A Day Is Long
Author: Bill Roberts
–from Peter Lieberson’s “Neruda Songs”
A day is long sometimes.
When winter lasts too long.
When silence invades, occupies.
When birds fear to return.
A day is long when work wearies.
When morning comes too early.
When fatigue sets in midday.
When on the lone ride home.
A day is long as children grow.
When all homework is done.
When they leave for school.
When they find their mates.
A day is long as life lumbers on.
When sickness strikes, stays.
When drugs are prescribed.
When fate hangs in the balance.
A day is long when word comes.
When advised of better days.
When the future is foreseen.
When you know what’s in store.
A day is long when you are gone.
When you take your leave.
When you say good-bye.
When day is finally over.
Note: This poem is written in remembrance of Jim Peterson, whose memorial service Irene and I attended just yesterday. A very fine man, very brave man, fighting against prostate cancer for thirteen years. Not ones to let the stubborn foe intercede, Jim and Margaret Peterson traveled far and wide during those years, determined to get the most out of life with what was left to them. They had great success. Together they represent the true meaning to me of Valentine’s Day.
