Poems by Bill Gainer

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After the Fire

by Bill Gainer

From Canary Summer 2013

For more than 30 years Bill has lived and worked in the Deer Creek, South Yuba and Bear River watersheds of Northern California.

we'll sweep the ash,
wash the dogs,
water down the porch,
think about church -
won't go,
the kids and the neighbors -
won't call.
We'll probably throw
a bale of hay out for the deer,
some birdseed
for the wild ones,
wonder when they're going
to get the power back up
and wait for the smoke to settle.
We'll think about how quiet it gets
without leaves...
it's always quiet
without leaves....




Concern for a Spider

by Bill Gainer

From Canary Winter 2019-20

The web in the blinds
by my desk
keeps getting bigger.
Don’t know
when he works.

I never see
one of those
little wrapped-up
mummy things
they keep their prisoners
in
either.

Not sure he’s eating
at all
let alone
healthy.

Yes, I am concerned
it’s been long enough –
I consider him
a friend.




Last Night’s Traffic Stop

by Bill Gainer

From Canary Summer 2020

Got pulled over
lights flashing
badge polished.

The cop –
a kid –
wanting to know
if I knew why.

Nope.

He said,
33 in a 25.

There was a lecture:
focus
being safe
rules.

Looking to the heavens
I said
It’s a Blood Moon –
son.
At almost seventy
I’ve never seen it
ever.
This is the first time;
it’s beautiful.

He let me off
with a warning.
Said in the future
pay more attention.

I said I will Officer
I will.




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