Workpoint poems: Leavings

LEAVINGS

Why must I suffer this abiding sadness?

Life is as brief as a morning mushroom.

To lose so many loved ones in the space

of such a short life -- who can endure it?

Thoughts of these things fill me with pain.

The grief and sorrow... nearly impossible.

What can be done now? Who can say?

It's time to head home to the mountains.

-- Han Shan

I TAKE YOUR POEMS TO THE MOUNTAINS

(for Bob)

Losing you was hard, my poet friend.

It's harder still to keep on without you.

So much grief and pain... What now?

I take your poems to the mountains.

Doug Westendorp