Family

When our laughter went quiet
And the stories about children and dogs
And how we’ve been spending our time
Turned to plans for Thanksgiving
And thoughts of safety in a world
Full of fear
I felt a lifetime of high expectations 
Push down on our weekly call

We four children 
Making plans or not 
Carry the hopes of a lonely mother
A generous mother
Who wanted to fill her table with food
And sit a happy family 
Generations deep 
Around the room

As you boys gather children and friends
Sitting at a safe distance
Saving big bear hugs for next year 
Take a moment to look around
There she’ll be
So soft 
She could almost pass through you
So happy 
Smiling among the ancestors

~ Robin J. Phillips, Nov. 13, 2020

Dogwalk

Today’s big treat
Came from the birds
Tiny white splats in the driveway
Each one with its own special smell
You took your time with each of those little droplets
I took my time watching you

~ Robin J. Phillips, Nov. 1, 2020

Softening

I once called this room
Sadness 
Grief
Longing
Despair

As I walk 
through the door today
I breathe deep my mother’s perfume
I feel her hand on mine

~ Robin J Phillips  September. 22, 2020




Mom’s Old Room

For a year now, I’ve worked and read and thought
And started my mornings 
While lying in the bed next to where my mother
Spent her final days. 
My sweet dog and I 
get up early and slip into Mom’s old room 
With a cup of coffee and a burning
Desire for peace

~ Robin J Phillips  August 11, 2020

25th Week of Lockdown

Long-distance miles go by easier 
If you check them off
One telephone pole at a time

Push through to the next hill
Conquer your quiet mornings
Master every listless moment

An urge to stop for a coffee and chat
Or cool down with a crowd in the park 
Will subside if only I keep breathing 

In through my nose
And out through my mouth 
Whish whish whish 

Going the distance
Keeping a nice even pace 
One week at a time

~ Robin J Phillips September 10, 2020