SPRING

Winter’s thin days give way to spring’s plump buds,
Dark moist soil speaks to me, “Are you in love?”
I lift my face, to greet a new warm sun
and hear bright bird songs, falling from above.

Enveloped in the arms of the season
my heart responds by opening deeper,
prepared for rites demanded by nature
my dreams shall form freely and soar steeper.

The possible reigns as new days lengthen
becoming reality’s new vision
of a world where light can transfigure one’s life,
strengthening resolve to complete love’s mission.

RAW DOUBT

Tentatively asked,
“Do you think you could love me?”
Softly answered, “Yes.”

NEW LOVE

When I sit with you awhile
and look into your light blue eyes,
I want to ask, “How are you, really?”
But I sense that knot in your throat
will keep the words from spilling forth
as easily as I’d like to hear them.

This is new love and you hide
behind your heart because it hurts
too much to take the chance again.
So give me your hand and let me
simply hold it, and you’ll know
I’ll wait as long as you need.

I want to show you
how I feel each time I see you,
how my soul lifts up,
and my breathing goes shallow
as I bow and shake my head in disbelief
every time you look at me and smile.

But I know you’re far too smart
to ask me for those words
whose echoes fall upon the floor.
Sit with me and you’ll see
the transforming power of love
to overcome the darkness of self-doubt.

BLESSED

I am blessed beyond measure in many regards. One of those blessings is my association with a number of organizations that allows me to take time away from my day-to-day life and go "on retreat." This past weekend, I attended a retreat whose theme was "Aspects of Love." I was asked by the organizers to compose a poem that I would read at the conclusion of the retreat. With acknowledgment to William Butler Yeats for inspiration, I present that poem now:

RETREAT

I went out to the woods
because their was a fire
in my heart that needed tending.

I know that words alone
cannot contain or change
the shape of this sacred flame.

And so I give myself the gift
of time to listen to the sound
of my heartbeat.

On holy land I cast off false illusions
and shed plates of armor
revealing a tender place
where love and I can live
and grow and thrive and welcome
each other home.

NAMASTE

Old dry eyes,
shed no tears,
words of truth,
pierce the heart,
water springs,
bubble up,
cleansing sight,
love's rebirth.

UNBIDDEN

On the cusp of this slow morning,
unbidden memories of your chameleon eyes
rode in on the crest of a pale blue wind.
But then I lost the details of your face
when the scent of blooming lilacs
distracted me the way they always did.
And so I mourn for times long past
when simple walks and serious kisses
let me deeply drink in your eyes
and force your face eternally out of focus.

CALLING YOU

If I call to you tonight
across the distance
and ask you to look at the moon,
will you hear the words I'm praying?

If I call to you tonight
from the depth of my being
as I gently drift to sleep,
will you see the world I'm dreaming?

If I call to you tonight
with hope of love returning
will you share your prayers and dreams with me
and banish darkness from our bed?

SECOND GENERATION STARDUST

With palm upraised I praise the Sky
from whence I came in molecules
birthed at creation; living still
in loving God’s most perfect plan.

With palm downturned I praise the Earth
where I’ll return to join my fate
from fecund ground I’ll spring to life
and live again in great new form.

With palms joined with my brothers near,
I’ll live again to praise the One
and breathing deep my heart does leap
a sign of His pure love for me.

- dedicated with honor and love to Brother Joe Kilikevice, OP

FAR AWAY

Come out, the coast is clear.
Those demons who frighten you have gone.
Let your face shine for me alone
and I will honor you with gentle kisses.

I’ll whisper sweet made-up stories in your ear
and we’ll pretend that no one is near.
As we imagine the roles we will play
in this land away from them all.

But more real than in our own skins,
we respond to each other with joy
knowing our true hearts will show
where we are meant to go.

It is easier to live as a soul
who doesn’t fear love in this land
that belongs just to you and me
than in sharing ourselves with the world.