The joys of imperfection

When will we learn 

That there is beauty in imperfection; 

That it adds texture to the ordinary, 

Individuality to the commonplace 

And character to the face?

 Seek not to be perfect, 

But to be true to yourself 

And to your unique experience of life.

Spring, returning

Astonishing though it may seem, 

Spring seems to be returning: 

The cherry blossoms bloom, 

Beside the pink house once again,

 And the daffodils are springing up,

 Lifting their golden crowns 

In defiance, though the winter winds 

Still dust our lawns with frost. 

Hearts everywhere are warming, 

And smiles of greeting flourish 

As we emerge from hibernation.

That which binds us

That which binds us to the past

May seem outdated, rusticated, 

Yet despite their age, 

The old truths and admonitions 

 Still hold valid: the Golden Rule, 

The Ten Commandments, 

Our Constitution, 

The disciplines of Lent — 

All carry wisdom we’d be foolish to ignore.

The appeal of fog

I’ve always loved the way that fog 

 Can imbue a simple scene 

With magic and mystery. 

Why is it that a mental fog 

Is so much less appealing?

The majesty of clouds

There’s something so breathtaking 

 About the infinite majesty of clouds. 

It makes my heart soar.

On loneliness

There are moments in a life 

When the loneliness of the human condition 

Breaks our hearts; 

When the path to redemption 

Seems dry and empty; 

Our only companions 

Bare thorned branches of remorse.

Be the rock

You can choose to be the rock; 

To let the waves of drama 

Brush against you,

 But to block them, hold them back, 

So the lives you touch beyond you 

Aren’t disturbed, but continue 

Calm and peaceful.