"The world asks of us
only the strength that we have and we give it
then it asks more, and we give it"
            Jane Hirschfield:   The Giving


the clown is amused at the fright and delight
coupled in their faces,
while others are bemused
at the idea of preparing for death.

Do you not pack for a journey?
the road trip requires many preparations -
the tent, the food, the clothing.

Can the trip of a lifetime require any less?
what will you plan to carry
and what will you stow away
deep within your heart
for this great and wondrous ride.




Moment to Moment

the light zips between the curtains
in between their folds
racing across the living room, drenching the rugs, the plants
and his bare feet poking out from under the afghan

the water races across the yard
flipping stones and mud clods
rousing the worms from their tunnels
to the joy of the chirping birds

the clouds fold over one another
singing like sky dragons
thundering voices over the mountains
spreading their life over the plains

the waves blanket the shore
shifting the sands and sea creatures
nurturing the fens and bays
resting only to surge through our veins once again

the stars pebble the sky
singing planetary hymns to one another
guiding the sailor and the airman home
blessing us with cosmic bliss

how can we remember to remember
the light, the water, the clouds
who gazes at the clouds, the stars
how do we breathe in, breathe out every moment