By Colleen Egan
tenderly, old ancient hands created
and i found beauty in the palm of mine,
caressing, soft cheeks so hollow;
do you think i don’t dream of breathing,
brushing out the white dust
speckled in your lungs?
your hands are sculpted, so cold
but they hold me gently;
marbled veins pressing for release.
“I fell in love with Bernini’s marble sculptures during my Art Appreciation class last semester. I never knew I could experience such extravagant, emotional beauty until I met someone who proved me wrong.”
* * * * * * * * * *
“Upon hearing the news of Joe Callahan’s passing”
By Wendy Thiede
It’s minus ten in the northwoods today,
Bowing branches heavily laden with snow,
Misty blue sky, frost crystals in the sun.
Yesterday, dinner with friends,
A spectacular almost-win by the Packers.
I remember a warmer day
Walking home from school with you, Joe Callahan.
Blue, blue eyes, freckles adorning your Irish American face,
Strawberry blond crew cut, carefree smile.
You gave me a Friendship ring, touched my emerging heart.
Sixty years did not erase the image of that day.
Facebook brought the news. I cry now
For you and for all the hearts you touched
And for the fleeting of our lives.
Rest in Peace Joe Callahan.
“After retiring to the north woods eleven years ago, following a career as a high school English teacher, I now enjoy the time to write.”
