[Written on 26 February 1996, not long after his death. I just found this in an old pocket notebook.]
.
I took a walk
in memory of Uncle Rod.
I just wanted to be alone.
It’s a late February thaw;
the snow cover is thin;
the trail muddy.
Brooks everywhere are full,
singing loud, starting out from
the high Pennsylvania hilltops
on their steady journey
down to the sea.
Nietzsche asked: “What is noble?”
So did Uncle Rod.
.
.
.
[Written on 28 February 1996.]
.
I took a hike
in honor of Uncle Rod.
I just wanted to be alone.
A day and a half
of rain and melt.
The streams are roaring.
A new snowstorm just started,
whitening the world.
I never had a chance to go
with Rod on his famous hikes.
Never had the wind nor the wings,
being a farm boy on the flats.
.
.
-Zenwind.
.