This cycle of poems is dedicated to my son Patrick Francis Hanrahan 1979-2002. Today would be his birthday. I wrote them at different stages of his life, the third shortly after his death from complications of mono. It was inspired by the last photo taken of him on his 23rd birthday.



I. Boy
Golden-haired quicksilver boy You crash and rage About the house, All knees and elbows, Tumble of limbs and words In daring, perfect poise Of near-falls, cries, yells. My golden-haired quicksilver boy, Dropped into sleep Your delicate, pale-moonglow face, Curled, uncoiled body Stills.Continue reading “Triptych”