When we seek peace

What is it that we mean when we seek peace?

Safe places to sleep and plenty of food for all?

Clear boundaries, and clear awareness 

of how much world there is beyond our patch of land?

Or simply this: a willingness to forgive, and be forgiven,

and to move together forward into light?

Variations on a prayer

May all who work or watch or weep be blessed

with cloudless skies, calm seas and a peaceful rest.

Each stage of life

More blessed are those who come to understand

each stage of life comes with its unique beauty --

the promise of incipient birth and the fragile flare of loss -- 

each has its story to tell, perhaps more subtle

than the flagrant fragrance of the petals that come between,

but no less replete with gifts for the observant.

Independence Day

Independence is often best found and supported

in the act of banding together...

When power comes with fear

I'm not sure which comes first --

your power, or my fear --

but I do know this: I can no longer thrive

in a system where either is stressed, encouraged, or inevitable.

In times of drought

There will, inevitably, be times of drought.

The secret to survival lies in deepening and broadening

your roots; in staying grounded, standing tall and holding fast

while opening your branches to the freshness 

that floats upon the breeze.

Dancing into silence

The more we practice dancing into silence,

The more gracefully we'll move through life,

And the more we'll trust that all is well;

That on this infinite stage our tiny role

Contributes exactly what's required

For all good things to come into completion.