This can’t be happening, because Reeds bend
(The Fableist wrote) in strong winds they bend
and so escape the fate of Oaks unyielding —
uprooted, thrown; unsaved
This can’t be happening, because he bent
and still a cruel wind took him
This can’t be happening, because we saw him
Just yesterday we saw him walking as he did
his head angled forward as a sleek ship’s prow
parting obstacles in waves
This can’t be happening; he was returning
he was coming back tomorrow
This can’t be happening, because he was the Sun
(He rose every day) though hidden from us sometimes
always there was some Earth’s corner whose eye
saw the warm light — Life — he gave
This can’t be happening, because the Sun
the Sun cannot fall from the sky
This is happening, has happened; it happened
but we will not curse the Fates, the Gods, the murderer
We will instead remember his laughter; his love
how he taught us to be brave
We will carry his kindness in our hearts
until rejoined with him Above
Benoit Baldwin of West Tisbury,has been an Island resident since 1990. Events and people have caused him to write things since he learned how.
