Wednesday, May 27, 2009

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. 

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

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

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

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 

Saturday, May 9, 2009

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

Friday, May 8, 2009


  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 

Saturday, May 2, 2009

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