As I Bend
Hours before dawn hard rain soaks the streets, in the distance the outline of trees buffeted by winter winds. Though quiet in this room I feel the world’s unrest. Deceit sits astride our fate; the clever regarded as saviors. I can’t stand rigid before these winds, rather keep faith and sway in the dark night, […]
Forgotten Temple
And so we gather in winter dark lattice strong with sacred life as earth drums sound the heartbeat of creation. Pulse to pulse we move in ritual, tracing out ancient footings. We set round pillars to bear the world’s sorrow and roof beams composed of praise. Mighty the forgotten temple that holds the prayers of […]
Troubles are the Rocks
When dark gives way to day and the city stirs with the sound of machines, I pause and take inventory. Considering the peace I foster and the good fight that has its rewards, I ponder my stream in the river of life. Troubles are the rocks by which the river sings, the pebbles of my […]
Empty Bowl
There are things I want to give you, that I forget at the sight of your handsome face, so mature yet tender to the world that’s coming. No one can spare you heartbreak, or bring the joy that you deserve, so I sit here with my empty bowl, filling it slowly, drop by drop, for […]
In the Unknown Distance
It’s not a wide path and it’s not straight. Thorns and underbrush tear at your clothing, the ground rough with stones, in some places bog. Once in a while you break out to the bend of a river where you stand clear on a cobbled beach, or on the tip of a ridge where the […]
For I Am Water
I hang on with aging roots, the soil around me without comfort, knowing my time may have passed and I a ghost left above ground. Cautious of becoming bitter, acidic to the green world, I grow quiet, dissolved in silence. Then like a branch lifted by the wind, I understand my errors are the roots […]
Second Birth
Christmas 2022 In the season of snow I pull against the restraint of weary nights and biting air, looking out across the valley at the towering firs, green against gray morning skies. Feeling more tree than mortal I reach out to the wet earth, gain purchase in the soil and from dark root strength lift […]
Santa Shaman
Under steel gray blankets the land rests, soaked in winter rain as cold air cleanses the approach to solstice. Santa shaman roams with reindeer in starry night skies, drops through smoke holes to deliver his gifts. Not for gain this season but surrender to darkness, the terror of our souls silenced and stilled. On this […]
Instead She Flowers
Autumn sweeps the laden trees, spreading treasure on the ground we cart off to a distant mill. The soil aches for return of what began in spring and came to summer fullness. You’d think the earth would long ago surrender but instead she flowers, rising from meagre dirt to fill the sky with color. […]
Treasure of the Forgotten
Inner life is a tiny gear in the machinery of the world. Many perform in the factory, to the wheels of commodity and exchange. Yet in silence there are messages meant only for the soul, hieroglyphics that speak to the destiny of the wanderer who is not lost. On Cold Mountain there flows a stream […]
Until I Return
Gray seas, gray skies, wind over water as ocean reclaims the inland sea. Trees fall to their roots drinking deeply of the early rain. I gather my regrets and drop them into the swirling cove for the crabs to feast. Carrying what I can I journey back to the mainland, the memory of salt and […]
Leaving No Trace
Birds flock on the tide while dark clouds of rain are driven onshore, clearing skies over the island. Gracefully they circle and land, circle and land, gathering. I sit quietly, sipping on the early hours of soft light and shadow. The silent earth, teaching deep root and letting go, lightens my footsteps until like the […]
From Cradle Return
Into the lush night of a waxing moon rich with silence I walk with certainty. The well of earth opens and down I go to the caverns of peace. Surrendering my shield I stand beside ancients and in the undisturbed wisdom lights the stars. I find myself a glimmer in Her eyes, a spark in […]
Descent to Winter Root
The early sun breaks through eastern clouds, lighting the sea in a wind driven tide. Trees begin their slow descent to winter root, the forest quiet in chill morning air. I let go of the island, of what I love above ground for the season of goes within. Sees Far says you strain vision when […]
Painting Van Gogh
The moon rose beside Saturn, shining pale light on the autumn sea; later the sun lifted bright orange painting Van Gogh on the ebbing tide. I dawdle with seabirds, feeding on color. One day I’ll pass with the tide but why taint these hours while here for the feast. Bring your sadness and regret, the […]