Bells

I heard the bells play Gloria
this morning as we walked our usual road.
Yesterday my daughter was suddenly unsure
whether bells could run out of rings. We laughed,
but I know what it is to lose your certainty,
as if home isn't where you thought it was.
Now the year is running down to darkness,
and the promise of renewal is for a distant time.
I should remember to tell her that the tower says
bells don't run out of chime.

December 6 2016

Purple Cars

Purple cars
are so painfully like grape candy
that my mouth feels the shape
and tastes the sudden memory
of childhood.

December 2 2016