The Rules of Engaging Grief

Look what happens when one is able to record a dream.

“Across Empty Oceans”

I traveled on a huge
Crowded vessel the other night,
In dream I rushed through space,
Across empty oceans,

I couldn’t tell what was
Passing or what awaits,
There were no port holes,
Only din confusion within -

People walking forward,
Back within the interior,
Crowded lanes that wound
Through aisles clogged narrow.

I did not know a soul,
Though constant passing
Did add recognition,
I still missed so a friend.

Then relief I woke,
Walked to the sea,
No longer was it blank,
Deep groans spoke my grief.

Bright solitary stars shone alone,
Stood vigilant to greet
Rose ribboned dawn and
I too expectant warmed.

Influenced by the meditation of February 12th (see Praying Fingertips link), I wrote the following poem after reflecting on the scripture verse over the last two days.

“From A Land So Distant”

I looked East this morning
Just across the sea
Toward pink blush strokes
Beneath gray swell clouds.

A voice-whisper carried
Through a chill breeze
From a land so distant
In a time long past.

Alone and still I stood
Not rustling crusted sand
As our soul fingertips
Touched through time.

He spoke in a language
Replete with insights,
Wisdom, longing, faith,
Urgent was he to reach me,

As a dhow strains late
Slack breath for harbor,
Gunwales bursting treasures,
Snatched from the deep.

Pink swath widens,
Bright brilliant now glows,
This still eager listener
Retraces steps home.

I sat in my favorite Starbucks on my birthday morning and heard the refrain of a soft rock tune that got me reflecting.  Here is the poem that is result of this quiet moment.

“I Can Breathe”

“I can breathe”
Soft rock refrain
For me today -
It’s my birthday.

The outset of
A seventieth year -
An instant Now,
No change just Now.

Don’t mine memory,
Or anticipate
A future loss,
Simply pull in

Deep this moment
Breath as first,
Allow the last to
Wait forlorn.

Fill your lungs with
Energy to serve
Those who shallow
Breathe the past and

Anxious fear what
Could appear if
Specters loosed are
Free to roam.

“I can breathe” and
Now I ask “Why?”
Where can I make
Difference sought?