Poems for Lance

on this evening, we celebrate his passing with binges of non-grieving joy

after sunset colors the sky with pale hope, the minstrels
strike a bittersweet chord, yet with them doves and angels do not lament
quickly, bright stars twinkle, while peacefully, they catch a wish

he runs, now light-footed and nimble, a new messenger caressing the clouds


sunset minstrels
[2009.2.9….a]
In loving memory of Lance Smigel

the shutters are closed, they retain soft darkness in the back room
this place where I write, meditate, exist – but life escapes me still
today, death visits… I welcome the somber words of my tears


closed in
[2009.1.9…b]

today the rain falls, muted and hushed, respecting mourning rites
even the silent Pacific greets our tears, leaving salt on our cheeks
over the waves near your home, the sun will rise tomorrow


the sun never sets without rising
[2009.1.9…c]

he was a god
her god
creating all things peaceful and powerful
but his greatest contribution to her life
was his love, inexorable
like the liquid churning scarlet lava
ceaselessly overflowing
from the highest mountain
and extinguishing the waves' power
in the restless sea below their castle
together
they joined eternity with reality
in a fierce, implosive soul-blending
that transcended time
they lived joyously
at the brink of this turbulent danger
the passion of those marveling
its unpredictable eruptions

yet for her love he chose mortality
such came his now solemn ending

undaunted, he becomes a single hummingbird
to reflect forever in the closing sunset
remaining as close to the heat as he may
nightly adding his brilliant vibrancy
to the passionate red-orange-pink horizon
to mesmerize her souvenirs
as she walks calmly
in the cooling ashes
he left behind


when gods become men
[2009.1.9...a]
In loving memory of Lance Smigel