Author Archives: janishaag

In those long-ago days,whenever possible, we laybraided like eager wisteriain spring, your leg around mine,mine around yours, requiringno little untangling should one of us want to turn overor rise. And then the otherwould reach out withcome-back hands, and,often without words, … Continue reading →

(for The Burns Sisters) Shelley and three of her four sisters—Susan, Sally and Sherri—sang togetherand began performing as little girls, and The Burns Sisters were born.(The musical act, that is.) As teens,the “vocal darlings” toured in their cute minidresses, and, … Continue reading →

I love when, on my daily walks—at least I try to make them daily—the universe lobs a challenge at me. Today so many youngerwomen, striding by—slim, fit,full of so many years to come. Without a sound, little Envyclimbs greenly onto … Continue reading →

For Roger E. Haag (Aug. 2, 1930–Oct. 8, 2004) Every time I’m in his garage,I’m searching for my father,20 years gone today, though I know his essenceremains tucked into every oldSkippy peanut butter jar shelved in the sagging wooden cabinet.He’s … Continue reading →

(for Donna and Eric Just celebrating 40 years of marriage) Look at your incredible adventuresspread out in snapshots, from meeting in the college night bandthat led to a first date and a second date and then the yellowed clipping announcingyour … Continue reading →

And it is not pretty. This trailwe love, so verdant in spring,well trampled by late September, most of its bright greens fadinginto musty yellows, browningaround the edges. The creek that hurried throughhere in April now trickles gently,water still on its … Continue reading →

before the first good photo op appearsin my neighbor’s still-thriving flower garden on another to-be-hot October day.Because that’s what life does— presents itself to us in all its flowering,even amid sadness, loss, flooding, but also in kindness wafting upfrom tragedy’s … Continue reading →

How grateful I amfor all who have led methrough the fields of their hearts,beneath the branches of their losses,into the alleys of their wonder. —Rosemerry Wahtola Trommerfrom “We Are Told to Make Our Own Way” ••• I cannot count the … Continue reading →

(Word of the Day, Oct. 2, 2024) for Diego It’s what clouds do, pushed across skyby wind, driven, often furiously,by the hands of gods we can’t see. Of course, we can’t—they’re gods. The same ones who, I hope, receivedhim gently … Continue reading →

(for Gail and Amy, with our thanks) While you two cavort around Greece(isn’t that what one would do there—cavort?), we, your exercise buddies, continue our Tuesday morningsessions in your backyard. It isthe end of the growing season, but produce still … Continue reading →