a reminder, a fact

You may tell yourself you're not good enough, but you are.
You may tell yourself you can't, but you can...and you will.

You have a specific purpose, a calling; this is part of the journey.

patience

I watch the action from a distance--always here on the sideline. sometimes I listen, give advice, and smile--knowing that someday, it will be my turn.

but sometimes I still get lonely.

the horizon

speeding down that freeway,
the lights of our city

music blasting,
the wind in my face

air rushing in,
from both sides and above

the motion we both love

we sing out,
belting words that get us through

hands up and out against the night,
then together to remember

everywhere at once

Emily Dickinson couldn't have been more right: "To see the Summer Sky is Poetry." There's nothing like that beautiful blue...the zig-zag clouds and the golden sun, just starting to set. There's nothing like a breeze, the slight chill that hits the back of your neck and brushes against your bare feet...whilst the sun beats down on your face. Nothing like a frighteningly close nest of buzzing bees...and the unexpected pleasure brought on by their company. There's nothing like the noises of rustling branches behind you, rushing cars farther down in front, and a speeding plane overhead. There's nothing like shadows created by light from the setting sun...and the realization that its warmth will never actually leave: it's always here, within each one of us.

"I see you colorful; I see you in the trees.
I see you spiritful; you're in the breeze.
I see it in your hands; tree fingers draw a beam.
I see you in the sand; roll down the stream..."

As a flock of birds flap their wings against the summer sky, I am left with this message: our souls are meant to soar.

"this is how...shine"

you saw me.

you were the first, but I now understand that you weren't what woke me up. your presence...that undeniable connection definitely played a part: it was the final push toward a new beginning. but it wasn't everything. that start was the result of years of change and growth. yes, you helped. you were vital...necessary. and you continued to teach me even when you'd leave on and off...without trying, without knowing. each day brought more and more. but still--in spite of your presence and aid--the awakening was a matter of self-discovery.

you saw me.

my eyes were opened & we seemed to see together, but slowly the colors became even brighter. and I felt so alone. you hurt me without trying...more than I think you'll ever know. as I came into myself and saw the beauty all around, my love grew deeper. as my awareness expanded, so too did the intensity of my feelings. but still--in spite of the wrongs you committed and the pain I couldn't control--I have no regrets about anything. this all happened exactly the way it was supposed to.

you saw me.

day and night, you absorbed my thoughts, my dreams. for so long, I waited for the moment we would see from the same perspective. I wanted you to feel and embrace the light: together and within. but now, we no longer view the world in all the same colors. we face the difficulties in different ways.

I see now.

this is a freer kind of love. I can separate what you gave me and my care for you from my false hopes and uncontrollable emotions. we have different purposes, different challenges. you have to go through what life brings you, just as I have to go through what life brings me. but still--I want you to know--I will always be here.

I've just stopped waiting.

within

a burning candle floats center and holds its orange glow for a few moments, then disappears into darkness.

shifting shapes, shifting space.

shanti, shanti; you are infinite.

a taste

started to feel
bits and pieces

of what it's like
on the other side