so sorry, so late

red light blinking behind me

i hurried to turn into the garage

to get out of the ambulance’s way

and missed that it stopped

at the doorway of our building

and only learned at supper

that it had come for me friend

who had fallen

courage to laugh

 a friend in pain whose laughter

entices smiles from those around her

now, that is what i call courage

for Patty

 memorial

memories

drawing feelings, tears

laughter, whimsy, sorrow, dread

laughter again, this time subdued

in the realization she is gone

long drive to dinner

 touched with laughter

party of five extended family

and loved friend

elegant meal overlooking

misted ocean

well worth the hour and a half

drive to the coast

moments with JPM

memories and gratitude

fill me in her presence

as she remembers my storyline

from nearly a decade before

and waves away my thanks

for teaching how to lead

a writing group

earned trust

earned trust

haiku

knowing her deeply

recommendation comes true

spring rain for concerned

tribute to our bill stafford

tribute to our Bill Stafford

a man of the earth finding joy in hummingbirds

and fulfillment teaching grandchildren

a man who painted and drew wildlife into his world

a man of words, words twisted into puns

a man of laughter

a man of the earth