Woodland Spirit

Tags

compassion, destiny, empathy, empowerment, eternal, forever, kindness, lifetimes, mystery, spiritual, unconditional love

 

 

Along a woodland path, I strolled
of nature’s beauty I extolled:
The dappled trail, a great horned owl,
infrequently, a gray wolf’s howl.

The gentle, scented lake-side breeze
had me completely at my ease.
The midnight hour had come and gone.
Toward a clearing, I was drawn.

Why I went, I’ll never know.
It was my destiny to go.
The Harvest Moon with mystic light
revealed an otherworldly sight.

A shimmering appeared, it seemed,
or, perhaps, I’d only dreamed.
I knelt in supplication to
a spirit who appeared in view.

In beauty, purity and grace,
with love-light shining from her face,
a halo, waves of raven hair.
I was in awe to see her there.

I kissed her hand and softly prayed.
The orchestra of nature played.
The scent of cedar on her skin
enveloped me with warmth within.

The blessing of her touch sublime,
in harmony, our souls entwined.
A world apart, together now —
no question as to where or how.

Conversation through the night.
Her wisdom helped me see the light.
In times of need, like little birds,
they come to me, her precious words.

To me, her message was of love
for man, for nature, God above.
To let me love beyond my fear.
To live in balance through the year.

Awakened at the break of dawn
I found the spirit to be gone.
Perhaps a dream — and then I found
a ring of stones placed on the ground.

I sometimes feel her doeskin dress
against my arm — a sweet caress.
Poetic gifts of love and grace,
soothe my heart, my soul embrace.

 
Notes: The stones represent: Learning, Respect, Acceptance, Spiritual Sight, Listening, Speaking, Love, Service, Relationship, Creativity, Dynamic Spirituality and Gratitude.

…

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Prairie Crocus

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, flowers, mystery, nature, personal, philosophy, spiritual

 

 

After the snow moves north
the prairie crocus,
native anemone,
ears of the earth
listens
for the rustle of summer.

Gently she sways
to moments of truth.
In her petals
the purple blue mist
of far distant mountains;
a small golden sun
close to her heart.

Eternity
folds close around her,
warms her
from the cold winds
of spring.

…

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Hunter Spirits

Tags

compassion, destiny, empathy, empowerment, forever, lifetimes, loving kindness, mystery, nature, spirits, spiritual

“We planted you, we nurtured you, we protected you
until you became a mighty tree that spread through our
hunting grounds. With its branches you now lash us.”
– Mississauga Chief

Steps used by the Rideau Lakes Mississauga
Band of the Ojibwe or Anishinaabe Nation, for
traditional Sun Dance and other ceremonies.

…

I sit on ancient steps of stone
by myself, but not alone.
The presence of ten thousand souls
imbues me with their joys and goals.

The steps lead to a sacred place;
for Mississauga prayers and grace.
They danced to celebrate the sun
before the white man and the gun.

I seek what they sought; love and peace ~
for wars around the world to cease.
To live a life of nature’s plan
in harmony with fellow man.

In harmony with living things
and everything that nature brings.
I sit on ancient steps of stone
with souls to guide me on my own.

…

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Playful Spirit

Tags

compassion, destiny, empathy, empowerment, eternal, forever, kindness, lifetimes, mystery, spiritual, unconditional love

 

Playful spirit behind an oak
laughed and flirted but never spoke.
Eyes of onyx, raven hair,
I marveled at her standing there.

Brilliant sunshine — could barely see.
Had my eyes played tricks on me?
I stood in reverence and awe
not sure of what I thought I saw.

Fluttering soft, the poplar leaves
perhaps, had caused me to believe
I’d seen someone who wasn’t there —
eyes of onyx, raven hair.

The nimble spirit deftly danced
from tree to tree and lightly pranced.
I didn’t know quite what to do
about this vision in my view.

I had no knowledge of such things.
What does one do when nature brings
such beauty, grace and winsome mold
who, I could see but could not hold?

I could have watched her all day long
her movements sang just like a song.
She beckoned me with backward glance
down flowered pathway of romance.

I had no choice, I was entranced;
induced to follow where she danced.
The woods had changed, were foreign now,
colors brighter, surreal somehow.

I saw some spirits on the way.
They went about their normal day.
They took no notice of my form
contrary to their spirit norm.

They were at home among the trees;
conversely, I felt ill at ease.
Abandoned, then just like a snare —
eyes of onyx, raven hair.

She drew me close and hugged me tight;
we kissed, caressed throughout the night.
Not a wisp of evanescence,
but a real woman’s presence.

Wood smoke, sweet-grass, musk and cedar —
I took her hand, she let me lead her.
Beneath the boughs we made our bed
while stars shone brightly overhead.

…

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Woodland Spirit

Tags

compassion, destiny, empathy, empowerment, eternal, forever, kindness, lifetimes, mystery, spiritual, unconditional love

.

.

Along a woodland path, I strolled
of nature’s beauty I extolled:
The dappled trail, a great horned owl,
infrequently, a gray wolf’s howl.

The gentle, scented lake-side breeze
had me completely at my ease.
The midnight hour had come and gone.
Toward a clearing, I was drawn.

Why I went, I’ll never know.
It was my destiny to go.
The Harvest Moon with mystic light
revealed an otherworldly sight.

A shimmering appeared, it seemed,
or, perhaps, I’d only dreamed.
I knelt in supplication to
a spirit who appeared in view.

In beauty, purity and grace,
with love-light shining from her face,
a halo, waves of raven hair.
I was in awe to see her there.

I kissed her hand and softly prayed.
The orchestra of nature played.
The scent of cedar on her skin
enveloped me with warmth within.

The blessing of her touch sublime,
in harmony our souls entwined.
A world apart, together now —
no question as to where or how.

Conversation through the night.
Her wisdom helped me see the light.
In times of need, like little birds,
they come to me, her precious words.

To me, her message was of love
for man, for nature, God above.
To let me love beyond my fear.
To live in balance through the year.

Awakened at the break of dawn
I found the spirit to be gone.
Perhaps a dream — and then I found
a ring of stones placed on the ground.

I sometimes feel her doeskin dress
against my arm — a sweet caress.
Poetic gifts of love and grace,
soothe my heart, my soul embrace.

.

Notes: The stones represent: Learning, Respect, Acceptance, Spiritual Sight, Listening, Speaking, Love, Service, Relationship, Creativity, Dynamic Spirituality and Gratitude.

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
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Playful Spirit

Tags

eternal, fairies, fantasy, imagination, lifetimes, longing, love, romance, sighs, spirits, spiritual

 

 

Playful spirit behind an oak
laughed and flirted but never spoke.
Eyes of onyx, raven hair,
I marveled at her standing there.

Brilliant sunshine — could barely see.
Had my eyes played tricks on me?
I stood in reverence and awe
not sure of what I thought I saw.

Fluttering soft, the poplar leaves
perhaps, had caused me to believe
I’d seen someone who wasn’t there —
eyes of onyx, raven hair.

The nimble spirit deftly danced
from tree to tree and lightly pranced.
I didn’t know quite what to do
about this vision in my view.

I had no knowledge of such things.
What does one do when nature brings
such beauty, grace and winsome mold
who, I could see but could not hold?

I could have watched her all day long
her movements sang just like a song.
She beckoned me with backward glance
down flowered pathway of romance.

I had no choice, I was entranced;
induced to follow where she danced.
The woods had changed, were foreign now,
colors brighter, surreal somehow.

I saw some spirits on the way.
They went about their normal day.
They took no notice of my form
contrary to their spirit norm.

They were at home among the trees;
conversely, I felt ill at ease.
Abandoned, then just like a snare —
eyes of onyx, raven hair.

She drew me close and hugged me tight;
we kissed, caressed throughout the night.
Not a wisp of evanescence,
but a real woman’s presence.

Wood smoke, sweet-grass, musk and cedar —
I took her hand, she let me lead her.
Beneath the boughs we made our bed
while stars shone brightly overhead.

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
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beneath the cedars

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, destiny, free, letting go, meditation, philosophy, psychology, spiritual, unconditional love, universe

 

  
i sit
beneath the cedars,
in solemn serenity.
face red
with asking questions,
seeking answers
to the ways
of life and death —
molecules and atoms —
and how we’re all
connected.

my fingers
stiff, from cold —
a child’s stubby crayons —
make difficult the task
of turning pages,
jotting notes
about impermanence,
attachment
and letting go.

i’m surrounded
by spirits of seasons past.
i fear not —
they mean no harm.
their faces radiate,
coming from the light.
in their eyes
i see peace and love —
they are free
of mortal suffering
they endured
in life.

they comfort me.
Grieve not, they say,
soon enough, you will join us.
you will experience the universe
and all it has to offer.
you still have much to learn.
when you are ready,
we’ll be waiting.

i feel the joy of life —
(maples sailing leaves
of red and yellow)
moments, lifetimes pass…
then they’re gone,
as they should be.

beneath the cedars,
in their realm of wisdom,
reverently
i sit.

…

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Take Me to the River

Tags

blues, Buddhism, Christianity, empowerment, loving kindness, philosophy, psychology, rap, spiritual, unconditional love, world

 

Memphis Music Documentary, ‘Take Me to the River,’ Now On Netflix

August 19

17:542016

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by JD Nash 0 Comments

 

Two years after its initial release, the film, Take Me to the River, has been released on Netflix. This is a documentary about the soul of American music, particularly that of Memphis, Tennessee. While telling the story of Memphis and its music, this film centers around the recording of a new album. An album, produced by second generation Memphians that features legends from labels like Stax, Sun, and Hi Records, mentoring and recording with some of today’s greatest talent from the region.

The brainchild of director, Martin Shore, Take Me to the River debuted at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas in 2014 but was four years in the making. Mavis Staples and Booker T. Jones were the first “mentors” to sign on. From there, legendary artists including Bobby “Blue” Bland, Hubert Sumlin, Charlie Musselwhite, William Bell, Bobby Rush, Otis Clay, Charles “Skip” Pitts, Lester Snell, Marvell Thomas, the Hodges brothers and more were added as modern-day mentors of the Memphis sound.

Their pupils and recording partners are young up-and-comers from Memphis and beyond. Child actor and rapper, Lil P-Nut, not only recorded a cover of “Trying to Live My Life Without You,” with Otis Clay, but also received some impromptu singing tips from Bobby “Blue” Bland. Bland and Yo Gotti record a modern cover of “Ain’t No Sunshine,” with an old soul feel. Academy Award winning rapper, Frayser Boy teams up with Bobby Rush on the Rufus Thomas classic, “Push and Pull.” And these are just some of the highlights.

The men recording and producing these cuts are themselves, Memphis legacies. Boo Mitchell is the son of Willie Mitchell, founder of Royal Studios. Luther and Cody Dickinson are both members of the North Mississippi Allstars, and sons of the legendary Jim Dickinson, who was a producer, guitarist, and pianist. The elder Dickinson worked with artists including Bob Dylan, Ry Cooder, the Rolling Stones and scores of others.

This film isn’t just watching artists in studios, however. It’s chock full of vintage footage of live concert performances, Memphis neighborhoods, and civil rights unrest, including the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the aftermath that spelled the end of the Stax label and studio.

Many of the old timers share stories of how things were done back in their day and talk about one another’s accomplishments and failures. One of the most touching of these is when “Skip” Pitts once again runs into former band mate, Ben Cauley, describing to the filmmaker how Cauley is the only survivor of the plane crash that took the life of Otis Redding. Another is the obvious excitement of Mavis Staples when Luther Dickinson learns the guitar part of a song written by her father, “Pops.”

Also, particularly hard hitting, are the still photos of some of the elder artists, with production notes stating it was their last, or almost final session. Artists that passed away after appearing in this film include Bobby “Blue” Bland, Hubert Sumlin, Charles “Skip” Pitts and Teenie Hodges.

There are great interview clips with other famous Memphis music makers that were even more behind the scenes. Art Bell, owner of Stax Records and Deanie Parker who was not only a singer but secretary, liner notes writer, photographer, editor, publicist and more, all for the Stax label.

One of the greatest scenes is near the end when three generations of artists have only a short time to record a piece. William Bell, Snoop Dogg, and students from the Stax Academy, record, “I Forgot to be Your Lover.” That, in itself, is a pretty amazing feat. What becomes, even more, mind boggling is that the young students learned and recorded the song, Snoop wrote and recorded his rap verses, and the entire project was in the can in less than 30 minutes.

 

Narrator, Terrence Howard begins the film with the words, “There are special places on this earth. Places of origin. The Mississippi Delta is one of those places.” Nothing could be closer to the truth, and Take Me to the River does an outstanding job of documenting not only the origin of Memphis music but its passing to the next generations.
With this gem of a documentary streaming on Netflix, we would also urge everyone to purchase a copy of the DVD. If for no other reason, then knowing that over 75% of the money made in sales goes to musician funds in Memphis. These include the The Soulsville Foundation, The Blues Foundation HART Fund, and the Memphis Church Health Center.

 

 

Chameleon

Tags

dreams, emotion, eternal, fantasy, forever, imagination, longing, mystery, nature, romance, spiritual

 

 

Chameleon
my fairy sprite
you haunt my every dream
at night

by day
you sneak into
my thoughts, my hopes, my life —
my soul

I wish
to hold the warm,
taste the sweet succulence
of you

…

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Sprite

Tags

destiny, emotion, free, lifetimes, longing, love, mystery, romance, sighs, spiritual

 

 

a delicate touch
upon my shoulder.
I see no one —
is it my imagination
a daydream, perhaps?
or am I in the presence
of a sprite,
a sylph,
the elemental of air

why are you here?
is it to remind me
of last night’s dream?
where I kissed you
at the back of your head,
eyelids,
nape of your neck,
shoulders,
inside your wrist,
at the bend of your elbows
and knees,
your nipples,
the curve a your waist,
inner thighs,
ankle,
arch of your foot,
finally,
at the sweetest fruit of all
where I linger in lust
and bring you
to ecstasy.

 

…

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whisper

Tags

emotion, empathy, forever, free, love, mystery, nature, personal, romance, sighs, spiritual

 

 

our paddles  dip

silently into the black.

evening mist hovers

over the lake

as we glide near the shore.

otters playfully cruise nearby,

raccoons timidly drink,

deer watch

.

later

a camp fire

to ward off the chill

of the northern breeze.

time to cuddle close,

whisper secrets

even though

we’re alone

 

…

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Twin Flames

Tags

Buddhism, compassion, eternal, forever, lifetimes, loving kindness, mystery, personal, romance, spiritual, unconditional love

 

 

twin flames
independent
vibrations in harmony
across time and space
at opposite poles
of the earth

divine
masculine and feminine
entwined through
Absolute
Unconditional LOVE
with Gold of
Perfection

 

…

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Come Together

Tags

compassion, death, destiny, dreams, eternal, free, lifetimes, longing, philosophy, romance, spiritual

 

 

eyes closed
not yet awake
nor quite asleep
arms and legs immobile
snug, secure
satisfied

I see myself
arise…
and float away…
(but, I rest here
confused)

body drifts
through the roof
no cold of night
only vibration
universe opens
it is I

female figure
appears
love light emanating
arm outstretched
in welcome
we come together
forever

 

…

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Love’s True Song

Tags

emotion, eternal, forever, free, lifetimes, longing, love, lovers, mystery, romance, spiritual

 

.

 

always,
there has been
this longing —
(siren’s song
from far away)
pulling me
to paths untraveled
beyond the boundaries
of today

a voice
so sweet
that I must follow
through the night
on winds I ride
passions race
as heart beats thunder
love’s true song
can’t be denied

 

…

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Bridge

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, destiny, dreams, empathy, eternal, love, mystery, spiritual, trust

 

 

through mist
I walk across a bridge
to a place
neither here
nor there —
somewhere
in between

from out the fog
a woman’s hand
takes mine
and guides me
to someplace
where yesterday
and tomorrow
are dressed the same

I go from where I am
to where you are
never leaving home
where what is
and what is not
are together —
wearing
the same name

 

…

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Angel

Tags

compassion, destiny, dreams, emotion, empathy, eternal, falling, love, romance, sighs, spiritual

 

 

I didn’t believe in angels
until I saw one.
Now, I know they exist.
I don’t expect to be believed —
it doesn’t matter.

There was shimmering,
a halo of light,
her beatific smile
and overwhelming love.
I was in awe.
I am still in awe.

She spoke magic,
like the trilling of a bird,
not immediately decipherable
to mortal ears.
Over time,
her wisdom apparent.

I look everywhere
for my angel.
Feel her presence
everywhere.
She has filled me
with unconditional love.

 

…

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The Lost Boys

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, destiny, disabled, empowerment, illness, last rites, polio, spiritual, vigil

 

.

 

I was a young boy with a withered leg,
abandoned, in a cold hospital bed.
Faceless attendants wore gloves, masks and gowns.
No parents for cuddles, kisses or love.

Alone were the Lost Boys with polio,
the silent, unpredictable killer.
Quarantined, isolated like lepers,
our only strength came from one another.

Expected to die, we boys joined forces.
We supported each other, forming a bond.
After lights were turned out we would whisper
together, “Shush, the Sisters are coming.”

Older patients had access to wheelchairs.
Sometimes they’d transport me to other wards —
to meet other boys was high adventure.
An empty bed usually meant a death.

Six decades since, in the still of the night,
after lights are out, I can sometimes hear
that haunting refrain I heard as a child,
whispered, “Shush, the Sisters are coming.”

 
 
Note: Polio was one of the most dreaded childhood diseases of the 20th century. By 1910, much of the world experienced a dramatic increase in polio cases and frequent epidemics became regular events, primarily in cities during the summer months which left thousands of children and adults paralyzed. The first polio vaccine was developed in 1952 by Jonas Salk and announced to the world on April 12, 1955 – Source: Wikipedia.
Image: http://www.immunize.org/photos/polio-photos.asp

…

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tears

Tags

alcoholism, Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, death, emotion, empathy, loving kindness, mystery, personal, spiritual

 

 

i feel your tears,
my eyes burn.
a cloak of heaviness
descends upon my heart.

i have no words
to console you.
nothing I can write
will remove your sorrow.

I’ve experienced
the pain of loss,
and known the joyousness
that thoughts of love can bring.

i sit with you
in soft silence.
i hear anger in your despair.
i pray for your healing.

 
 

…

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lullaby

Tags

destiny, dreams, emotion, eternal, longing, love, mystery, nature, romance, sighs, spiritual

 

 

I sit
alone
and yet I sense
your presence far away
the pounding
of my heart
to you it speaks
this day
of love and lazy afternoons
colors paint the sky

the night
is ours
you fill my thoughts
in dreams you fill my arms
so sweet the sight
of fiery hair
of eyes so deep
and fingers long
your breath
and sighs
upon my chest
a soothing
lullaby

 

…

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Where You Pass

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destiny, dreams, emotion, forever, lifetimes, longing, love, mystery, nature, romance, spiritual

 

 

where you pass
your words fall
as gentle flowers
perfect
in imperfection

gathering the blooms
i embrace them
where they sing
directly
to my heart

up ahead
a woodland wren
leads me
to my destination,
to our home

 

 

 

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Steps of Stone

Tags

compassion, destiny, eternal, First Nations, lifetimes, love, mystery, personal, spiritual, unconditional love

 

“We planted you, we nurtured you, we protected you
until you became a mighty tree that spread through our
hunting grounds. With its branches you now lash us.”
– Mississauga Chief

Steps used by the Rideau Lakes Mississauga
Band of the Ojibwe or Anishinaabe Nation , for
traditional Sun Dance and other ceremonies.

…

I sit on ancient steps of stone
by myself, but not alone.
The presence of ten thousand souls
imbues me with their joys and goals.

The steps lead to a sacred place;
for Mississauga prayers and grace.
They danced to celebrate the sun
before the white man and the gun.

I seek what they sought; love and peace ~
for wars around the world to cease.
To live a life of nature’s plan
in harmony with fellow man.

In harmony with living things
and everything that nature brings.
I sit on ancient steps of stone
with souls to guide me on my own.

 
 

 

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Lost Brave

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aboriginal, alcoholism, compassion, emotion, empathy, First Nations, kindness, longing, native, spiritual, unconditional love

 

 

a lost brave
leans against a building
(tho he is unwelcome)
beside a busy walk.
everything he owns
fills a pack
upon his back

he is far
from his fishing boat,
an ocean teeming with fish,
from the majestic forest,
from his children,
his clan

his eyes reveal
a story of hurt and pain –
the uncertainty of the city.
a sidewalk for a bed,
charity of strangers
his only grace

a challenge
every day –
a new beginning.
beyond the fire
that tames his demons
the only plan that matters
is to survive

far from home
he can scarce remember.
a lost brave, fighting back tears,
pride in the knowledge
of his ancestry,
his place –
his blood

 
 

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Pileated Woodpecker

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birds, Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, free, loving kindness, mystery, nature, personal, spiritual, universe

.

.

while sitting at a table,
enjoying afternoon tea,
in the shade of a cedar,
a Pileated Woodpecker
dropped from the sky
to land in front of us.

his red crest, jaunty,
black, military uniform
with white piping —
a Sargent Major
standing at attention,
inspecting us,
looking back at him.

he paused,
reflected,
saw all there was to see,
found us wanting
then, flapped away,
leaving an after image
of black, white and red
against the pines.

 

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Finding Home

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compassion, destiny, dreams, empowerment, eternal, forever, free, lifetimes, longing, mystery, personal, spiritual

 

We come
from different latitudes
along barefoot pathways,
asphalt highways
(that burn the soles of our feet)
gravel roads
(leaves, grey with dust,
the only color,
stop signs and billboards).

Clouds from cars
visible for miles
as they approach,
as they leave us behind.

We seek direction
on the path
where we become
what we were meant to be.

Different stars
shine upon us
(some without names
or cardinal direction).
Unlearning is difficult;
simplicity, our goal.

Hearts opened
we will know
the actions to take.
The rewards will be ours.
We will find our home.

 

 

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Fairies

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dreams, eternal, fantasy, folk tales, forever, lifetimes, love, mystery, nature, romance, spiritual

 

 

If you wander into the woods
stealthily peek behind the trees.
Fairies may be in hiding there;
they’ll vanish, quick as you please.

The fairies are a friendly folk,
at least, they may appear that way.
They’ll lure you with their fairy wiles;
siren like, they’ll lead you astray.

Timid, beautiful woodland nymphs
swathed in soft diaphanous gowns.
In subtle shades of nature’s hues
bright leafy greens and somber browns.

Whispers in the rustle of leaves
will lead you to their secret glade.
They’ll gently soothe away your cares.
Why would you need to be afraid?

Fairy maids will wine and dine you.
They’ll whisper that they love you so.
You’ll think that you’re in paradise.
They’ll never, ever let you go.

Weeks and months will pass unnoticed.
What seems a day may be a year.
The world outside continues on,
while you remain in limbo here.

Fairy mists will envelop you
so you can never see your way.
Memories are, but long lost dreams.
From Fairyland you cannot stray.

.

 

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Chickadee

Tags

birds, Buddhism, compassion, empathy, empowerment, kindness, loving kindness, nature, personal, spiritual, unconditional love

 

It was a crisp, sunny
October afternoon
in the arboretum.
I was meditating.
My mittened hands
rested,
upturned on my thighs.

A chickadee hovered
in front of me.
Seeing a convenient perch,
it landed in my open palm,
then hopped upon my thumb.
She looked me up and down,
side to side.
Having seen
all there was to see,
she flew away.

She brought such joy,
this tiny feathered thing.
I valued her presence
as a gift of trust,
a gift of love,
a sign from nature
and the universe
that all was well.

 
 
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Memory in Blue

Tags

birds, compassion, emotion, empathy, free, kindness, love, mystery, nature, sighs, spiritual

 

A flicker
of cerulean
swoops beneath the boughs
of towering pines
against the sky.

Wings, a silent whisper.
Dream, not quite come true.
Shadow, on my mind.
Memory
in blue.

 
 
 

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My Muse

Tags

compassion, emotion, empathy, empowerment, eternal, forever, kindness, longing, mystery, spirits, spiritual

“Untamed Muse” by Tom Kidd: A great depiction of my vision of a poet.

 

Sometimes, my words won’t come,
no matter what I try to write.
I softly call upon my muse,
entreat her
to visit me this night.

I feel her warmth within the room,
I’m instantly at ease.
I sense her reading my scribbles,
she knows my thoughts
and hears my longing pleas.

I feel her delicate fingers
upon my clumsy hand;
her words and phrases flood my mind,
things I’ve never seen before
from some far distant land.

I don’t know where she comes from,
(perhaps, from up above)
where ever it is
that she calls home,
she comes to me with love.

 
 
 

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Beneath the Cedars

Tags

compassion, death, destiny, free, longing, loving kindness, mystery, nature, philosophy, spiritual, unconditional love

I sit
beneath the cedars,
in solemn serenity.
Face red
with asking questions,
seeking answers
to the ways
of life and death —
molecules and atoms —
and how we’re all
connected.

My fingers
stiff, from cold —
a child’s stubby crayons —
make difficult the task
of turning pages,
jotting notes
about impermanence,
attachment
and letting go.

I’m surrounded
by spirits of seasons past.
I fear not —
they mean no harm.
Their faces radiate,
coming from the light.
In their eyes
I see peace and love —
they are free
of mortal suffering
they endured
in life.

They comfort me.
“Grieve not,” they say,
“soon enough, you will join us.
You will experience the universe
and all it has to offer.
You still have much to learn.
When you are ready,
we’ll be waiting.”

I feel the joy of life —
(maples sailing leaves
of red and yellow)
moments, lifetimes pass…
then they’re gone,
as they should be.

I lived a dream,
everything was possible,
a spirit, a whisper
of love.

Beneath the cedars,
in their realm of wisdom,
reverently
I sit.
 
 

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Banshee

Tags

death, fear, folk tales, Irish, legends, mystery, myths, spirits, spiritual

In Irish legend, a banshee wails
around a house where someone is about to die.

 

Brittle bones rattle and shake,
shadow me through the windy woods.
Shiver, quiver, quail and quake.
I’d forsake my worldly goods
if I thought they would suffice.
Keening cries of the banshee
penetrate like spears of ice.
Her cloak of gray, I cannot see —

Clammy presence proves she’s here.
From her curse I cannot flee;
I must face my deadly fear.
Death of kin hails the banshee.
Is it Mother, Father, Son?
On my neck her icy breath.
My sanctuary comes undone —
journey’s end will find a death.

Nearing home I hear the wailing,
sobbing, crying, clothes are rent.
Hair is pulled, arms are flailing —
heartbreak, tears are almost spent.
How to comfort, what to say?
Grieving knows no tomorrow.
How to live another day?
Stagger on, bear the sorrow.

Silent now, sits the banshee,
hooded, faceless, cloaked in gray,
spirit that we cannot see.
Pray her presence stays away.
More than that we cannot ask
as each footstep nears the grave,
toil at every weary task;
life is meant to spend not save.

Soon enough will come the time
when others wail, sob and cry.
Drums beat slowly, church bells chime;
it will be my time to die.
Hooded, faceless, cloaked in gray
the spirit wails right on cue,
as she will some future day —
when the banshee wails for you.

 
 
Image: http://www.thecosmicgypsy.com/embracing-the-madwoman/

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