We prepare not to die,
but rather more to live,
life and death in the same place lie,
what our mirror to us does give.
We let thoughts of death slip away.
We lovingly and faithfully praise,
creatively and honestly bless.
Pure goodness shines through all haze.
as we smile completely. No more, no less.
Our lives abound with joy, each delightful day.
Even if our life were a dream,
it would need to be embraced,
but no golden palace, no silver hill,
no white elephant need be chased.
Our life, like our love,
simply is, alive and glowing,
Olympian in its stature,
medal-worthy knowing.
Nothing lucky about it,
not odd at all,
even though she,
at the start,
took my name,
it wasn’t until after
she stole my heart.
Living within the grace
of one day,
this day,
today.
Love overflowing,
Joy in this place,
Spirit is showing,
No longer searching
for what I already have,
allowing my heart to
feel gratitude,
less stressed,
more blessed.
I am here.
I see you.
The elms of my youth
might be gone,
but those firs we planted are living,
or so I’m told by old friends.
The pines an uncle helped me plant,
even the one that was struck by lightning
on its very first day planted in the earth,
bam, like a spank on a newborn’s bottom.
That one is the tallest, no sign of early scars.
There’s a lesson there, I’m sure,
and maybe I’ll get it one day.
December 31
is so arbitrary,
yet nostalgia rules.
I’m grateful, 2025,
for every door that opened,
for every one that was closed.
Even so, I’m leaving behind
what does not serve me,
doesn’t fit 2026.
I value my mind,
but I will be following my heart
in the new year.
When I want more, first
I will give thanks for what I have.
It’s a fair price to pay.
I’m preparing for what’s next,
knowing I am beating against time,
trusting I am ready.
In 2026, as in every year,
only one question matters.
Will I work for peace?
Dear Friend,
We find ourselves thinking
of you, of us.
It’s a lovely, gentle thought,
leaves us with a smiles.
As busy as we know you to be,
I’ll only take a minute,
just to tell you to a certainty
that the world we know is
better because you’re in it.
Thank you, friend.
