for most
words become too important
if typed up

then we
punch at them
like the empty things
they are

there were
poets who wanted to live
only for writing
to be able to have
the words

and knew
poverty would
follow

oh to see the world
and live only for poetry

every writing
more precious

than amber
than pearls
or carbuncles

Recollection

i have not seen you for at least 3 years
might be more than that

today i looked at a picture i have of you
for the first time in all those years

i had deliberately not looked
at any pictures

i didn't know what would happen
would i go crazy would i be angry

i felt very little

i was surprised because i recognized you
at the same time your face was like that of a stranger

i did not see the person
i remember in the photograph

i am not the person who loved you

i have a pair of jeans that were brand new
when i met you and we were together

they are falling apart now and patched
still my favorite but all worn out


____

9.28.17

For Richard

his eyes are clear
he suffers no fools
but he is kind as well
surprise the light of
unexpected ways

sometimes
he'd do a kind thing
not to be caught
and smile to himself
joy unchained

open yet deep
at times so deep
knowable like
a quiet space
favorite place

he moves gracefully
if he is on the lake
he was the water
the sky

his eyes are blue
the feeling of lightening
just before or after
a storm

you do not see him
in one place
he is everywhere


____

For Richard

never separated

my lack of discipline
i call motivating ego

my hypocrisy i call
natural contradictions

it all breaths fear
of what will happen next

i am the cause of my own
actions and selfishness

i can stay this way
or i am free to change

i can through action
reveal a higher perception

no longer blame
you or others for failings

i can be diligent
devoted and tolerant

and even find that
i have been never separated

from my faith

45th Ave @ William Blake Road

oh if you think you're a person
then i am a glass of water
five miles tall
glowing neon at night

oh if you are a person
i am an intelligent kite
that flies within
an owl made of tractors

oh bright day
without any personality
fingers or anything
at all

____

for Jñana

i'm glad you judged me harshly
i'm glad you condemned me
i'm glad you think i'm defective

because now

i get to practice unrequested kindness
i get to love without expectations
and be compassionate when no one is

i'll never be rid of my old tired ideas
or challenge myself unless i have you

... saying you're more virtuous than me

i'll never be rid of my old tired ideas
or challenge myself unless i have you

... saying you are more trustworthy than me

i'll never be rid of my old tired ideas
or challenge myself unless i have you

... saying you are more honest than me

so thank you