TSUNAMI: December 2004

They say one-third of those who died
were children,
too small to fight the waves,
their tiny bodies tossed,
and lost.

One-third of 60,000 makes
so many
precious voices added
to the celestial choir
in one short day.

Imagine eyes that shone so bright
then filled with
fear, death coming boldly
to claim the innocent,
lovely lights.

I thought I'd trade my life to have saved
just one; but
in all the years since, what
have I done for those who
still remain?

THE MAN AND THE BOY 1989

A man stands and fights where he meets the enemy, knowing that his single contribution of the moment, coming from a true and humble heart, is vital to the welfare of those whom he is vowed to protect.

A boy has dreams more grand: to slay dozens, hundreds at a time.  But first, he seeks the perfect stage upon which to fight and display his skill and grace.

In his mind, the boy is most noble and will, one day in the very near future, be a celebrated hero...
while to those who depend upon his strength today, he is simply a frightened child, running away.

MY SISTER 1987

She is a thing of beauty,
fragile like slender flame
at the tip of a candle.

The fire sometimes flickers,
when her spirit trembles,
but is secure, protected
from the cruel winds of life
by a halo of truth,
a loving Father's journey-gift,
and one she will pass on
to her children.

SOMEDAY 1987

Someday,
I will lay my head upon
another loved one's chest
and hear the distant echo
of your gently beating heart
when we were young,
with all of life before us.

It will have been years.
How will I explain
the tears?

DEATH OF TRUST 1986

My trust was once a lake
of beauty, deep and true,
kept fresh by a river of love
borne for you.

Promised rains never came --
still, you drank more and more,
ever greedy.  Unnoticed
went the dwindling shore.

Now I have erected
a wall of cold steel
'round the pond that remains
and the little I feel

Lest you, in your soul-thirst,
should drink my trust dry
and leave me heart-shriveled,
unable to cry.

BIKIN' WITH MY BABY (Surrounded by Happy Little Big Sisters) 1985

The trees reach out
with aged leaves
to touch my head as I pass,
and the wind
whispers its gentle blessing.

I travel on
in autumn brightness,
my spirit soaring,
for tangible Love
surrounds me.