THE LAST TEN YEARS

For Mark Eitzel

The last ten years have been rough

And ready, almost killed me thrice.

Words make me resilient

And pulled me through it twice.

My balance is broken elastic

No sinew, tendon stretch.

The last ten years has been a struggle

But you saw me through grief and trouble.

The last half an hour I’ve seen double

Poetry jukebox and glebe house

Has given me hope, with your songs

Of wild, wild sea I hit the ground running.

My ex-girlfriend told you I spent all yesterday

Crying, I know we must find our own way out.

Your songs give me strength and lots of hope

I hope to see you again in Dublin one day.

I feel like Mr. Humphries in that room five

In a lyrical sway, your way.