What Hands are For

the night after the New Moon

is steeped in shadows and moon rays

all to light the way ahead

and reading forward with one hand

a miracle ensues, for there is another hand

reaching back through time

to encourage, to guide, and to protect

the greatness of our story

and so it is that the crisp darkness fades

emulating the future of my path

but I am not afraid, not tight in the chest

for each step I take is led by my guides

perfectly, beautifully in the balance

and I am grateful for the direction

So Much

we approach a deep crevasse

no one can see the bottom

it takes a soul that is powerful

secure within the self, strong

to see the light at the end of the tunnel

a grip he has on where our eyes can go

turning, turning, the day is long

but time is short to turn the corner

and forget about the ruins we can make

but we must turn away

with love in our hearts

growing in appreciation of that which stuns

our senses dismayed by heart rending news

of senseless acts and cold-heartedness

touch the hearts of all people

care deeply for the wellness of all

feed the hungry, clothe the naked

reap the joy therein

having power because you love so much

Clouds Above

the sun highlights the tops of trees

peering over the highway

the pond breathes in the slow, rolling sky

making ripples, causing the reflection of trees

and signs and telephone poles

to wiggle and beckon the faces in the clouds above

Silhouettes

silhouettes upon the wall

where once there were shadows

friendly faces chattering the day’s news

and sipping coffee from beakers

enjoying the light filtered through miniblinds

as traffic swished by out front

perhaps the days go by this way, too

Younger

walking through the remnants of the garden

Queen Anne’s lace and daisies having taken over

no scent in the air to distract

from the bright sun beating down

grapes not yet ripe form a wall

along the far edge, deer having nibbled some

my eyes becoming dazzled by the light

my mind wandering with the memories

when once the yellow mums and purple lupines

dominated this half acre of blissful land

and I was much younger

Received

obsidian eyes that see through the darkness

moving beyond the everyday, through tomorrow

Lights stand before them, piercing them,

and creating a challenge to slither through time

gifts are strewn about the room

so everyone may partake and be quenched

but only the goodhearted may truly see

the Light shines through and carries us all

when the length of it is received

Harvey

water

like a devouring monster reclaiming its territory

from ancient times as the hourglass tips

in galloping strides of circling winds

shouting at the top of its lungs

its venom inching further and further

rising in wicked torrents up to the peaks

of private homes, taking private people

driving them to climb, to cry, to tremble

so many reaching out for a safe sleep

how many will be found in a forever sleep?

once the waters recede, will we find them?

in the meantime, little boats carry refugees

one by one the heroes gather them

aged, infirmed, the ill-equipped to survive

images across the television, we see hope

people stepping up to save other people

in the devastation humanity is restored

and we remember what it means to be human

Eclipse

Foretold in centuries past

The sun and moon in coquettish dance

creating a ribbon of darkness

that crosses the country from corner to corner

what crowds of people cheer with awe

the skies put on a grand display

no human eye may barely watch

the hidden and forbidden

as the smaller light moves between

the earth and sun as if to shield us

momentarily shade the sky

and bless their courtship with a ring of fire

the scene so rare, so steeped in mystery

from times of old to modern times

bless the messages for us all

Vis-a-Vis

reaching deeper every day

for the good across our way

seeing the Light and being the Love

as it rises on wings of a snow white dove

the momentary stillness

as the sun sets over the lake

cannot be any different

than each breath I’m able to take

zeroing in on the highest ideal

recording the greatness of all I feel

a letter, a number, the least to the tall

comes to sweetness before the fall

I swear to the godhead the greater it is

the stronger I can be, vis-à-vis

Pause

time travels like a maiden river

swaying through the land, snake-like

it takes its leave to sneak or roar

as we count quickly, how it goes

and yet, we make the most of it

to sail through its measures

whether day or hour or minute

it can sashay through our lives

infinitely being a grand master

watching to see us hold our breath

and laughing, bellowing that it should pause

Always Be

clouds make a blanket in the even sky

bright stars are like glistening eyes

whispering wind carries jasmine scent

aged oaks sway with their great limbs bent

the paths that we follow are hidden in the night

if we can ferret them out with our might

we shall sound the trumpets and horns

alerting all on the planet what he warns

but darkness and tumult we must set aside

war and hatred are not the way:  they lied

we must love and accept the differences so small

hold our neighbors’ hands, the stranger so tall

that we give to each person, just like me

and our future, so sure, ‘twill always be

To Succeed

the first hour of the day

strikes the clock with an echo

starting anew if the eyes are open

causing chaos ‘round the world

and little riots, big fires,

who leads the charge for the right

who doesn’t know why the ill at ease

gather together to destroy needs

the little people cannot ride it out

the big people have hardened hearts

neither understand the other

neither can reach as far

it is time for the daylight to come

with the ease of a turning world

take away the hatred, the burning,

leave us in our moment to succeed

Endless Relief

all I hear are whispers in the shadows

in the corners of my mind I breathe the mystery

where the cold and saddened soldiers of eternity

call out for balance, for serenity

our world in frightening turmoil

chaos, leading falsehoods, disrespect

where, oh where, do we turn to garner favor

in the depth of our planet sink the roots

that will keep us in the balance

as we search for the Light, hope for the Light

traveling on the journey, for the answers

for the undoubted leadership to come

so we step up, off the treadmill

to find new roads, new beliefs

buying into new messengers who enlighten us so

lift us from the doom and gloom of daily grind

and open the skies to endless relief

They Portend

seeking starlight in the night

my eyes search the sky

but nothing looks familiar

where is my Orion?  hunting?

Cassiopeia is gone from sight

is Pegasus gone on the fly?

where in the heavens are your

friends who lift you into serenity?

these new stars of the summer sky

have so much less vibrance to me

I wish I may enjoy the light

but they are few and far between

what is it they portend?

Hearts of the Brave

down, around the circling drain

out beyond where Truth is lain

divide and conquer foolish men

give the strength to those of ken

rise up to sign the endless treaty

that saves the world for infinity

the savage beasts shall roll away

and earthly troubles are gone to stay

give us grace and give us hope

protect each man and woman to cope

by virtue of the unwritten line

and bring to us an undeniable sign

for this, our planet, shall tumble soon

and some shall fall beyond the moon

gift us with the power to resist

the wages of darkness to desist

lift us up, may the living save

all people by the hearts of the brave

Our World

imagination in the human mind

colors of the rainbow, psychedelic

with oil on water, dark water

shapes and swirls, paisley and stripes

flowers in the mind, buds opening

learning new awareness of Light

how gracious, how tender, how teasing

the mind with possibility, probability

whatever can be brought into awareness

and allowed to enhance vision

genius when we see the kaleidoscope

of Truth that is our world

Call Him Friend

the stranger who walks among us

wants little in return for loyalty

each day he works, each night the same

what pleasant thing has he to share

infinite heights to reach for

in peace he resides beside us

cold are his hands for he fears

that he is not accepted, not loved

we have so much to learn from his heart

we would be better served by his soul

little do we know and understand him

for his dream is only to live in freedom

and his place is beneath our flag

let his tired eyes see the sunrise

without worry, without expulsion

could we one day learn to call him friend

Sister and Brother

turning, turning, the earth is churning

wobbling, bobbling on its merry way

if you knew a superman to set it on its axis

the ills of humankind, a disturbing prophylaxis

more’s the pity as we see the birdies in the pie

scaring maids, unsettling kings, everything awry

now hear ye well, my dearest friend,

for slightly sure are we

there comes the beginning of the end

now you wait and see.

what’s to be done is in the crib

though he hasn’t got a name

a saviour drooling on his bib

surely not the same

what’s to be done? don’t hold your breath

lift up the Holy Word

sing praises loudly, love all get

believe your sight is blurred

love is the answer, this much is sure

put your hatred behind you, it will inure

if any survive the wrath of the Mother

it will be out of love for each sister and brother

Our Answers

we reach for the stars, familiar

in all their glittering glory

so beautiful in the anthracite sky

Pegasus, Orion, Cassiopeia, Bootes

just some of their grand design

but they are falling to earth

is this now the end of time

or can we turn the sky inside-out

and begin all over again?

are we being pulled into a black hole?

twinkle, twinkle, guiding lights

show us where our path begins

and be patient with our hunting

let us know the steps to take

let us fly into the night sky

and be enamored with our answers

If You Please

the world I see has varied warmth

some days are bright, some cloudy, too

there doesn’t seem to be a rule

the wind blows in circles or gusty lines

rain or snow, but not if the sun shines

it may cover the trees and roofs with ice

which doesn’t make the driving nice

one thing is sure, about our weather,

it’s bound to change, to whatever

will put us on edge or at ease

some will like it, some hate it, if you please

Brothers and Sisters

our brothers and sisters weep

because we raise our swords against each other

our words are bitter, hate-filled,

we don’t know anymore where to draw the line

we point fingers when our lives seem meaningless

do we know who is really to blame?

one thing is sure:  we cannot heal alone

we must become a team, a group united

not just for ourselves but ‘round the world

healing, loving, accepting each other

take my hand and walk with me, each determined step

rise with me, we can do this!

step out of the dark of night, into the light,

and we will truly be brothers and sisters

Thrive

drums beating in the distance

calling out the heart of Mother Earth

a constant beat that signals

the light, the awakening, the path

for all to know the harmony

of one man to another, one race to the others

that we may all know our destiny

which is to live hand in hand

to give, to share, to walk together

healing the violence that we condemn

healing the hatred borne of fear

healing the answer our impatience longs for

to give humanity yet another chance to thrive

For the Day

where the rabbit runs deep and soft

the trail between the tall grass winds

the crow sits on a bare branch

and the hound bays to the stiff wind

only in the sweatiness of summer

does the sky drip its humidity

awkward, young deer pick at leaves

in the oak trees lining my uncle’s field

while their mothers twitch their tails

soaking up the sun as it beats down

the crow flies away to the scent of carrion

on the highway, some distance away

where people are driving like maniacs

on their way to work for the day

Splendiferous

division, derision, protest, don’t molest

stand up and be counted for now

each voice has meaning, can you hear it?

green screens let us protect thus

what image will we see on the news?

we can’t trust the vote, politics smote

the one true answer, invaders’ cancer

call off the guard dogs, large hogs,

do you know what you want in the end?

who do you believe in and why?

who can stand and truly lead us?

who has our true welfare in mind?

say what you need to say, don’t deny it

there will be no comfort, don’t buy it

hold hands with your neighbor, just try it

we’re not so different, splendiferous

Aurora

what starry sky rises above

as I watch the horizon glowing

in greens, lights so eerie, haunting,

dancing in the electric field of space

is there such earthly glow at the other pole

or are we at the North so keenly graced

with the show of passionate light

they swerve and sway, a magnetic waltz

of bright charms serving no purpose

that we are allowed to know

but to bless the onlookers in curiosity

are there beings of another world responsible

or is our planet giving birth

to new energies, new forms of life

as she restores her own beauty, elegance

Aethers

if you’re out there in the aethers

can you see the pain we’re feeling

have you come to ease our passage

do you watch us all in wonder

have you been through pain as we face

these growing pains that hit like lightning

I’d like to say we’re filled with love

that we reach out to our fellows

with compassion, grace and charity

but truthfully our balloons have popped

our youthful eyes are full of tears

there is much hate among us

there is no longer the assumption

that we have lofty goals in common

yet we see different paths to get there

so my people fight and cry out

can you hear our pain across the light years

will you help us with our training wheels

if you’re out there in the aethers

The Dream Returns

like the scent of jasmine wafting on the wind

the ephemeral mysteries of each person’s path

how choices we make grow bright or dim

and we rise until our fortune fails us

yet with heads held high we take or give

in dubious cause our goals we pursue

until the day our treasure is eclipsed

and graciously we sashay off the stage

those who travel in parallel journeys

watch for our certainty, our resolve

we laugh in an effort to avoid our fears

sending each poltergeist back to the darkness

and we, then, retreat not a single step

but imperiously flaunt our vanities

though greatly lift our fellows likewise

and listen for the clarion call

to bring us all into the final light

the dream returns as does our might

My Country

o country, my country, such peril you face

you stand on the brink of disaster

your people fear abandonment

your blazing hearts feel faint

some give in to the bait of violence

some hide their faces, their tears,

others naively bow and applaud folly

in the cold of the winter, disgrace

walks proudly in the fleeting rain

beyond the people who cannot know

what sabre is thrust so swiftly

into their backs bent over in labor

For Standing Rock

they speak with forked tongues

who made promise after promise

for the safety, for the sanctity

of the People’s Sacred Lands

and now the Children of the Earth Mother

dance and pray and stand their ground

supported by the buffalo, the eagles,

people from foreign lands salute them

people from other endangered waters

come stand with them, hope with them

tears of many mothers fall for their grandchildren

wondering if the fate of the reptiles

will be visited upon posterity

those who have ears to hear are deaf

those who can afford fresh water are cold

it is time to believe and understand

that if one goes without pure water

it affects us all and we must all speak out

The Winds of Winter

howling, growling, swiftly swirling

pouring rains and vicious snows

drivers heed the need for speed

and wary corners end in ditches

ice bonds to the roads at least

as wicked winds lick slushy lanes

hurried traffic ends up buried

mysteries, the depths remain

inside our glass dome, we huddle

warm, watching through the windows

knowing the impending danger

to those who venture out and about

strange weather, harsh winter

longing for the summer days

slick roads, icy walks, bellowing gale,

beware the winds of winter

Dig

dig up the earth beneath your feet

like so much empty space in your mind

realize the vastness of your dreams

and like the New Year begin cautiously again

capture your creativity in endless spirals

while your worries hold it all at bay

dig, dig, and find your place of sorrows

flush the tears from your eyes

and pardon them so they can focus forward

let the last efforts fall from your memory

because they didn’t take you where you need to go

and picture only the perfect destination

the perfect result you can envision

then take the first step, a brilliant step,

and promise yourself that you can fly

Stepping Stones

crawling on all fours

staring into the moonlit sky

soon enough lifting ourselves up

standing on two legs

momentarily learning to walk

and reaching for the starry sky

will we fly and rise to follow

the endless ladder from this life

unto the worlds beyond worlds?

grace and faith meld into one

carrying us forward, upward

our goals are present before us

life moves along like a Ferris wheel

around we go, lifting and floating downward

and again we go up, then down

breathing deeply as we rise

exhaling as we drop slowly

each a step we take

to follow the path of stepping stones