A Far Off Chime

I heard the far-off chime of a church bell
I think it was Presbyterian
I was almost able to forget
What a terribly bad year we’re in

It pealed so sweet and so clear
Like winter’s first freshening breeze
But all memories and lingering hopes
Can give one such a sly slow tease

The leaves fall and muster at my door
I take my broom to give them a good sweep
They’ll all certainly return later in the day
Like some deathbed promise they must keep

Strewn across the darkening night sky
The stars twinkle thru the gathering cloud
Christmas carols float over across from the park
Brightening and cheering and not even quite half loud

Mantel clock chimes 10 o’clock, tis time to hit the hay
And yes I can truly say, it wasn’t all that bad a new day

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Hey Mom, Hey Dad

Hey Mom, hey Dad
I have some news,
It’ll make you glad:
Lilly’s finished college,
She’s done with school;
Has bunches of job offers
And she’s still nobody’s fool—
Aint she something!

Hey Mom, hey Dad
There’s a little more news,
But this may be bad:
It’s about your eldest son;
There’s spots on some x-ray;
Nothing more to be done—
For me, it’s always something.

Hey Mom, hey Dad
I’ve something to say,
Hope you don’t get too mad:
I hate it you two weren’t around,
Seeing Lilly born, happy and growing;
See life worth living per every pound—
And that’s saying something!

Hey Mom, hey Dad
I guess I’ll go now
To face my own version of jihad;
Meet looming troubles on the yon side of living
With the grace to see the better in all,
Or at least yield to loss with a heart forgiving—
I hope this all meant something.
By Mom, Bye Dad

[I’m fine. Xray verse for poetic effect.]