the salt and pepper of varied experience

a purple robe would be a great addition

not a loose all-encompassing vestment

that speaks of divine hidden knowledge

a fitted number, outgrown and frayed from

searching for the perfect ladder rung

perhaps ripped, revealing frequent descent

inevitable falls back to earth where luckily

movement is broad, possibly prone to change

dynamic in lessons for questing wholeness

allowing for attention to this moment

and discovery that nothing is gained

until you are prepared to let it all go

a war ended, soldiers returned

mothers were crying

Can I have some juice, please?

tears splashed over her grin

they peeled off dusty clothes

new routines were developed

because of change

she watched to see if it was real

families reunited

heart touched, he began to sing

when the song reached my heart

joy was shared

**Autism, much like war, can make loved ones battle weary.  Every breakthrough is like bringing a mother’s child home.  When I heard about the recent accomplishments of my friend’s son that is diagnosed with autism, it made me think of a soldier on leave.  Long arduous time away from loved ones, culminating in the joy of reconnection.  This is life, this is joy, this is challenge, and reward.  As I begin a new year, let this remind me to celebrate victories and to appreciate the battles.  The payoff to the battle is coming home and learning joy again.  Our struggles may be different but let us share the joy that emanates from a love we all understand.

crowded and empty at once

demanding discomforting distance

from eager lunge, empty grasp

so sleep in fitful blooms

checking the moon for missing pieces

watching petals float on clouded lids

murmuring secrets scented earthly pine

awaiting return as breeze

to ear

to heart

to hand

by intellect and years of planning

the heart and ears must engage

if not, struggle to dance becomes

years of dissatisfied searching

for the right song

sing now, even if off key

stands on one leg

waiting for

other birds

with painted beak

steadfast stance

and

plastic hearts

many decades gone

desire to know, learn

still lit in my heart

what words will appear

strung like diamonds

that scratch the shell

life has set to grow

layer upon layer thick

hoping glance returns

followed by invitation

electric anticipation

the dance begins, anew

while circling the door

praying for heart to sing

while intellect implores

tired souls grow weary

searching for their path

let me see more clearly

before all time does pass

brings me courage

not much different

than a tall bottle

i’m still inside

just harder to find

less commitment

when you don’t exist

she’s just…..

my sister

my mom

my neighbor

my coworker

my wife

my daughter

my friend

my……oh, my

what if all of me

was in my name

would i still be just?

moment held as a camera flash

Two boys, smiling by a tree

no thoughts of bearded faces

Orbits created, joy magnified

creatures that leap and bound

Time cracks, hammer to stone

picture on yellowing paper

Two teens, always headed out

looking for keys to autonomy

Patience sits, tail wagging

waiting for moons to set

Time rips, heart is bared

vision crisply riding the air

Two men, glancing homeward

remembering lessons learned

Planet rests, stops rotation

drifting off to final repose

gather for like goals

a flame is quickly lit

encouragement rampant

overtaking old myths

changing the landscape

weaving each other in

an amazing journey

so that none are left

behind