Privilege.

Privileges.

Privileged.

Sounds almost like it can be earned,

like I did something – deserved.

So seductive, this fallacy.

Then I don’t have to feel badly.

Then I don’t have to feel guilt for my advantage.

Then I don’t have to change my leverage.

How do I set it down,...

What is silly to some

is serious to others.

What is life-threatening

is life-saving for another.

What is prudent and wise

is foolish in other eyes.

Both have nightmares

that disturb their slumber.

Both have hopes

that awaken their wonder.

Both have trouble

hearing other voices.

Tw...

My refrigerator is full,

my cupboards far from bare.

Is that enough?

I have sheets for my bed,

a pillow for my head.

Is that enough?

I have meaningful work to occupy my days,

a consistent income stream.

Surely, that is enough.

I have a partner, dog, writing pen;

car, family, and...

In your dream

you landed in a grassy meadow:

green, lush and verdant.

Searching and finally finding.

Arriving in a perfect place,

content and settled at last.

These five years of marriage,

and the five before,

have been an exploration

of connection and touch,

intimate kissing, p...

Eyes gently closed.

Hands on lap.

Feet on floor.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Morning light

warms my prayer.

A buzzing buzzes my ear.

My eye opens

and shuts.

I remain in stillness.

My companion darts

from window to plant to arm.

Thoughts wander.

“Am I being invited to play?”

Thoughts res...

Crimson splatters on white robes,

protein and plasma: essence of life,

thick with the stench of death.

Violence touches his skin, his face.

Not washing away the pain,

he is stained.

Chest open,

arm extended,

gazing upward,

he looks for invisible grace –

a shaft of mercy

to enter...

Red, newborn fists

hold together crumpled buds

at the ends of patient tree limbs.

Magically,

they will relax open

into smooth, emerald filament.

The buttery daffodil

rises from winter rest, head still bent -

soon to be lifted and alive.

Coaxed by gentle light,

the natural world...

My plane landed on Friday, March 13 at noon, only a week after my husband and I had left our home.  But the place we arrived felt vastly different.  The wave of tragedy and terror Italy was experiencing had crashed against our US shore.  Awoken with a splash of icy wat...

You like the world to take you seriously,

            so you are often serious.

Not stern or harsh, but not goofy either.

More quiet, thoughtful. Reflective.

When the door locks

            us in for the night,...