Calling Joan

I felt the need to call Joan today
My favorite aunt
died not long ago
at 98
98 
a legacy or responsibility 
to strive for 98
her smile was still
broad and bright 
not ready quite
to let her go
I felt the need 
to call today 

Robin J Phillips, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

Please

Please, I said to my dog
Who leaned in close
Wrapping his neck around my neck

Please, I said to my brothers
Who don’t talk about our parents
Who are gone but still hover above nearby

Please, to my cousins
Who have the blood of our blood
The stories of our families 

Please, I say to all my cells
To my breath to the end
To all I’m made of

And please again to my dog 
Who snuggles close
Whispering, whatever you need
I am here

Robin J Phillips  April 26, 2020

Image

Canopy

Waiting for my dog to tire of his tennis ball
I lean back and watch the trees
Layer upon layer
Blowing in the wind
I sway with them

Robin J Phillips  May 7, 2020

My Mom’s Hands

My Mom’s hands
Tapped out a tune on the steering wheel
as she drove from here to there

My Mom’s hands 
Smoothed an invisible line on the table cloth 
Laughing with her friends

My Mom’s hands
Tickled my arm absently
As we watched every episode of Doc Martin

My Mom’s hands
Are here in my own hands
Her lines and veins and strength

Robin J Phillips  May 26, 2020