air(minus planes) show

low clouds thick as raw wool

blanket the community enticed

by advertising to gather at the airport

for the annual air show with jet

formations and aerobatics,

antique by-wings, wing walkers,

military planes and fireworks

and tomorrow forecasts rain

ah, me, could this be the year

there will be an air show

without airplanes?

self-blame

men who love at times feel crushed

by ‘failure’ to protect beloveds

from terrifying health issues

they cannot control

problems breathing, chest pain

sudden loss of vision

blinding headaches

“Oh, there’s nothing wrong with you”

is more a wish than condemnation

however unfeeling it may seem

denial is their unconscious dealing

with their own aching disquiet rather

than admit that the one they adore

needs their comfort and assurance