Kurt Philip Behm

Holding On (+4)

We loiter in Winter

when it’s already Spring

Still hearing that Starling

with snow on its wings

 

We blanket our longing

as Tulips unfold

Transfixed by the fire

— of memories old

 

(The New Room: October, 2025)

 

 

 

Time\'s EpiPen

 

It’s never what

but who

 

It’s never yes

or no

 

It’s never then

or when

 

It’s only here

— and now

 

(Villanova Pennsylvania: September, 2016)

 

 

 

Sleep Well My Love

 

At the far end of the casket

his girlfriend hugged his wife

 

And told her she was sorry

that she tried to steal her life

 

Their tears then ran in unison

for a man who loved them both

 

The years they shared now testament

to a choice he left unspoke

 

They never met before this day

and would never meet again

 

But each knew well the other

and they almost felt like friends

 

The mistress left, the children wept

the grandkids played outside

 

His wife’s last words: “Your hell has passed

sleep well my love — goodbye”

 

(Villanova Pennsylvania: September, 2016)

 

 

 

Your Shadow Remains

 

One day beyond mourning, a new sun to shine

a promise remade — not a cloud in the sky

 

One day beyond mourning, your spirit still warm

your flesh now at rest — on the hill past the barn

 

One day beyond mourning, the bed sheets unfold

your shadow uncovered — a gift mine to hold

 

One day beyond mourning, the sun in my eyes

new words in my heart — a mockingbird cries

 

One day beyond mourning, my soul free to roam

your paintings surround me — among them I’m home

 

One day beyond mourning, I walk to the field

our blanket still hanging — the oak that concealed

 

One day beyond mourning, I reset my sights

the day I’ll rejoin you — that heavenly flight

 

One day beyond mourning, all grief broken free

my name on the wind — as you call out to me

 

(Villanova Pennsylvania: September, 2016)