Oases of beauty

We used to have a saying mounted 

On our office wall: “You can’t control the wind, 

But you can adjust your sails.” 

In times like these, we may feel helpless 

Against the powers that be, 

But we can still create oases of beauty 

Where energy and passion can rest and be restored.

The burning of the bush

My camera could only capture 

The redness of the smoky sun 

 By shooting from behind a bush.

 Remembering Moses, 

Who also faced a burning bush 

Because the sight of God was too intense,

 I wonder what new commandments 

We’re meant to take away 

From yet another summer spent in flames?

Astonishment

Some days I find it astonishing 

That nature continues to thrive 

Despite all that’s going wrong in the world.

Confirmation bias

Somehow I don’t believe 

That a train would arrive in this location 

With any kind of speed that might endanger 

Any person standing nearby. 

So it seems the sign is there to add to the illusion 

Of truth. 

It may be wiser to confirm 

What you’re seeing with your eyes 

Than to assume that what you’re told is actually true.

For the wildfires

We humans need beauty to soothe our hearts 

When the world’s going up in flames. 

I’m aching today for all those affected 

By the wildfires raging at home and abroad.

Bridge of Flowers

How brilliant is this,

 To take an abandoned bridge, 

Fill it with dirt, 

And plant a glorious array of flowers 

For people to enjoy? 

Thank you to the gardeners 

Of Shelburne Falls, Mass!

Creativity

I suspect the key ingredients 

In the practice of creativity 

 Must be confidence and courage: 

The confidence to believe 

That your particular vision has value, 

And the courage to step outside the box, 

To question underlying assumptions 

 And resist the voices that call for conformity.