Have I told you?

The lovely Florence suggested that I start posting my poetry and short stories on my blogsite, so that not only she can read them, but others as well. I have to admit the idea of posting my writing in a more orthodox form is somewhat daunting. There is a certain vulnerability that I have not allowed, even in my incredibly personal posts. But here it is, my first poem, because, as Richard Rodriguez said in his keynote lecture this summer at a Writer Conference in Taos - You cannot be afraid as writers. You must speak the truth at all times, even if it opens you up to the most terrible criticism, because we as writers cannot be silent or we cease to be writers. And when we no longer write, something inside us dies.

To Pavel

Have I told you today how much

I love you?

Have I told you about that one long,

red-blond hair that sticks straight up on your head like a Who?

Have I told you about your feet -

those two little entities kicking furiously

as if you were riding a bicycle?

Have I told you about your laugh,

your smile, your small hand reaching

up for my cross?

Have I told you about the joy you bring

to this family - there is nothing else

when my eyes are on your face.

There is no need for my thoughts to be carried

away or consumed,

because when I look at you

my heart is full.