4 weeks now
Since the doctors 
Set us free
And my eyes are
Readjusting

~ Robin J. Phillips, April 4, 2025