frost

 " The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
—Robert Frost 1874-1963

I walk this winding path
one more mile to go
I walk until my lungs freeze
I will breathe my life
into the things
I touch like leaves


I have one more song to sing
I raise my tender voice
until my words soar higher
beyond the thickening trees


I offer one more authentic gift
to give my healing love
until this heart aches
unto the end of
my sweet journey

for florida: the panther in the trees

 there is a rustle in the air

like curtains being drawn on a still morning

a small white ribbon of ibis

scatter through overgrown cypress

mossy stones crowd brackish water

with silver fish that dart around ancient

lily pad leaves turtles bask in late afternoon sun

and all around life is humming

as locusts chant their urgent melody

there is a slight balmy breeze that carries

a familiar scent a message for the creatures in this scene

the florida panther our queen is on the prowl

and she is very hungry

for florida: seeking & all the waves

 we seek shelter under heaven's embrace

a quest for survival as the sky offers us rain

we walk upon soil filled with nourishment

a questionable hunger as the earth sustains

cathedral crests line charcoal skies

on each wave an extension

of thought, word, intention

strumming over peaks and valleys

each wave carves a destination

ripples of sound carry across

in shallow waters we float alone

the depths we journey to fortitude

a connection to the currents

through a transparent bond

each wave creates a promise

gathering strength to carry us home

star poems

pisces (february 19 – march 20)

(fish)

a natural at the things you do,

your environment is important

you prefer to swim through life,

upstream, testing the currents

allow your heart to be your compass

and keep your eyes on the shore

create a sacred space in your home

for peace and relaxation

this will please your spiritual,

nurturing side and cleanse your mind

aries (march 21 – april 20)

(ram)

a torchbearer, you light the way
for others with your generous nature
your strength brings you compassion
and you thrive on competition
through self-oriented goals
given the right direction, you might
soar high enough to achieve lofty aspiration
if you could just stop to take a breath:
pause, meditate and savor the moment
slowing down is your best bet for success!

taurus (april 20–may 20)

(bull)

a jack of all trades, 
you work hard 
and relish your rewards
you are determined 
to live a life less ordinary,
surrounded by beauty
fickle or false things
will have you seeing red
cultivate your garden within
by seeking pleasure in simplicity

tennessee

the warm comforting

smell of aloe in the summertime

her warm comforted embrace

made me feel at peace

she often visited exotic places

to return to a sanctuary of her own

an artisan in the kitchen creating

joy with old fashioned treats

the brightest eyes, the kindest heart

I've ever known your love

a sacred souvenir I've held on

to through the years

lillian allison west (whiteside)

1918-2009

I wish my life was a wes anderson film

 

each morning an aesthetic pastel sky waits to behold

an innocent perspective with nostalgic attention to detail

in my playfully scripted retro romance I stroll through surreal

geometric panels and intricate bold patterns in a dreamworld

where each thought holds the possibility of a poignant epiphany

I am the underdog dressed as a heroine in every scene

surrounded by adoring fans and a consistent color scheme

I wish my life was an endearing cinematic masterpiece

with a clever montage that includes all my favorite outtakes

kin

" When you meet kin, there is an energy and sparkle between your bodies. It must be chemical somehow - DNA and genes." 
—Liv Tyler

 these days what I miss most

is the comfort of a phone call.
a warm, friendly voice at the other end.
I miss the excitement & joy
of receiving a card or letter in the mail.
the weight of the envelope in my hand
as I carry it inside, gazing intently
at a handwritten note.
I'm missing the connection.
the honesty of intention.
these days, what I miss the most is kinship.