the first iris bloom
all the more special
because it is a transplant
from Grandma’s garden
Grandpa chose the colors
sent them North
in five gallon buckets
with my father
who dug up
the boring white ones
and planted vivid hues
that my grandmother first chose
and I prefer too
oh, the first iris bloom
looking forward
to yellow, pale blue, two-tone
the other colorful iris
that will follow
soon

May 13, 2013

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I smiled quietly this morning
standing in a window lined hallway
seven stories up
savoring the sun shining in
turned toward North
(I guess)
since Chicago skyline
is on the horizon
I’d stepped out of the hospital room
to call my sister
left a message for her
with my voice breaking
and a few tears falling
at the end

January 22, 2013
Loyola hospital
Chicago suburbs
northern Illinois

onward

A winter storm is forecast for today. The sky is keeping us guessing with dark, gray clouds hanging low on the right side of the highway, and blue sky peeking through a bit on the left. Hoping blue sky wins (always), but that wind is blowing something fierce. Time will tell. For the moment, moving onward, heading North.

December 20, 2012