Rock Paper Scissors

A poem, a poet’s note and a poetry writing prompt

Photo by Jordan on Unsplash

(For Doris)

Nothing man-made is impervious
a wall a book a knife
I thought you would go on forever
you are my batholith my laughter lines
your wit a gloved blade.

Now I’m being overly poetic
but that is our language
words and images and stories
and this is an ending
I refuse.

We make our hands into gestures
hard pliable sharp
our faces hot with concentration.

Was it all just a game
of dire prediction?
You say fate
skeptic till the end

I don’t believe in miracles either.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Poet’s note: I think one of the hardest things to write is an ode to someone who has died, especially someone you are close to. In public, Doris was a light, full of humor and fun, always making everyone laugh. In…