The skies are clouded
but beyond the layers
of gray and black
starlight and a moon
I cannot see.
I travel knowing
but not knowing
beneath the street lamps,
my eyes fixed on cobblestone.
As I make my way
I signal you with a smile,
one of remembrance
and distant shining.
You are out there
somewhere in the night
yet also here, in my heart.
Let this mystery be a candle
to guide you through the dark
and our friendship be a flame
to warm you with its light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading of “Somewhere in the Night” with music by Keola Beamer.

Christmas 2023

 

The long night lengthens
on a rain swept evening,
blessed dark
as wanderers from afar
we traverse the city.
Estrangement from the sacred
surrounds our passage
yet stars guide us to the child.
The stable candle lit
with beds of common straw,
our hearts full of wonder
in this holy hour
while shepherds watch
and angels sing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading of “Wise Men” with music by Secret Garden

The waters of life
flow across the wheel of time
bringing change and resolve.
While the horrors of war plague
the silent earth yearns to heal,
covering the graves with green solace.
Forgiveness is the antidote
for bitterness and hate, medicine
that requires repentance.
Let us meet at the earth altar,
bundle our grievances upon the pyre.
The fire will fall from heaven
to free us from sordid repetition,
our swords again become plough shares
in the wheat fields of the Lord.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading of “Free from Repetition” with music by Samuel Barber

The trees are a problem,
their roots lifting sidewalks
to the autumn sky
and my complaints
bitter with the choices
between hardness and life.
I decide with the roots
going down into wet soil
for knowledge,
up with dark strength
to break apart ignorance.
Black hooded crows
watch from nearby branches,
wondering what will rise
as avenues of leafless trees
join the revolt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading of “Dark Strength” with music by Stan Getz.

Poets of grief multiply
in the killing fields,
transcribing bitter fruit.
Who am I to speak of ancient earth,
life beyond the terrible sadness?
Perhaps they know and need only
to feel the morning air,
the sound of rustling leaves.
I find a bird who’ll take a message
over the walls and wire.
I write what I know –
God is with you, suffering
and tie it beneath fragile wings
to lift upon an unseen wind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading of “Poets of Grief” with music by Ed Sheeran.