Behind the mask of time, I see
in you the mischief and the spunk
where others see the liver spots
and slate you to your end

They'd file you into sterile sheets
to swallow dished-out squash
I see you diving off granite cliffs
at the narrows of Lake Mazinaw

or seizing dawn interludes to skinny dip
the loons and curlews circling past
your hair unpinned and body taut
I hear your bubbled, echoed laughs

I feel you aim your golden wings
to float above and laugh at those
who think the years remove the imp
that makes you who you always were

04/10/1998

Author's Note: for my mother

Posted on 11/11/2003
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