What is true?

How can we know any more what is true 

When so many have embraced 

What we believe to be false?

 I ache, not only for the lives disrupted 

And the years of systems 

 Put in place to keep us safe 

That have been dismantled, 

But for all those who’ve been convinced 

That this is good for our country 

And have yet to experience 

 The negative impact of these changes — 

Or are those just bots, 

Who leave those nasty comments 

On our postings about community?

Rest and reflect

Safe at harbor, 

Today we rest, 

Reflect and recover: 

Enjoy the still waters 

Of peace.

Set your soul alight

Breathe in this vast sweep of sky: 

Let the colors set your soul alight, 

And give you courage 

 To face the task ahead: 

To love, and care, and find new ways 

To love and care again.

Tariffied

Does this ship’s captain know 

The value of his goods increased 

While he was off at sea? 

And what will he take back 

When he returns to his home, 

Or will he return empty, 

To be tossed relentlessly by the waves? 

Will the other ships stop coming? 

The thunderclouds grow deeper 

As the tariffs, the questions 

And the offenses mount up…

Speaking truth to power

Speaking truth to power 

Can be scary, but essential —

 Especially when done on behalf of others, 

Which, for some reason, is easier for me.

 I’ve had my hand slapped, 

Literally and figuratively, more than once 

By bosses who didn’t appreciate my observations, 

But I don’t regret having spoken.

Two clouds

There are two clouds on my horizon; 

Thunderclouds, that threaten all they touch;

 Whose shadows cast reflections far and wide, 

Striking fear into the hearts 

Of all who observe their progress. 

What act of nature will it take 

 To defuse their threat, 

Or must I sit here, powerless, 

Awaiting some inevitable destruction?

Spring sunset

What is so lovely 

As a sunset in spring, 

With the daffodils glowing 

To echo the sky?