Grief

White mist enveloped the earth.
Guide lights flickered out.
White mist enveloped the earth.
Landmarks faded from sight.
White mist enveloped the earth.
No mirror reflected my face.
White mist enveloped the earth.
You died and left me.

Arrogant Trees

Arrogant trees
have not met
lightening.

Longest Day - 2011

Pale pink clouds streak dimming sky
I stand four stories above city river
alone on balcony in cypress branches.
Grackles struggle raucous to settle
for shortest night. Diners, drinkers
at restaurants below laugh, shout life.
Cool wind stirs hot air, lifts my hair.
Cycle shifts away from increase.
Reminds me, no matter how long
the day, how short the night,
death always sits at the table.

Passage

In the the fringe of the forest
highway sounds intrude,
mundane thoughts babble.
The air cools and birdsong
beckons. Trail softens
with pine straw, oak leaf.
Downy blue feather drifts
down to rest on my boot.
Silence surrounds, fills.
I have entered peace.

Slipping Through

Happy summer,
laughing grandchildren
never knew you.
In the middle
of a ticklefest,
sorrow slips through.

What I Know for Sure

Real is better than perfect.
To thy own self be true.
Love, not ego.
When all else fails, be kind.
Now may be the only moment I have.
Now is enough.
Nothing is certain.
Everything is multidetermined.
Everything changes.

Integrity

I must remember
Never meanness,
Truth always
Ego never.
Give to give.
Treat all fairly.
You must remember.