Rose pendentive

ALMOND EYE

The half-moon curve of the golden dome

of Temple Emanu-El,

so calm on Morris Avenue

in Providence.  Only an emblem

of transparent well-being – invisible ties

that loop us in a web

of lovingkindness... (hub

of the universe – clear Paradise).

You know – it knots your heart, whoever

you are.  Like the bursting-forth

of a smiling cloud, one 4th

of July, or 19th of September –

like that lunar opalescent gleam

toward autumn equinox,

when they shepherd flocks

of lambkins, & piles of pumpkins beam

like orange suns toward Thanksgiving.

Then you will remember

the anchor in the harbor

under the safety net – the sea-bells’ ding

for one lost sailor.  Radius of sound,

a palm leaf of repose;

her memory a rose

pendentive (over Indian mound) –

Ferrara iron, sounding to the depths

of pain & memory.

I am your soul, Henry;

that almond eye Pacific keeps.

9.19.15