Like You

In a moment of panic

I found myself

desperately searching 

for the book you gave me

I could see it 

clearly

in my mind

a small black book of 

haiku 

by Kenneth Rexroth

and I was sure 

you had written in it

but when I finally 

found it

there was no 

inscription

It must have been in 

the note I didn’t keep

that came with 

your present 

I realized then

I went looking 

for your hand

but it wasn’t there

and this would be 

the first of

many times

this would happen

from now on.

                   ~~~~

          I cherish your gift,

       a little book of haiku 

        filled with art, like you.

-for Marlene 

Ken Owen   October 2018
Van Niddy Press