June's Memory . . .

I was aghast to discover that the month of June will end by next week 

and I was back to my old forgetful phase.

One must not forget.

One must remember

and hold on to that 

which kept out spirit whole . . .

This is my friend Birdsky . . .

Of course, like Frogsky and Troy the lizard

I am completely clueless to distinguish

who among them kisses me every month

or whistles frantically whenever I pass, 

but they hover over my heaven

and kept watch . . .

My birds surround me not only in my heaven . . .

but also in busy malls 

when I sip my coffee at Starbucks

or indulge in my favorite dessert at Conti's

and while people shoo them off

I call them and share some bits and pieces of food

and bits and pieces of chitchat

as they gather around my table

while people around me

gossip about the mad lady

talking to the birds. . .

Birds remind me of my parents.

And of how they come in droves now

on my Mama or Papa's bdays

or during their death anniversaries

or during days when I try to laze around

completely isolated from my busy working world

and all I wanted to think about

are calm, warm days and lovely evenings . . .

 . . . and of how when I look up at our tree, Chicky

they sit lovingly, side by side,

unmindful of the hot, busy world

content to stay together forever.

 I can not think of Father's day 

without remembering my Mama

who was always at my Papa's side . . .

. . .  much like the birds who sing for me

and serenade me on full moon nights

and cheer me on workday mornings.

 . . . and leave only warm beginnings

and remnants of rebirths.

I hope its not too late

but I wish you all had a happy fathers day!

For my father, Joe

for his patience, kindness, elegance

and amazing creativity

and his constant watch over me . . .