* paying tribute via Bert Meyers

I recently lost a friend of mine – at the same time that a few other people I know also lost people close to them.

For this week’s post, I thought I’d offer a poem by the great Bert Meyers.

Though about a specific person, I feel the sentiment speaks for many.

For W.R. Rodgers – Bert Meyers

I knew a candle of a man
whose voice, meandering in a flame,
could make the shadows on the wall
listen to what he said.
Time flowed from a vein that ran
its blue crack through his pale forehead.

He’s done.  You’d need a broom
to arouse him now.
All things burn before they’re dead.
Some men are words that warmed a room.

***

Happy warming!

Jose

* quick post: poems up at Gris-Gris & Oklahoma Review

Just a quick note to share the latest issue of Gris-Gris, featuring 5 poems of mine.  Check them out here.

Two of the poems were inspired by the work of Takuboku Ishikawa, whom I wrote about here earlier this year.  Special thanks to Jay Udall for giving my work a home.

I am also happy to share the latest issue of The Oklahoma Review which includes my poem “Dandelions.” Check out the issue here.  Thank you to Bayard Godsave & co. for the opportunity.

Lots of great work in both these publications.

A happy and safe New Year to y’all!

See you Friday!

Jose