December 2021 – A Thread You Follow

Endings

In the end there will be no study guides
to help us concentrate our way across the skies.

Any successful passage will be marked
with what we leave behind our footsteps.

The one with the biggest concern and
the one with the sharpest complaint
encourage each other to realize that they
have nothing to prove.

The meaning of days being closer to one
rather than another relies on all tomorrows
approaching one step at a time.

The lawn will always need cutting so let
the grass grow in your absence.

Remember, the end never leaves much
time for waiting.

Hunting

A man took up hunting
and gave each of his friends
a feather from the first turkey
he killed.  Gifts can be made 
from loving the something 
that lies beyond any reason.
Try talking about prophecy
while outside the open window
the rain nourishes the spring 
flowers.  There will always be
those who retreat to writing
papers when faced with
challenges to how they love.
Thoughts coming from being
indifferent to brokenness can
break the tradition of the faith
passed down from those who
relied on hunting for food.

Turning Hope

I turn the thoughts and prayers of journals
written decades ago into these poems and 
hope with more attention and accommodation
I do not wander off into the despair always
waiting at the end of the previous evening's talk.

The piece of learning I always hope for
comes from the awareness that toes 
will always be stepped on even in the midst 
of the dance where everyone knows
the next turn is to the middle.

I am reminded of the paradox of fire 
where bringing life whirls in the midst 
of the turning of what is alive to hopeful ashes.

The Valley of Decision

I said, "I had a dream that I was showing
off the latest dance in the middle of 
a circle of family and friends."

She asked, "Did you feel the
watching-centeredness change
from one dance to the next?"

I said, "No.  But the look of love
from parents and grandparents
remained between steps and turns."

She said, "It is not possible for time
to ever get tired of experiencing
moments like these."

I asked, tentatively, "Do you think that
awe in the midst of the grand mystery
will always remain with us?"

She answered, "Remember what the 
prophet said, 'Multitudes, multitudes 
in the valley of decision!"

Again

Come, let us make futures for one another.
Without our knowing
the snow will turn to rain again
And back to snow again.

If all we know of delight
comes from our wishing for
what we deserve or even desire
then being in the presence of the one that loves
will be more than enough again.

Imagine being the only guest for one another
after meeting for the first time
and then to meet again
in some present future where
the rain turns to snow and back again.