April 2021
Bio Note: I have written poetry through a succession of jobs—psychiatric caseworker, nursing home
social worker, university engineering editor, the latter spanning more than 30 years—and a growing family of
five children, five grandchildren, and my wife of 50 years. I live in Middleton, Wisconsin. My published work
can be found at conservancies.wordpress.com.
The Solace of Things
Desk stands as I enter the room.
Chair offers its seat.
At my touch, desk lamp beams.
In its holder, pencil stands to attention.
Mug warms my coffee.
Paper whispers as I write.
Over my shoulder, window peers,
door deflecting distractions.
What hour? Clock tells me.
Bookmark holds my place.
Trashcan awaits a handout.
And what would I do without floor?
Everything about me has its life.
I am not alone.
The Collared Heart
Like a loyal dog, his grief,
often leading, sometimes
lagging but always
grief unrequited,
baying through nighttime,
sorrowing darkness,
clouding dawn.
Its cold nose nudges him past mourning,
its raspy tongue gleaning his tears,
leaving him to niggle terms of existence
nowhere written yet irrefutable,
that ever-present leash and tug
tangible reminder of love’s
ultimate validation as the loved one
leaves the living behind.
Though months and years fall away,
his collared heart knows well
there can be no easing of its hold.
©2021 Darrell Petska
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