(back)

Red Ink (For Betty Shipley)

I've never been to your grave.
Never placed 2 flowers
and three tears
on a stone
with only your name
and 2 dates.

There is no poetry there.
I know you would not want me
standing in an icy evening
reaching for words
and talking to rocks.

I just want you to know
I'm becoming a father.
The proud parent
of a million poems
made flesh
and smiles.

And I know you
would have circled
that statement
in red
and written

"Give me more.
Three is the magic number."

And because I miss you
I will change that phrase to
"I'm becoming a father.
The proud parent
of a million poems
made flesh
and smiles and...

words waiting to be captured
by an honest pen
and dishonest poet."

I know you would not have me
fighting winter
in a death of flowers
talking to rocks
that know only
names and dates.

I know you would not have me
chasing tombstones at 3 AM
to read you poems
you've known all along
I would write a million times.

I know you
would have circled
these words
in red

and written
something brilliant
in the margins

saying "Now,
take these words
for a walk,
but let them lead.
They already know
where you want to go."

I have never been to your grave.
Never placed hopeless flowers
and whispered words
on a stone
that does not comprehend
how important red ink is
when compared to history
as it really happened.

By the way,
if it's a girl
We'll name her after you.