She’s wrapped in the security
of her inner tube, made whole
by his hot breath,
the water around her a mystery,
shaping her form, set by the
limits of her pool.
A hole in the water,
that’s all she might be,
were it not for his breath,
keeping her afloat,
in the pool, in the town,
in the earth, on this marble in flight,
in one particular speck of an
immeasurable space.
Who of us could see her,
held firm in his love, still think
there is no God.
So It Goes
As inevitably as spring
leads to summer,
fall follows.
As assuredly as heart
leads to joy,
love follows.
As completely as
love leads to sharing,
peace follows.
As securely as
peace leads to calm,
life follows.
As predictably as
life leads to death,
new life follows.
As inevitably as fall
leads to winter,
spring follows.
Equinox Notebook
Summer’s final breath,
ravens scouting this year’s nests,
monks still pray for peace.
Autumn’s first breezes,
humans spy as we build homes,
wrens find peace mid-air.
Days of thanksgiving
abound with friendship and joy.
There is bliss in peace.
Seeking awareness
before winter’s arrival.
Peace may still flow in.
As winter draws near,
perhaps we’ll tread consciously.
Peace is every step.
Every poem, at its beginning,
is a mystery to unravel.
Every poem, at its conclusion,
is a mission accomplished.
Telling stories can be healing,
listening to them as well.
No poem is accidental, for me.
Each one I write
needed to be written, by me,
the stories of my passage.
They are where my life
goes to be remembered,
where I recall the love
which surrounds me,
also where I accept being
slighted, forgotten, disliked,
where I accept insults and injuries,
how I strive to be gentle, helpful,
even under provocation.
Every poem I write is
a battle to reveal myself,
it being so difficult to reach
into the realm of silent tears.
In air, through water,
and, of course, on land,
life’s joy is ever theirs
to take in, to command.
May they live with happiness,
never fears nor tears,
appreciative of their achievements
through many more years.
May their success continue
for a million more days,
as it’s certainly their due
in so many ways.
May they be the ideal,
it’s definitely within their might,
keep on keeping it real,
continue shining their light.
May you have 100 years,
filled with smiles, never tears,
Woman & Man, Girl & Boy,
what a song, ode to joy.
The Prayer of Protection
Written by James Dillet Freeman
The Light of God surrounds you.
The Love of God enfolds you.
The power of God protects you.
The Presence of God watches over you.
The Mind of God guides you.
The Life of God flows through you.
The Laws of God direct you.
The Peace of God abides within you.
The Joy of God uplifts you.
The Strength of God renews you.
The Beauty of God inspires you.
Wherever you are, God is!
And all is well. Amen.
80th Birthday Zen
There’s more to do,
and time to do it.
So far, so great.
Life is your playground.
Expect a joyful outcome.
Forget small, play big.
September Song
Late summer, early fall,
when old age arrives,
every body’s in the same boat.
Not so our hearts.
Eyes a little less clear,
can’t see what’s next,
but I’m quite at peace
in this cusp month,
eager to trade
history for mystery.
As in each and every month,
each and every day,
I am invited to give and forgive.
I like this.
Breathing in, I see
I am living in Grace.
Breathing out, I’m grateful.
