Despite This Thing We Call Grief

by Rod Peckman

Behind this incubate day,
mists spray silent but whispered.
A flood when our summer slakes,
leaves umber flaking to rust.

Soft ray settles petaled hair,
leaves bare the purple to rust.
Incubate these true diamond tongues,
not the sweet sordid language of teeth.

Please whisper while you soar.
Don’t forsake this sun as it breaks,
and please whisper your slow fall,
and send notes of thanks as they save

those gifts you feel that are yours.