Here are three new poems which form a poem cycle. When I write poetry, it’s therapeutic. I’m still grieving /healing from my friend Wilbur’s recent passing. A Noble Heart Three Poems by Randy J. April 2017 Contents: 1) A Noble Heart 2) I Know 3) Good Night Dr. Peebles 1) A Noble Heart ( For Wilbur T., My Life Partner, With Lung Cancer At The Nursing Center ) You were a delicate gentle soul Carrying your noble heart to the end Of our road together. With eyes shining like morning stars Way past winter winds outside your window. I held your hand in mine. The nurse’s footsteps echoed quietly, Your roommate looked impatient. Tears filled your eyes As you tried to hold a spoon Or put those heavy shoes on. The cancer had spread from Your lungs to your esophagus. Still, your heart beat bravely In that bedridden existence Of crumpled Kleenex Falling like snow on a February morning Falling like memories of happier times. Painting rainbows for your personal sunrise Reaching up to heaven. Oh I miss you, I miss you I miss your dear noble heart Every day you’ve left me here Alone by the stop sign. While you’re out there Somewhere Exploring the universe. 2) I Know ( For My Friend Jim ) I know I’m a vegetarian And that we’re going Saturday To the church pantry for some produce. I know you have an alcoholic brother And a friend your’e nursing Through appendicitis. I know you’re over fifty, like me A gay man like me, and you can remember The Disco-era like I do. I know you’re my friend That you cheer me up over the phone, That you drive a red van named Betsy And that we’re pulling each other through Every day… You know? 3) Good Night Dr. Peebles ( My Teddy Bear ) Dr. Peebles my teddy bear Sitting there on my night stand By the bed Giving me a stare. Well, Dr. Peebles, I’m channeling you Where shall we travel tonight? Ignoring details, We travel between worlds at will. Or set off on a journey To explore the universe. Past trillions of comets Of particular interest to astronomers. We make trips at the speed of light. We travel easily. The furthest places are only a step away. But the place I‘d like to go most Is a fairer, happier existence Filled with equality. Regardless of economic circumstance Religious preference, or gender identity. A world without racism, sexism, Or homophobia. You get the idea, I know. Good Night Dr. Peebles My bedside companion. Dream sweet dreams tonight.