‘Morning’s joy’ Trgates,8/30/2026
at each setting Sun
as “evening and morning” were the first day”
we close our eyes until Sun’s rising.
at each birth, anointing of transition
as with each Blessed Repose
we hear those looking on with those near.
at each prayer “thy kingdom come”
as when “the Spirit like a Dove” came home
we hear “behold the Kingdom is now here.”
evening’s recline finds its rest
as its eyes open with those watching or near
joining a Psalm’s refrain to morning’s joy.
‘Love’s stroll with grief’ Trgates,8/23/2024
after that last fist of red dirt
tossed upon their goodnight repose,
after the gracious cliches shared
between family, friends
and many you don’t recall,
after the embraces
and our collective aphorisms
since we really have no idea what to say,
one friend looks at you and says,
“I know it hurts like hell
questions and answers matter not
like other such days
we’ll feel it together.”
then we share food, coffee and bread.
next day,
at the Outer Banks,
different yet similar to the Gulf,
treading water,
before you know it the undercurrent’s
pulled you out too far, and
far from sight of those on the beach.
scared shitless,
waves escalating, cascading
over me —
for a moment, seemed like ages,
every last fist of red earth arose
every person said goodbye to
every person who is baptized
by our questions and answers
washes over you.
miles down the coast,
finding yourself where your feet
finally touches sand,
walking out
for whatever reasons you exhale,
“Thank you.”
exhausted, you trek back,
don’t say anything to anyone,
well spent you know one strange thing,
everyone’s part of your hello and goodbyes,
yet the gift is with
the person in front of you.
pausing, appreciating the stroll.
