That is a big bird 
Soaring along the creek
And those are little brown birds
Rushing across the street

Why yes I am a bird watcher
For I observe and wonder in awe
At distinctions between 
A warble and a caw-caw 

But if you ask me if that duck 
Is the Greater or Lesser Scaup
I’ll squint and frown and shut you down
Cause what does it really matter

If its head is perfectly round
Or its entire wing is white
And besides lesser and greater
Seem a bit judgmental, right 

So leave me to my own devices
A birdwatcher I will be 
I’ve named the two who perch near my porch
Ricky and Lucy

~ Robin J Phillips  August 6, 2020

My Mom made a baby in 14 months
Well, it only took 9 
But I was 14 months old
When my baby brother was born
And then he was the baby
What did that make me at 14 months
A very small second mother 
A pint-sized good girl
A wee lass who could 
Take care of herself pretty well

It’s been 14 months 
Since my Mom died 
No longer pint-sized
Some days I still feel overwhelmed
I am that wee lass
Longing for my mother
To pick me up

Robin J. Phillips  July 27, 2020

I kinda like the 
New World Order
Welcoming guests
Getting ready for a party
Planning a gathering of friends
Means blowing the leaves off the driveway

No longer do I have to shop and cook 
And set the table with 
My mother’s silver

Let’s just put out chairs
Six feet apart 
And gather on the drive 
With our own snacks 
And drinks 
And masks

Thank you for coming
To my humble home

~ Robin J Phillips  July 17, 2020

Beautiful blue dragonflies
Appear at the bow of my kayak
As I head into the final cove
They hover nearby
Like tiny helicopters
Like sun-kissed swimmers 
Like lei-laden maidens
Coming to welcome me home

~ Robin J Phillips  July 16, 2020

I have sat on the porch until
I’ve become a PhD of porch

Hours hiking our hills have
Made me the Dean of dogwalk

My black belt is in cleaning closets
And filling bags for Goodwill

I’m working on a Master’s
In making the most of every moment

~ Robin J Phillips  July 6, 2020