amid the surly, gnarled oaks
blown bare of every leave
dried acorns fallen on the ground
beneath arthritic arms bent low
the tiniest of figures lay
curled tightly in a warming ball

snow reappeared today
spring arrived and departed
almost overnight
the birds stayed
even a lone hummingbird
fresh up from Mexico
haunts the frozen feeders
the garden area is tilled
waiting

This pathway we walked together, my friend and I
laughing, remembering, enjoying each the other’s company
his ability to laugh at life made every day a delight

care ye not oh fearsome lads
the ones ye left lie crying
face ye your country’s enemy
without a thought for dying

the wee lad cuddles mother
her breast his haven safe