Janus-faced

Poker face and all, 
Everyone knew he was given 
To hiding behind a facade all day.

All for naught! 

For no one called his bluff, 
No one dared face the thought 
Of giving one’s self away. 

Reciprocal Gestures of a Different Kind

Love, not taking in 
Everything you throw my way 
Does not mean I do not appreciate how 
You take in everything 
I throw your way. 

Eudaemonia

The gods have been kind indeed; finally 
Out of nowhere, the Senate’s agreed to hear 
Our petition with pomp and circumstance— 
This promises to be a very fortuitous year. 
 . 

Today we have the airing 
Of righteous grievances, 
Tomorrow and the next 
More of the same 
 . 

Till Acheron freezes over—hear, hear 
Let the gods bear witness, 
One more splendid, glorious year. 

R.I.P. Sebastian Barker (1945-2014)

I just got a call this morning from the poet Hilary Davies informing me that her husband Sebastian Barker passed away in London. A fine poet and dear friend, he shall be sorely missed. Here he is with wife and friend in happier days in the house he built and loved so much in the village of Sitochori, Greece. 

You can hear Sebastian reading from his poetry as well as finding out more about his rich and creative life at the link below.

  

http://www.poetryarchive.org/poetryarchive/singlePoet.do?poetId=5564

Tidings

morning afternoon evening 
hearing mourning bells again— 

no matter 

how many times still 
being tided over 

takes time getting used to again.