My Captains

How, on this first day of spring
I would love to be there again…

a step or two behind on the path
just out of earshot

though I suspect there were few words to overhear
and light years away from their memories…

but there at least to offer a wing and a grin
and to listen to these two old crones
telling their tales
to the sea.

Ted and Pete,

Against the odds,
they both weathered this winter
but neither is here today to welcome the spring.

Or, maybe I’m wrong about that.

Think I’ll grab my hat
and my stick
and strut the old pegs
and see what they have left along the trail
to brighten my sad eyes.