The last gasp of light on the shore of Herdsman Lake; reflected.

For Hellen; happy birthday and indeed, everything else.

time, all the long red lines
that take control
of all the smokelike streams
that flow into your dreams
that big blue open sea
that can’t be crossed
that can’t be climbed
just born between
oh the two white lines
distant gods and faded signs
of all those blinking lites
you had to pick the one tonite

holes, dug by little moles
angry jealous spies
got telephones for eyes
come to you as friends
all those endless ends
that can’t be tied
oh they make me laugh
and always make me cry
’til they drop like flies
and sink like polished stones
of all the stones I throw

how does that old song go

how does that old song go

bands, those funny little plans
that never work quite right

Happy Birthday Karen; may your next year be the best you’ve had, and yet not the best to come.

Little fingers, tiny toes
Baby scent, button nose

Little baby, growing tall
I will catch you when you fall
You’ll grow up, now wait and see
One day you’ll be as big as me

You are my life
You are my soul
I’ll protect you
It is my role

Little fingers, tiny toes
Baby scent, button nose

– Alyssa Brooks

Happy Birthday little man, I look forward to seeing who you become, from your first tiny steps through the path of life to the mountains you ascend.

For elissa, whose travels will bring her long sunsets and even longer beaches.  Good luck!