For Earl Thompson (Yakima Indian nation)

by | Sep 29, 2021 | Poems

He tried to see red and blue horses galloping across a plain, but the horses would not come. His wife was crying by his side. He thought if he saw them he would live to see another day. It was a full moon night in April, and the willows were about to bud. He tried to...

For the gardener who is gone

by | Sep 29, 2021 | Poems

The dried stalks of the sunflowers are snapped in half, and the wooden slats of the porch are split and broken. Fake spider webs are draped across the columns of the porch, and a plastic skeleton hangs from the branch of a tree. The front door is half open but blocked...

From a forthcoming title: Daybook II —

by | Sep 29, 2021 | Poems

Horoscope 1/6/2015 Repetition goes nowhere. The right furniture makes no difference. When you own too much you stumble. Distance does not breed fondness likely means something else. William Stafford said, It is always good to have a little song to hum to yourself....

Writer and Agent

by | Sep 29, 2021 | Poems

Writer: Mr. Dupane, I am honored to meet you. Agent: Stop the bullshit. Every writer is dying to get me as their literary agent. You have ten minutes to make your case. Writer: What I have is unique. Agent: Sure. Blah Blah. Every writer says the same thing. You all...