Fallin' Down in the Falls

I've wandered
slipped up past old heaps
clutter and cigarette butts
through the alley
climbed high up over the streets
thrown brown bottles down
crashing the night
been with the townies
as we sip first burning whiskey
out behind the rink
trying to look like it don't hurt
seen lads punched and thrown
landing on the beer cases
stumble strut around
or walk with purpose to "the party"
served beers at 15
local tavern bends taps for anyone
if the cash flows
high school jackets or not
danced in a hops soaked frenzy
in the teen heat of the gym
nipped a pull of a strong drink
poured it - glop
into my morning coffee
bottle tucked back into the locker
next to mine
sipped cold beers in the shack
wood stove pumping
as the high hat thumps
and guitars unceasing
in the winter night
sure... I've fallin' down in the Falls

Ode to a Lawn Chair

reach into that jumble
of toys, balls, rain coats and chairs
wander over the field
pick your spot
yes - out on the edge
of the soccer field
nice spot
further out the town houses
ring it all around
single family homes next
and mini van roads
suburbs - yes,
but this is your spot
your place
of your lawn chair retreat.

a forest poem

Heavy work
sun's heat makes
it through the leaves
sweat
a double sting
on my deer fly bites
brush cut and piled
marvel at our work
road cleared
rabbit runs
down his new path.

Wool Coat

This old wool coat
has served me well.
Almost wish it was older
connect me to times
long past.
Older version was
blue plaid perfect
for short legged walks
around the forest yard.
This one is warm; dark
sucks the sun warmth in deep.
It will serve me well
to wrap my wee ones
in giant arms.
A double coat
for this well loved load.
Might try to get the old one back
rebirth from a garden shed.
It hangs there now on a nail.

Beams

these beams are saturated
deep and full
of Songs
even the floor boards could sing
with a solid boot stomp
yes, these old songs
hang thick
dirty, messy blues
and full fat rock chords
good day in late spring
with the promise of more songs