thanks giving

At the Table

.

.

You want your fond place at the table

You want to be a fellow jolly good "so say we all."

I tell you, the table is vastly laden with

layers of little memories, which

no two see the same.

We arrive at the feast

hungry for virtue, for love, for

forgiveness of our wanton ways;

willing to be merry, to partake of

ritual, merge through

transubstantiation.

Constellations, moving, shifting,

making waves in collective

consciousness, appear to reveal

sparkling impulses of truth.

On that star marked evening

taking in the sweet, evocative air,

embracing untranslated joy,

something catches in our throats.

The song we need so desperately

to share can only express in shards.

The pain, sucked in with our  breath,

becomes one with the bread and wine.

This is the blood, the body,

marinated in salty tears, preserving

what has not yet found

appropriate release.

.

Again, and yet again

meeting, to take sustenance.

Hungry battle wounds

courageously opening, 

to imbibe the healing

of grace.

.

.

.

.

music of the spheres

.

.

In quiet night sky

while starlight and peace prevail,

a haunting rhythm,

music of moving spheres,

slowly soars, entrances,

embraces fear,

kisses taunt of pain away.

Well into darkness, watching, 

hoping for a passing meteor

to swoop down and carry

far into greater space,

where kindly constellations

tell stories of joy and thanksgiving.

Celestial fusion crackles and strains

like an old jazz recording.

Melodies layered through ages;

written on mighty, sacred wind;

told like Homeric verse

by the wanderers --

heavenly nurturing guides

leading us home.

.

.

.

.

Thanks for sharing

.

.

Thanks for sharing

your intimate secrets,

guilty despair.

"How can  anything matter?

I am too damaged, dark,

no fun to pay admission."

It is not a birthday without

cake and good wishes.

No cure can take hold without

a get well card,

gift of courage

from caring others.

No rhyme, no rhythm,

no choir – no welcoming

into soft healing warmth.

Toxic potions,

shocking wires,

disconnection from

harried continuity

cannot weave wholeness.

Kind reception, open

revel in shared humanity

etches a loving pattern

for integration,

faith to dare creative leap.

Re-merged, nourished with fuel for 

healthy fulfillment.

!

Multi-hued singing fountains

rejoice in new found company.

.

.

.

.

Not in Gratitude

.

.

Gratitude implies obligation.

Lilting beatitude, delight,

insightful embrace freely express.

Happy in my natural rhythm,

receptive to pleasure;

balm of luscious nectars,

warm melt of radiant bliss,

elation, charismatic exultation.

I am in awe, a true believer;

not on my knees in supplication.

Supine, welcoming grace.

.

.

.

.

Giving Thanks

.

.

Thank you all for being

-- as another year unwinds

All the hearing, touching, seeing

Your shared caring and desires

All the fear, sickness and heartache

All the joy, infectious smiles

Arts in which you kindly partake

in all your various styles

Dear wishes for a future where

convivial peace abides

Thank you all for being

in my life.

.

.

.

.

Firelight Story

.

.

Oh my children,

not so very long ago,

probably in many places still,

we lived in communities

in which we had pride and dignity.

Small enough for everyone to

know your name.

Large enough to provide diverse

resource of skills

and personalities.

Caring, squabbling, challenging

as family.

Able to leap beyond petty animosities

and find a way when a way

must be found.

Entrenched in lessons of former days,

preparation for breaking future ground.

Not just a pretty myth

like heroic champions who protect,

subtract our sins.

Community, adaptive growth within

a solid sphere,

a social network of mutual support,

often said to be what we are here for.

(I hear you sneer; you who tear down magic,

hope, shared trust.)

It could be, community,

our prayed for cure (balancing salvation)

to the follies of humanity's

deadly love

of war.

.

.

.

.

Soft sensuous clouds drift and blend

as crepuscular iridescent glow descends.

Below, welcoming evening lights,

drowsy trees, cozy homes, familiar rites.

Recall of feasts, merry meets, gift of returning friends

evokes deeply desired peace, belonging, generous amends.

*

 

Battle wary, ready for rest, to shelter.

Close this sorry chapter; relax, restore.

.

No space to listen, reflect,  learn how

we could peacefully heal.

Its all teeth and claws, everyday wars,

every night prayers of repent.  Every

penny spent to hold back the blame,

shame, certainty that all paths forward

lead to more of the same.

.

Earth spins; we want answers that

assure us yes, so wise, we are Messiah’s promised.

.

I give you a bubble of better days.

Ease of peace in contemplation, bliss of

transcendent imagery, artful conversation.

Breathe.

Feel complete

if only for this moment.