This One to the Sea 11/30

Mother takes the hand of little fingers,

kissing them one by one.

This finger down the mountain,

This finger through the trees,

This finger touch the sky,

This one to the sea.

Mother touches so gently each blade of grassy hair on little heads.

Here sprouts the life,

Here the flowing gold,

Here flowering seeds,

Here the dreaming folds.

Mother walks with care, small steps and slowly.

First steps in the water,

First falling to the ground,

First dance with windy music,

First whispers in the round.

River Won't Listen 10/30

River rushing,

Messing through tranquility,

Upsetting soft grasses 

And still trees.

Calm sky clouds

Stay open for a wide sun.

But river shatters the rays

Upon rocks and edges.

River won’t listen 

To birdsong or deer hooves moving.

Instead, tantrum-ing down mountainsides,

And butting up against boundaries and lines.

Always running,

although towards or away from,

We may never know.

Whirl-pooled and streaming puddles of childish tears,

Crying until they’re all dried up.