TWIN 44s

WHEN TEACHER LOOKS IN THE MIRROR,

             for K. on her birthday

like the one she's made for students

by the sign proclaiming their gifts,

she sees herself this way, too--

Oh my God! I had no idea!

Love, Dad

19 August 2018

GOOD TIME FOR A POEM, L.

New school for you, new school

for your kids. All these new beginnings.

You're wearing red, no riddles,

and it's your birthday.

Love, Dad

19 August 2018

THE DAY AFTER THE BIRTHDAY

The day our daughters were born,

I handed out copies of Dr. Williams'

poem, The Gift, to people

driving by. Hard gold to love,

a mother's milk. That miracle

from my wife. The three wise

men are in that poem, too.

Where have the wise men gone,

you ask. Ones I know

continue loving women,

writing poems. Men I know

know what's going on

and though bewildered, remain.

Jim Bodeen

20 August 2018