She was one of those gifts
who turned wisdom
into a batch of butterflies.
Treated a puppy whining
at the door as the
Queen of England.
Made lessons fit in
pretty little pill box stanzas
that rendered
a point digestible,
but still a point.
Her mouth was
a moving quill
that trembled in
emotion's arms,
a drug-bust for honest,
a slip-stitch
for stray threads.
She scraped coal
off burned toast
with a remarkable lack
of condescension
lyrics cannot imitate--
but if they don't try,
so much will be lost.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Copyright 1999 by Janet I. Buck. (JBuck22874@aol.com). Reproduction is prohibited without express permission of the author**
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Changeless Cause
emanates throughout the ages
an ineffable concept
comprehended by the sages
intricate complexity
grounded in simplicity
am I correct?
do I exist in the midst
of cause and effect?
between two extremes
the spiritual
and the material
the stage is set
actors take their places
after making adjustments
to their faces
passing through this scenery
each experience interacts with me
as I interact with it
yet...
I am always dealing with the feeling
that somewhere beyond this sphere
there exist a region
where freedom reigns supreme
throughout eternity
perfect lucidity
------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Copyright 1999 by Brian Oslick (BDO1964@aol.com ). Reproduction is prohibited without express permission of the author** -------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is for you my friend
You, who are always there for me.
Beside me when I'm up
Pushing me up when I'm down.
Praising my talents
Strengthening my faults
Listening to me, in silence
Letting me grieve as long as I need.
Teaching me to be all that I can
Letting me fall, but giving me the courage
To pick myself up
And give it another try.
Our thoughts often cross
Before our paths cross
We are aware of the presence of each other
On an earthly level and beyond.
As years go by and our senses dim,
It is then that we shall truly "see"
The depth and strength of our friendship.
As our hearts beat more slowly
Our souls begin to shine more brightly
Heading toward the path
To eternal friendship and love.
Thank you for sharing this journey
With me, my friend.
You have made the path easier to walk
And your love and support have made my life whole.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Copyright 1999 by Ann Winter (winter@humanitas.ucsb.edu). Reproduction is prohibited without express permission of the author** -------------------------------------------------------------------------Requiem 2
by Michael David Coffey
In magnificence the cathedral forest Tall redwoods screeching torn starkness Screams of eagles ravaging Somber the sky There the altar place of moss strewn granite cliffs In majesty the lightening struck sequoia Kneel in homage to the eternity of life Feel the true place among the scurrying life Close to the rich brown earth that beckons In the calm eeriness-spiritual deep Lay your head in quiet Pray deeply, passionately- for salvation Here among the austere shadows of creation
------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Copyright 1999 by Michael David Coffey (Mdcoffey@aol.com) Reproduction is prohibited without express permission of the author** -------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Maker
by Robert James Berry
First I make a stark monochrome sketch Then throw the clay Turning my fingers To mould four senses Pedaling the treadle Last I hang the lips Hook the nose I am spattered with clay Flush with creation Overnight The head is put to rest under damp cloth I sleep with crossed fingers Today Cut from its pedestal The muscles have stiffened The mouth pouts Suddenly I have Gouged the eyes Brought my hands together and twisted the living thing into a slimy lump Again the wheel is turning With the whole of my hands Drawing the clay tall My feet under the spell I am remaking my head Not with faith But because I must------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Copyright 1996 by Robert James Berry (robert_james_berry@yahoo.com). Reproduction is prohibited without express permission of the author** -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blanketed in the envelope of your arms
The essence of you
Abides in my soul
A long forgotten
Joyous contrain escapes my lips
In quintessent harmony we sing
Melding in a renaissance of spectral emotions
We lift our voices to the canyons of the universe
In perpetual illumination of our souls
I long to softly lay forever huddled with you
Content in this sensuously peppered cocoon
Combing my fingers through your silken hair
Inhaling whispered words
The essence of all that is us
Gently kissed
In an infinite aria
------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Copyright 1998 by Chelse Elliot(Realchelse@aol.com). Reproduction is prohibited without express permission of the author** -------------------------------------------------------------------------