Starscrier, an Obituary: Reading to plug 30% discount on all SIX books exclusively and indefinitely at Lulu!

for J. Cainer

You did not guide me

for who could guide a man through these

thick strands of meaning

the drawstrings fastening the clouds

the cosmic threads

the sky’s tassles

You did not claim to move me

any more than the waves are moved

by a happenstance moon

or a howling dog

You did not presume to tell

what would become of me

You did not choose me

You who I would come to lean on daily

for patience

impartiality and wisdom

You did not soothe me

in the unflinching cheek of your descriptions

You would only show me the road

one of many

lonely roads

although we all know only one road lies ahead

You would walk it before me

and arrive still reporting

You did not mind me

You did not judge or objectify You did not lie

to me You were not blind to me

You are not dead