Remember The Season

Remember the Season

Comes a day when we all remember moments, events, or people who have passed.  This is one of those seasons for me.  A decade has nearly passed since one of my dearest friends left only echoes of his laughter and snapshot memories of his face for those who cherished him. 

Upon the first anniversary of his passing, I wondered how it would feel after 10 years had gone by and what I would be doing and thinking.  And so here I am.  As we all know, time sometimes heals and sometimes it just numbs the pain.  But most of us adapt and live our lives.  

We never forget, however, and we never should.  I remember the laughter.  I remember the voice.  I remember the years of friendship.  And I remember the season.  Early summer.  Thank God it was early summer.  At least the sunshine, blue skies, and warmth would soften the blow for me.  I can walk into the open air and feel the sun's warmth and remember the warmth of a life that was and is a reflection of my favorite season of summer.  There was loss, but there is always hope.  

I can remember the season.  Always summer. 

Rick Baker 

Rochester, NY 

May 27, 2009 

dying 

dying 

defies life 

and steals hope 

from dreams of living 

in a world where dreams 

offer hope for living 

in a world where 

life defies 

dying. 

Poem  © 1987 by R. Burnett Baker

 

Beyond...

beyond our laughter

I glance at 

your photograph 

now and again 

and marvel 

at how youth 

never escaped you - 

no - 

you took it 

along on 

your journey 

beyond 

our laughter 

and talks 

and walks; 

beyond my 

leathered face reflection

staring back at me 

from the glass 

of your timeless 

smile. 

Poem © 2009 by R. Burnett Baker 

Photo  © 1984 by R. Burnett  Baker 

Photo taken in Singapore, 1984 by R. Baker

In memory of  Albert Poon Pak Keen, 1957-1999. 

iron and wood 

many sit on this bench 

talking their talk 

as did we 

some years ago, 

our voices as lonely 

as the

iron and wood 

aging empty 

in the 

sun. 

Poem  © 2009 by R. Burnett Baker

Photo  © 2006 by R. Burnett Baker 

Photo taken at the corner of Alexander and Church streets, Toronto, Ontario, 2006 by R. Baker

Flower City

During it's industrial days decades ago, Rochester, NY was known as "Flour City" because of the flour mills that were present in the area's economy.  Now that those days are gone, the city calls itself "Flower City".  Flowers indeed!  Spring is a long time coming, and is short lived, but blooms abound and there is much beauty in the area this time of year.  

I took these few photos in Rochester's Highland Park in 2006.  Every year I suspect that we don't pay enough attention to the beauty of life's renewal that manifests itself through nature each spring.  

Rick Baker 

Rochester NY 

May 13, 2009 

Photos   © 2006 by R. Burnett Baker 

ducks

again this spring

they return to nest 

among shrubs, 

against buildings, 

not fearful of me, 

or cars 

or noise 

from human bustle. 

glancing at me 

as I walk to work, 

ducks 

waddle away unfazed. 

how humbling 

to be deemed 

harmless 

amidst fumes of 

human chaos. 

Poem  © 2006 by R. Burnett Baker 

life stirs 

excited birdsong from 

leafless trees,

melodies on new wind...

squirrels scurry frantic 

to grassy pantries, 

feast unearthed...

polecat odor 

becomes fragrance fresh, 

a sign of senses 

electric...

step lightly! 

step cautious! 

life stirs anew 

March to April to spring. 

shed coats 

to the breeze 

the sun 

the season, 

peeling dead flesh 

away from 

frozen bones. 

Photo ©2006 by R. Burnett Baker 

Poem ©2007 by R. Burnett Baker 

 Photo taken by R. Baker in Highland Park,Rochester, NY, May 2006.

 

mist rising

fine morning mist 

fragrance chilled, 

awakenings hushed

upon sunlight dawning. 

nightwater mist

caressing grassblades 

rolls onto Earth, 

evaporates as 

heavenly dreams. 

silent chill forgotten, 

life claims 

morning. 

day begins: 

a fine 

mist rising. 

Photo © 2006 by R. Burnett Baker

Poem © 2007 by R. Burnett Baker 

Photo taken in Highland Park, Rochester, NY 2006

Poem from chapbook  "Bird Can Sing", by R. Baker, 2007

  hope    faith

hope    faith

defines faith    defines hope

when reality offers    when reality offers 

nothing but faith    nothing but hope 

to define    to define 

hope.    faith.

"hope" © 2005 by R. Burnett Baker 

"faith" © 1988 by R. Burnett Baker 

A Brief Communion

Several days ago I saw my first ladybug of the season. Funny how I usually avoid bugs of any kind, but for some reason I'm attracted to ladybugs.  Just don't tell Freud.  

When a ladybug is wandering on my car windshield, or along a sidewalk I'm compelled to lift her onto my finger and guide her to the grass, or flowers, or somewhere that seems a more natural habitat for a ladybug.  And safe.  Of course she could fly on her own, but don't tell her; I'd rather have that brief communion with nature, tiny though it may be. 

Rick Baker 

Rochester, New York 

May 3, 2009 

ladybug

ride my hand, 

ladybug 

as I place

you gently 

in the garden.

Poem (c)2008 by R. Burnett Baker 

Photo (c)2009 by R. Burnett Baker