The Things We Leave Behind

The things we leave behind

the memories we can't remember

people in photographs whose names are lost

does this matter when a life

is near its short end

now we are here soon to be gone

as those who preceded us

will it matter to our progeny

if not they must face the future

content with themselves

etching their lives upon the idea

that they won't make our mistakes

Courage

A Blue Jay has unmasked a villain

she is letting the world know

is it a snake a hawk or owl

or maybe my cat

the avian neighborhood has flocked

to her clarion call and joined in scolding

danger danger danger they cry

and harass the menace from their turf

Why do humans walking the street

or riding the subway avert their eyes

to criminal activity afraid to get involved

Why can't they have the courage of

the Blue Jay