Tonight

A silent house tonight
save the ticking of the clock
and the rain on the roof

Each second and every drop
precious in their own right
so easily lost in the flood
washed away without a thought

Tonight I'll take note

There is solace in that
which usually goes unnoticed
and in the spaces between
where stillness lies

Up to the Challenge

There are two little blond boys
sharing a chair, a game, and a laugh.
They are the epitome of mindfulness,
and I envy how there is nothing
but this moment for them.

I know I cannot protect them
from the evolution of the mind,
that thoughts of past and future
will come to trouble them soon enough.

But I can vow to teach them as they grow
all that I am learning just now,
of gratitude and compassion and kindness
toward oneself as much as others.

If I can help guide them toward
awareness, acknowledgement, acceptance
of all that is inside and out,
perhaps they will know the peace and satisfaction
of an authentic life, well-lived in truth
to the unique spirits they are.

This is no small feat,
but I am up to the challenge.

It Feels Like Time

It feels like time to come undone.
Time to unravel that which is
wound so tightly it suffocates.
Time to smash the locks
and shake off the chains
that weigh so heavily.
Time to pierce the silence
with deafening sound,
to blow up the darkness
with blinding light.
Time to let go
and fall until I fly.

Just a Stumble

They got away from me this morning,
my thoughts.
One after another they escaped
my close hold,
gaining momentum and
spinning into a swirling frenzy.

From the outside it looks like
any other morning:
coffee, email, pleasantries exchanged.

But inside I'm running and screaming,
knocking things over and
damning them to hell.

Allowing this duplicity feels like
a giant step backward,
a shove in the wrong direction
by my old friend fear.

I'm not interested in backward -
or fear for that matter - or hiding,
or anything other than what is.

So this morning, well,
it's just a stumble.
Pick up, dust off.

Keep moving forward
to the place where what's
inside and outside align.

After all, it's only life.
Might as well live it.

Pay Attention

The universe is reaching out to you.
Have you felt it?
There are energies that guide,
show the way,
offer truth.
They open your world
if you are open to them.

It can happen in the most ordinary of moments.
Something you see or hear that another
wouldn't even notice.
But when it is meant for you
time stops
all the air is sucked away
your heart swells - or maybe sinks -
but the message is loud and clear.
You are being offered a gift.

Call it what you will:
fate, coincidence, synchronicity, intuition.
Once offered it is yours to receive, or not.
But cover your eyes, cover your ears,
cover your heart at your own risk.

There is meaning in the message.

A Rare Calm

Finally, nothing.

The quiet darkness
a welcome salvation
from a dizzying day.

A rare occurrence:
my mind
too exhausted to spin.

Grateful for the reprieve,
I settle easily.
One sweet thought
in my minds eye
stays and stays and stays.

Sleep will come
heavy and full
tonight.

A Fresh Brew

Too often lately
my cup is nearly empty,
the three-day-old sludge
in the bottom makes me
turn my head in disgust.
But enough of this.
Enough ignoring, avoiding,
allowing the stagnant unpleasantness.
Time to reach right into that old mess,
stir it up and wipe it clean.
Time to fill the cup
to the very top
with everything that is deep and rich,
flavorful and filling,
sensual and satisfying.
Fuel for the inner fire
that burns so hot and bright
I can't look away.
Instead I'll drink it all in
and wonder:
"How can this be so good?"