Morning’s joy

 ‘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.