The Job

The young ones in our fold

must be nurtured with gentility

a fine patting on the back

and hugs in unexpected moments

we must take on the role of guardian

while they seek their place in life

so they never lost sight of our love

but should they take a wrong turn

as they make their trip through the labyrinth

no matter our desire to stay in touch

they must be assured that they nest in security

still if we have misplaced the seed

of joy and light, it must be said

that promises made will be kept

in the honor of one generation to the next

as we kneel, weapons long in waiting

never used, as perfection blossoms

and we can see while coming out of the fog

that our job is done

Where They Choose

when you display, our brothers,

with firing squad intentions,

think of the time you were allotted peace

but now we have no peace, our voices

overheard as we try to get your attention

leave your  silly songs behind and welcome

the greater truth that we carry on our backs

for by your own statements, you harbor homeless,

there are hungry people who die a slow death

we do not have a plan for resolution

we only now that the greatest of woe

falls with the sound of a pin-drop today

though it will not be long before bloodshed

will speak the truth as we offer empty coffins

for lives so tired of spin and regulation

we could all fall asleep in our escape

and then awaken, we must, to start a dialogue

to begin the peace process today, not waiting

not covering our faces, but carrying the burden

that everyone wants to live where they choose.

One Heart

the first snowfall of the season

takes me by surprise

harbored by tree limbs, my car, the sidewalks

I try to stay warm, layering knit shirts

and sweaters tightly knit

I realize there are many

who wear gloves without fingers

coats with tears, layers of thermal clothing

those who cannot escape the dictates

of the sky’s demands and iron-clad will

my wishes for the fulfillment of their needs

fall upon deaf ears as I have nothing to give

but I keep hoping that I might, somehow,

bring happiness from one heart to another