Threshold
Dawn’s first glow rises in the east, stirring the valley with the touch of life— orange blush bathes the sky, beacon lit across the divide. In the quiet hush between night and day, I set my compass by sorrow’s star, and cross the threshold from shadow to light. […]
Rain Gods
Hungry for rain, earth and sea open to the vast sky. Rain gods descend, soaking the parched land and starved trees. I hunker down, wet to the marrow, grateful as only an old man can be before the earth altar. […]
Life Will Rise
Grace is not forgotten— the slender threads of love’s garment are not to be undone. Scatter death’s ashes in the winter forest, and from the darkened earth life will rise, life will rise. Reading of “Life Will Rise” […]
Winter Work
As the sun begins its slow trek north, I stir within my old retreat in the dark cave of forgiveness. Buried shadows of guilt burn on the kindled fire, claws of shame curl to smoke, as I dance to earth’s heartbeat, sweeping debris from the graves of my ancestors. […]
Lifted from the Fallen
Fallen like a broad maple, I lie stretched on wet ground, giving my life to bleak autumn cold. Sinking into dark earth among the vanquished, I linger in the underworld for a signal to rise, yearning for the touch that shaped me imperfect, to walk once more among the enlightened, lifted from the fallen earth. […]
Clothing a Child
Clouds cover the valley as dawn light breaks. The gift of life arrives once more – to poor and rich, faithful and faithless, clothed as a child in winter dark with starlight shining. Reading of “Clothing a […]
Quiet Descent
Unburdened by the night, freed of phantoms, I wake in gray dawn to the river-sound of traffic. Earth muted in descent, quietly I spread like snow the silence of my heart, and discover this day how deeply I belong. […]
Solstice
Stirred by inner fire dark does not frighten, nor gray light of winter. Carry me down to the deepest root, upend every truth. Flood of spirit scour my heart. I’m not too old to live. Reading of “Solstice” with music intro by Chris […]
Uprising
Night winds rouse the old earth gods— rivers don’t sleep, dark forests rise, sodden roots shatter the concrete prison. Reading of “Uprising” with music by Tyler Childers
Night’s Gift
As the world sleeps, night rivers flow steeped in silence. Ravenous for knowledge I devour the quiet hours, then kneel, an acolyte, in dawn’s gray light, bearing gifts of darkness. Reading of “Night’s Gift” with music by […]
Watching Like Crow
Fall winds stripped the trees, their summer finery burned in wet heaps. The sun, far south, burns orange in the roar of roaming garbage trucks. I gather myself with no sight of the sea, no scent of tide, watching the town wake like a rooftop crow, at peace above the wandering and forgotten. […]
Blind Optimist
Old age drove the arrogance out, humbled me with aching joints, muscles that no longer work. I get by – climb a hill, carry bundles, cans of gas, whatever the island demands, but put me in a chair for more than an hour and I’m bent like an aged farmer. What broke me was wildness, […]
After the Rain
Never so bright as after storms, sun like fire on the sea, ablaze with the truth of earth made whole again and again, to the delight of unseen gods. Reading of “After the Rain” with instrumental music by Van Morrison […]
Rootward
Clouds lower, geese cry, rushing tide. Eagle flies, sky arrow, daylight wanes. Root descends, trees pulse, autumn falls. Soul settles, rain-soft earth, dark comfort. Reading of “Rootward” with music by Gustav Mahler, Symphony #2 […]
Way of Communion
The world unfolds, wind, tide, rain-soaked, life force streaming. Doors of imagination swing on ancient hinges, toward the presence of the Maker. No kneeling, no supplication, upright and sentient before pure Intent. Communion found after years’ journey, soft and supple as tender green grass. […]