Ah Sweet Mystery of Life
Swear to god, for all too long, I owed my philosophy of life to Rogers and Hammerstein, Victor Herbert, Mario Lanza, George Gershwin and—the Church of the Brethren. In the beginning, of course, I attended…
Gravity
At no point that I remember, have I willingly launched myself from earth. Offered my body up to an ocean wave, catapulted off a diving board or lifted both feet at once and hopped into…
Winter 2019
“I have sailed across a sea of words to ask if you will come with me.” Tonight, in one earthly dimension, I see a twisted and gluttonous season—frightening, heartbreaking, monstrous. And in another, I live…
Winter 2018
Facing the Light In 1978, when I worked for the National Park Service in Washington DC, the National Portrait Gallery organized an exhibit and a catalog comprised of mid-nineteenth century daguerreotype images of famous Americans. …
Winter 2017
Dawn Light* 2017 began on a deeply cold, snowy December night–right after I’d written 2016’s winter letter titled “Gratitude.” That evening my quirky hiatal hernia twisted a bit more. And spawned pneumonia; Christmas in the…
Winter 2016
For all that has been, Thanks! For all that shall be, Yes! Dag Hammarskjold This gray November day, all thin light and hopelessness, I am grateful. Not by ignoring our fear and weariness, the…
Winter 2015
“We are all connected by fire,” he said, one quiet line in the midst of a wry, wise tutorial. We sat on wet grass above the breathing heart of Mauna Loa—Pele’s house—to learn from Kumu…
Winter 2014
Alight . . . somehow I’m learning to listen To a sound like the sun going down In the magic that morning is bringing There’s a song for the life I have found . ….
Winter 2013
It’s All Grace If I could live my life again awakeThink of all the chances I could takeI’d love with all abandon just the same‘Cause that’s the game . . . . The seconds whisper…
Winter 2012
Roads, Songs, Words I believe in love and dangerI believe the truth is strangerI believe that fear is much too strong I believe the best will find meWhen I leave the rest behind meOut on…