Lillian's Uncle Cippolla (A Villanelle)

Whenever we were together, we were young again
As when we had met six decades ago at Pitt.
Then you up and died and left me.

Once retired, we'd meet each month, come sun or rain.
I at the wheel, and on the passenger side you would sit.
Whenever we were together, we were young again.

How we'd shop – all over the Pennsylvania country,
Giddy like silly school girls through most of it.
Then you up and died and left me.

You taught me about antiques and French porcelain.
I taught you Italian to make up for it.
Whenever we were together, we were young again.

The Italian word cippolla means onion, and it tickled me
That you thought that so unbelievably funny, and yet –
Then you up and died and left me.

“I really really did have an Uncle Cippolla,” you said,
Whenever we were together, we were young again.
Then you up and died and left me.

April Fool and Anticipation, haiku-ish

Two Haiku for Spring

Birds sing in March dawn
Crocuses peek across the lawn
Spring is here at last

White roads, car tires spin 

Snowflakes wild in April wind

Winter’s one last blast

A Haiku For Morning Walk

Morning sun’s warm kiss
It gets no better than this
A walk in summer

I Have Something To Say

Something to say,

It hides away

Cloaked in memories

Too harsh, too cruel

To be given voice..

I have something to say.

Oh, but do not say

Lest you risk

All.

Yet someday, one day, 

Something to say will out.

Then look out.

Then be prepared to let all go – 

memories, bitterness, longing –

Love.