bubble dance

This is one of the students at our school in the multi-handicapped class...I took this picture last year for our school yearbook. Tonight he is surrounded by family and friends in a hospital bed in critical condition with no options left to save him. They are waiting for him to leave this world believing that he will be in a better place and will finally be able to freely run and play and talk...

to lost loves and those who grieve

yesterday he held her close to his heart

and whispered the mysteries of the universe

in her ear

now each day lasts at least one hundred years

and she waits by the fire listening for his song

to start again

she only hears the cooing of the doves

and the panting heavy breath of the dog

or is it her own

but she knows if she keeps listening

she will hear his voice deep inside

close to her heart

until then she lies in the dark at night

and weaves peacock feathers

in her hair

(for Toni)

take it with me when I go

When I die, my dear,

please play Leonard Cohen on the stereo,

scatter rose petals on the carpet,

light patchouli candles in every room.

There will be no funerals or services.

Let me be a fading memory,

as soon as I am gone.

Remember what you will

and allow the rest to remain unspoken.

In your quiet conversations

may gentle laughter be your solace.

This joy I bequeath to you

is the joy that will take me on.

For Carrie (1983-2008)

Today there are no words...
or at least the words have no meaning
they fall on deaf ears, empty prattle,
chaff that the wind blows away.



My friend's daughter was murdered two days ago...her bright and shining life stolen from her family and friends by a senseless act of violence...there are no words...

For Susan

Time stands still, breathless by her side.
Unfettered breath rises, then falls.
Can it be captured?
Or will it escape to rest silently on crisp white linens?

Long slender ache,
Blue-veined hands stroke my heart.
Creamy, white softness covers the pain.
Shadows take flight as sunlight collides with darkness.

The radiance blinds our eyes.
Each step is on a precipice.
balanced on the edge of a spiraling chasm.
When the pieces fit will the puzzle be complete?

Eyes dream of faraway,
Time stands still.
Shivering breath rises like a feather,
bounces off the horizon and lands on a distant shore.

Unspoken words lie scattered on the floor.
I gather them all in my hands, eyes lock.
Doors close in a hundred corridors.
We each accept the gift.