Coming Loss

a Bob Franke song
reminds us of the lowly catfish
lounging on the bottom
knowing everything falls after all

the poet Rilke
first and middle names not needed
called a prophet of coming loss
clears illusions from willing eyes

Gordon Bok sings hope
to those despondent bound
watch earth dig toward a new day
still turning toward the morning

welcoming coming loss
thanks frees thanks
from clench-jawed fear
another sunrise — enough