Her

She doesn’t need to be beautiful to attract your attention, 
but of course she is.  
Her smile lights up her eyes when she sees you. 
She listens attentively to what you have to say, 
without judgment or unsolicited advice.  
When she speaks of others, it is without gossip, 
but simply information from which you may form your own opinions.   
She is by no means perfect.  
In fact, her most endearing quality 
is the ability to laugh at herself,
on the rare occasion she falters.
I would introduce you to her, 
but I’m quite sure you already know who she is.

The News


I couldn’t sleep at all last night.
A racing mind.
A pounding heart.
Not understanding why.
Then it registered in neon hues;
It’s because I watched  the news.

I couldn’t go outside today.
The scary sounds.
The people too. 
Such dangers are out there.
Protected barriers you would choose;
If you only watched the news.

I wouldn’t let my neighbor in.
Potential thief?
A terrorist?
He doesn't look like me.
I’m aware of all that I could lose;
Because I watch the news.

I hoarded all the town’s supplies.
No food.
No gas.
How would I survive?
Now don’t you even dare accuse;
As you should have watched the news.

Goldfinch

I thought that my fall flower bloomed;
but it’s way too early; much too soon.
As on the stalk perched so absurd,
sits not a flower, but a golden bird.

The River

I find myself in a raging river.
A strong current,
pulling me toward places unknown.
I fight against its ferocity,
but it smashes me into rocks.
I escape toward the safety of shore,
but it pulls me under;
sweeping me back into its grip.
I grow tired and give myself over,
floating on my back as it leads me
in the only direction it knows.
The river calms and I lay there on the surface,
wondering what lies in the depths below.

Passion

Plant a seed.

Allow it to grow.

Soak in its wisdom.

Share its knowledge.

Invest in its future.

Observe its abundance.

Navigate its possibilities.

A Blank Page

An empty page stands before me.
A blank canvas;
patiently awaiting words of wisdom.
I have no wisdom to impart,
so I wait.
I go about my daily routine,
observing what is laid before me.
Nothing remarkable happens,
but I return to my blank page
and the words come.
Where do they come from?
I know not;
a place of mystery deep within.

Pigheaded

Why do you do it?
What point do you make?
Cutting your nose off to spite your face.
Is it attention you’re seeking?
Well,  I'm here for you,
Just open some space in your so narrow view.

Searching for Solace

Spending the days in distraction.
Friends and family come and go.
My stomach full of comfort food,
fine wine and bourbon.
It doesn’t help.

I workout my tense muscles.
Racing heart, lungs bursting from exertion.
Power yoga, powerlifting,
kickboxing, Tabata, step.
It doesn't work.

I delve into my job;
aiming for focus and control.
Multitasking, organizing, detail checking;
late into the evening.
It doesn’t work.

I’m told by those who have been here,
it’s a process, a process, a process…
It doesn’t help.

A Welcome Guest

Oh, how much you are welcome here;
on the heels of scorching heat;
the landscape dull and devoid of color;
the air, a stifling haze.
But why must you come with such vengeance?
Falling from darkness;
amongst thunderous booms and electric lights;
saturating the parched earth in torrents.
At last, you settle in.
Your pace slows to a steady drumbeat;
the perfect guest bringing welcome relief,
and leaving behind restored vibrance.

The Perfect Day

Is today the day the stars align?
In perfect rhythm and perfect time. 
A day where nothing can go wrong;
the perfect melody to the perfect song.

Is today the day the truth’s revealed?
All debts forgiven and all scars healed.
A day where pain does not exist;
a world of joy and love and bliss.

Is today the day that dreams come true?
Wealth and health for me and you.
A day there is no need unmet;
no broken promises or regret.

No, today is a day like any other;
an unknown journey to be discovered.
A day to live the life we know,
in its unpredictable ebb and flow.