The clock
Is ticking
We only have
So much time
Sands falling
grain by grain
In a pile
In a mess
Ruining everything
That is touched
By human hands
Weathered hands
Dried
Cracked
Flesh falling off
As the sands
Continue to flow
To life’s end
– James Dubeau
Sitting at the coffee shop
Beside the windows
I wonder how long
Until my gaze
Across the bay
Isn’t paired with memories
Of a walk
Along the lake shore path
While figuring life out
On that summer day
Full of turmoil
Knowing what’s right
And knowing which path
My heart would be led
Watching the waves
While standing close
And the setting sun’s
Brilliant colors bared
Behind the cityscape
Blanketing us
– James Dubeau
Standing out
On the terrace roof
In little more
Than a sweater
On the day
After Christmas
Lake is thawing
Open water below me
No fishermen in sight
Upon the ice
Warmth is here
Around fifty degrees
How long
Will it stay
How long
Until freezing depression
Blankets the land
Again
– James Dubeau
Steam rose
From calm lake
Open waters
Between placid patches
Smooth ice
Encapsulated wet
From the frozen
One false step
On newly formed ice
Would send you
Plunging
Into bitter cold
Clinging wet
Freezing solid
In bitter air
System shocked
Floundered for help
But found none
Only
Darkness
– James Dubeau
The blade is quick
Against flesh
Silver
Sharp
For once
Not dull
Chipped
Or muck covered
From tape residue
Like all those years ago
A quick slash
Red line follows
Not too deep
Just enough
To cause pain
Surfacing emotions
Tears
That don’t emerge
Without inflictions
A mark
Upon soul
And flesh
Everlasting
Until the scar
Imposed on the earth
Fades with time
– James Dubeau
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