When bullying fails

Here’s a photo I never expected to take: 

 Two hawks on a madrona branch. 

 But, like a fisherman, I wish you could see 

The one that got away, because 

Before I could get my camera out, 

The hawk on the left was chasing a squirrel 

 In circles around the base of a tree, 

Wings out, and screeching. 

Luckily, the squirrel was able 

To escape into the bushes — 

Which may be why the hawk’s now hiding his head: 

His bullying tactics have failed.

Asymmetry

My artist mother always preached 

The importance of asymmetry, 

Though she never explained why. 

So today I took two pictures — 

One with the boat centered, 

And this one, with it off to the right. 

And now I understand 

 The deeper significance of asymmetry: 

It’s not just that it’s pleasing to the eye; 

By moving the boat off to the side, 

 I give voice to the clouds and the sea. 

By centering the boat, we force the viewer 

 To focus there and miss 

 The beauty that surrounds it — 

Just as a leader who chooses to keep

All focus on himself

Devalues the gifts of those around him

And the organization he serves.

You’re not alone

You’re not all alone 

On the deep blue sea: 

The clouds and the islands 

Bear you company.

Sweetness awaits

No matter how much pain we’re in, 

Or how worried we are 

 About our children, our country,

 Or our future, 

Nature keeps sending us love letters: 

A beautiful sunset, the scent of rain, 

A garden of flowers, a gentle breeze —

 All reminders that life is larger than our concerns 

And sweetness awaits those who watch for it.

Morning blessings

What a gift, to wake up this morning 

 To a sky so full of color!

He waits

As the early morning sky 

Grows streaked with orange, 

He waits beneath the cherry tree 

Watching as I tiptoe through the yard 

To catch a glimpse of the sparkles on the sea.

Celebrating fruition

As summer draws to its inevitable close, 

The apples gather in the trees 

To celebrate their ripening; 

That season when they finally 

Achieve fulfillment and fruition.