Two Poems

valley

this place, a valley in a valley 
paved streets below peaked roofs 
below apartment towers 
and a river of cars runs through it 

i join the flow on the banks of Main street 
watch vehicular flotsam drifting by 
turn my head at an ambulance's startled call 
Emergency! Emergency! 
another answers in the distance 

is this the valley of the shadow of death? 
your staff and robe make you the crazy one
comforted by talk of green pastures and still waters 
dinner at the mission 

i am my own enemy 

mountains rise beyond concrete 
reaching blue sky 
the house of the Lord 
my shelter in this place 

~.

​
Joy and Sorrow

joy
and sorrow are not
opposite, sitting across
the wall with a door between
where I travel
one to the other

they are here together
companionably having tea
inviting me 
to sit and drink in both 
the gladness and anguish
because both speak
​to what is precious of life

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