Let the waves roar

Let the waves roar
as the rain pounds down
streams turning to rushing rivers
coursing down the streets

Let the waves roar
as the fog rolls in
rolling like the tide
ebbing and flowing
shrouding the world in mist

Let the waves roar
as the single red light winks
at the top of the bridge
saying
stop
enjoy this place
before you go on

Let the waves roar
as the wind stings your cheeks
you're riding your bicycle
out the twists and turns of the bay road
winding its way to Toledo

Let the waves roar
when you drive away
the edge of the world behind you
it's difficult to turn your back
on that
which is beautiful.

A sense of call

How do you explain
a hunch
when people question it
how do you absorb that punch
to the stomach
thrusting doubt into your mind
find peace
strive to explain
what seems to be
a mystery
I can try to reason with you
but this isn't rational
it's call
that still-small voice
whispering
so softly
you're not quite sure it's even there
maybe it was just
the wind
tickling your ear
we can never be sure
of what we heard
only act
pushing forward
pray
looking upward
and stoke the fire
of passion
within.

Home for Christmas

The snow-covered world ushers me home

the road stretching out beneath me

as the stars array themselves overhead

this time of year

I follow not Polaris

but Orion

his belt my beacon

East east east

homeward

The mountains rise

my mountains

not to be conquered

but befriended

like a funnel

they channel me

the final miles

Home

snow and sunshine

your outsides are cold

but your insides feel warmth

comfort

Peace.

Advent Poem

Advent
time to prepare
time to clear out space
in the corner of the living room
for the Christmas tree
time to clear out space
in the cluttered corners of our lives
for the Prince of Peace.

Time to prepare.
time to wipe away skepticism
and open our eyes wide
like a child's
and believe in miracles once again.

Time to prepare.
time to use our imagination
to picture ourselves in a dark field
late at night
huddled with sheep to stay warm
we are dirty and tired
and yet chosen
to be the first to receive the new King.

Time to prepare.
time to give thanks for family
from Mary and Joseph receiving the unexpected gift of a son
to our own
sometimes dysfunctional
we gather anew each year to celebrate.

Time to prepare.
Time to prepare for an upside-down King
who spends His time with the poor
the dirty
the sick
not a king of wealth and power
but one born in a manger
scented not with oils and perfumes
but with the odors of horses, cows, and sheep.

Time to prepare.
Because if we don't prepare
we might not leave room in our lives
for His presence to matter at all.

Side by side

Lets go downtown
everyone says
Drinks
dancing
some places won't even charge a cover!
Ok.
Good by me.

And what a scene it is
people all around
making connections
as the bass shakes the walls
music emanating out those open doors
hips gyrating on the dance floor
sweat pouring from your face
what fun
what a scene
this
is the place to be.

unless you look across the street

you see a shape huddled under
what little shelter there is
from that constant fall drizzle
a doorway
set back
a few feet from the sidewalk
head buried under a too-thin sleeping bag
trying desperately to tune out
and sleep through the noise
and mirth
all around.

We walk by individually
but collectively we seek to ignore
and forget
the clear presence
of poverty
next to luxury
inequality amongst us.

Prisms

rainbows dancing on the walls
like angels surrounding us
let my life be a prism
that takes the light of the world
and reflects brilliant colors
into every dark corner.

Tough one

I call myself an aspiring pacifist
not passive-ist
mind you
a seeker of peace
through action
violence only begets violence
and yet
disarmament sounds easy
sounds great
how much money would we save?
lets dedicate that waste
to feeding families every day
hunger is causing our societal decay
how can a child learn when all they
can think about is that
growling in their stomach?
but if we take away
military dollars
from military families
what happens then?
will repercussions be felt
we haven't foreseen?
suddenly unemployment rises
where will they work?
and is some of that military budget
going to mental health services and support
for veterans and families?
that one needs to be left alone
or made even more of a priority

so how can you and me
fit into a solution
of peace?
and how do we do it with delicacy
a way that brings unity and harmony
rather than animosity and fear?
Hold each other carefully, my friends
for we tread on each others'
livelihoods and dreams.