Ghazal for Richard Parker

(for Yann Martel)

The child blew a whistle to tame Richard Parker,

the tiger who survived, his name, Richard Parker.

Once a sailor, cabin boy and son, through a twist

of fate or fiction, he became, Richard Parker.

It was Bengali blood, and fierce

Symmetry that would frame Richard Parker.

The story goes on, the life of pi is such 

and you are still the same, Richard Parker.

The little sailor survived through you,

  each stripe another story, a survival game, Richard Parker.

You are made of dreams and a little fear,

your mane is a honey colored quick flame, Richard Parker. 

For a cat at sea each chapter brings more the same,

 in novels even the sun and wind take aim, Richard Parker.

If I find you in the forest dear on some dark night

I hope the stars will shine your eyes and I exclaim, Richard Parker!

Nuestras Tias in the Antilles. Prospero Ano Nuevo/ Happy New Year

A Visit to the Aunts in the Antilles (Ghazal)

(see Monday's Child)

Tia Rosa is very chilly even though she stays in the Antilles.

Tia Ana cooks arroz con habichuelas to amaze in the Antilles.

When the New Year comes the Flames of fire--

 like a dragon's tongue-- lick the bay in a blaze in the Antilles.

Leave your corn, your nuts, and dried apricots;

plantanas y empanadillas are all the craze in the Antilles.

Swim on a moonless night in Mosquito Bay and

 your limbs will alight as bright as days in the Antilles.

Wrap your shawl tight, listen to the coqui sing. 

Papa comes home tonight, but-- o!-- such delays in the Antilles.

Ghazal for Autumn. Ghazals for Children

fall
Originally uploaded by garagesoap
Ghazal for October

My dog picks up his gait in October
Cool weather stepping for our Nate, in October

Nights cold, days sweater warm, the leaves blushed,
wrapped in red and gold for their date in October.


Behind the brown prickly heads of coneflowers
Grew peach-colored mums at the gate in October.


The moonlit walk through the dark dry leaves with candy
on our tongues, such sweet dreams, the bait in October.


The warm kitchen smells of cinnamon and apples.
Please… One more piece on my plate in October!


On the horse-pulled cart, a vine of voices,
Jostle to our pumpkin patch fate in October.

 
The forest symphony quit. Crickets and peepers
Packed their instruments and now its silent, late in October.