Are you enjoying every single page of Ribbons (Fall 2015)? I hope you haven't skipped my tanka sequence, "Last Sip," on page 45. For those who don't have a copy, here it is.
Last Sip
parch lips . . .
for you I draw a well
of memories
from steel drum music
to the sound of waves
a sparrow's last sip
from the birdbath . . .
on your birthday
from the birdbath . . .
on your birthday
how I didn't want to believe
in your goodbyes
my thoughts
spinning counterclockwise
the silence
after I decide to turn off
the oxygen machine
streaks of foam
tail away from the reef . . .
how I remember
your wishes for me
when you're gone
