There is a drive
A hunger or thirst
Within us all.
Some see it as the struggle
To be with family.
Some hope to find it
In the nearness and
Proximity of one sibling to
The other, maybe
Both parents nearby.
There is a sense of safety,
If all went well when one was raised.
There is a feeling of peace, of comfort
To see the familiar,
To hear the voices which have
Spoken throughout our
Lifetimes.
There is the drive to be with newborn
Children of children
To welcome them into the arena
Of peace and intimacy,
To invite them to be new
Participants in the life we
Have made for ourselves.
Yet, there are those families
That do not connect,
Those siblings who scatter at
The age of maturity.
Those parents who rarely see
Their children because of geography.
There are those fearful souls who
Cling to what they desire but never was,
Who mourn the disconnection, the
Inability to share the heart,
The loss of intimacy which they crave but,
do not recognize in any other disguise
But what they imagine.
This deep down yearning, this
Hunger for connection is
Never fulfilled to our expectations. It is
A God-ward desire disguised by human faces,
This emptiness waiting to be filled with peace, intimacy
With bliss, is underneath it all. Emptiness is
The call of God, the God-ward pull of
Our hearts, our lives, which never can be finally
Fulfilled until our
Life is found by God and
abandoned by us.
We place a heavy burden on siblings,
parents, friends
To fulfill our deepest yearning,
We make others responsible for our peace
When only God can make it so in the end!
The inner ache is never healed, nor sated
until we look beyond family
and discover God.
Richard W Smith
December 21,2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Winter's Divine Painter
White
snowflakes
cover Morton
highlighting
everything that was
hidden
through the summer months.
Winter
starkness
emptiness
underbrush cleared
burned
dragged away
and what was
hidden now is
revealed.
Hiding
places of
deer
coyote
hawk
are exposed
as they
go
deeper and deeper
into the
wildness
further from
footpaths
trails
roads
to find the
solitary peace
for life.
They'll
remain
invisible
except for footprints
in snow
on branches
bearing
high winds
sometimes blizzard
always searching
to survive
to feed
yet out sight.
Snow
tracing dead
trees
fallen branches
fall's weeds hanging on
and pathways
long abandoned
by fair-weather
nature enthusiasts.
I wear
the scarf
pulled down
as a hat
I buldge with down
feather insulation
slog in
insulated boots
carrying the
freezing eye with me
out to the hidden
places
to spy on life
in the wild
in the wilderness
and return to bring
reports to those
who have discovered
God in the
wild,
God within the
frozen snow covered
creation.
The Divine
has
enjoyed
painting
Winter!
Richard W Smith
December 1, 2010
snowflakes
cover Morton
highlighting
everything that was
hidden
through the summer months.
Winter
starkness
emptiness
underbrush cleared
burned
dragged away
and what was
hidden now is
revealed.
Hiding
places of
deer
coyote
hawk
are exposed
as they
go
deeper and deeper
into the
wildness
further from
footpaths
trails
roads
to find the
solitary peace
for life.
They'll
remain
invisible
except for footprints
in snow
on branches
bearing
high winds
sometimes blizzard
always searching
to survive
to feed
yet out sight.
Snow
tracing dead
trees
fallen branches
fall's weeds hanging on
and pathways
long abandoned
by fair-weather
nature enthusiasts.
I wear
the scarf
pulled down
as a hat
I buldge with down
feather insulation
slog in
insulated boots
carrying the
freezing eye with me
out to the hidden
places
to spy on life
in the wild
in the wilderness
and return to bring
reports to those
who have discovered
God in the
wild,
God within the
frozen snow covered
creation.
The Divine
has
enjoyed
painting
Winter!
Richard W Smith
December 1, 2010
On Walking Through the Forest Preserve
God dusted the forest this morning.
a little white outline over the trees
highlighting some stand out members of
the tree population.
I walked along the path
which was covered in white as well.
The trees were wind tossing snow
that slid down my collar
giving me a freezing start!
The white dusting brought out depth
to the forest. I now was able to see
deeply behind and beyond the usual view
that I'd pay attention to.
The cold winds, the light snowfalkes jumping
from the highest branches, sliding down to the
forest floor waiting to mix and grow
next spring, waiting to thaw from freezing times.
Maybe God dusts these trees to awaken our attention
to help us see deeply, to love beauty, to
shake free from ordinary routines.
Maybe just to give us a start when the flakes find
a loose fitting collar and skate down our backs!
Richard W Smith
December 5, 2010
a little white outline over the trees
highlighting some stand out members of
the tree population.
I walked along the path
which was covered in white as well.
The trees were wind tossing snow
that slid down my collar
giving me a freezing start!
The white dusting brought out depth
to the forest. I now was able to see
deeply behind and beyond the usual view
that I'd pay attention to.
The cold winds, the light snowfalkes jumping
from the highest branches, sliding down to the
forest floor waiting to mix and grow
next spring, waiting to thaw from freezing times.
Maybe God dusts these trees to awaken our attention
to help us see deeply, to love beauty, to
shake free from ordinary routines.
Maybe just to give us a start when the flakes find
a loose fitting collar and skate down our backs!
Richard W Smith
December 5, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Tree Hospitality
Trees have a gift for
hospitality.
They welcome each
wing clad discoverer,
searcher, wanderer, and
homesick body.
They give them a place to BE
at home.
No protest just open arms;
Bark and branches
Bugs and berries
leaves and nests
all offered freely.
Hospitality is not
passive!
Richard W Smith
hospitality.
They welcome each
wing clad discoverer,
searcher, wanderer, and
homesick body.
They give them a place to BE
at home.
No protest just open arms;
Bark and branches
Bugs and berries
leaves and nests
all offered freely.
Hospitality is not
passive!
Richard W Smith
Monday, December 13, 2010
Coyote
Do you see him
(I’m thinking it’s a him, could be a her)
that young coyote
running along
(maybe “speeding along” is a better description)
And moving away from you and me.
His brown and tan fur highlighted
By the fall colors;
The red bushes, yellow weeds passing away
And the green grass which is slowly disappearing,
Even some yellow brush in the distance,
And against all that the bright blue sky.
I wonder if he’ll find what he’s looking for.
Whether she will remember this moment when two
Humans stood still (finally) and pointed
A finger at him.
Do you think he/she thought it a rifle barrel?
Certainly his kind have heard those throughout the years.
His tapered thin face seems to point to a
Grin as he dashes along
For the next safe haven, for the next meal,
For some solitude to plan his next
Escapade.
Wonder how old she’ll get. Imagine
if she’s a she if she’ll have some puppies
to prolong the grin and smile?
Do you think she’ll hide around here?
Maybe keep moving to find another spot-
Tough life, to keep moving like that.
Some life forms get bad raps-
They do what they do, it’s built in
But when they do not fit into our civilization
Well, I don’t have to tell you what happens do I?
So much grace and beauty
Her movement is like a dance
She spent one moment in our lives
And such an impact for so
Short a visit!
Richard W Smith
December 13, 2010
(I’m thinking it’s a him, could be a her)
that young coyote
running along
(maybe “speeding along” is a better description)
And moving away from you and me.
His brown and tan fur highlighted
By the fall colors;
The red bushes, yellow weeds passing away
And the green grass which is slowly disappearing,
Even some yellow brush in the distance,
And against all that the bright blue sky.
I wonder if he’ll find what he’s looking for.
Whether she will remember this moment when two
Humans stood still (finally) and pointed
A finger at him.
Do you think he/she thought it a rifle barrel?
Certainly his kind have heard those throughout the years.
His tapered thin face seems to point to a
Grin as he dashes along
For the next safe haven, for the next meal,
For some solitude to plan his next
Escapade.
Wonder how old she’ll get. Imagine
if she’s a she if she’ll have some puppies
to prolong the grin and smile?
Do you think she’ll hide around here?
Maybe keep moving to find another spot-
Tough life, to keep moving like that.
Some life forms get bad raps-
They do what they do, it’s built in
But when they do not fit into our civilization
Well, I don’t have to tell you what happens do I?
So much grace and beauty
Her movement is like a dance
She spent one moment in our lives
And such an impact for so
Short a visit!
Richard W Smith
December 13, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The Song of the Universe
I've been to Morton Arboretum
many times for
over four years;
walking, driving, sitting,
touching, listening, gazing at
the trees, the earht,the wildness.
I've recorded over and over again
by camera photographs of
every experience-and even
caught people unaware in pixels.
So, recently, the joy has worn off; the
wonder and amazement of all that
is and makes up this wonderful garden.
I'd thought I'd seen it all, heard every local bird-song,
watched every deer and coyote and heard the wings of
hawk as they swooped down to an unsuspecting mole.
I'd grown sad that there was nothing left to photograph
I'd despaired of seeing deeper, looking more closely
hearing the song of the universe,
the one in the tiny many.
But, at the right time, creeping so slowly
an experience called "mindfulness"
paying attention to the moment
the experience of being aware of what is
right before my eyes and in my life
surfaced with a start.
I follow this path faultingly in my journey
I am continually invited and welcomed into
the deeper spaces of reality
beyond the surface sheen and sounds
to walk in the dpeths of the streams of
life
to discover the part each living creature
plays in the make-up
of my life.
Richard W Smith
December 12, 2010
many times for
over four years;
walking, driving, sitting,
touching, listening, gazing at
the trees, the earht,the wildness.
I've recorded over and over again
by camera photographs of
every experience-and even
caught people unaware in pixels.
So, recently, the joy has worn off; the
wonder and amazement of all that
is and makes up this wonderful garden.
I'd thought I'd seen it all, heard every local bird-song,
watched every deer and coyote and heard the wings of
hawk as they swooped down to an unsuspecting mole.
I'd grown sad that there was nothing left to photograph
I'd despaired of seeing deeper, looking more closely
hearing the song of the universe,
the one in the tiny many.
But, at the right time, creeping so slowly
an experience called "mindfulness"
paying attention to the moment
the experience of being aware of what is
right before my eyes and in my life
surfaced with a start.
I follow this path faultingly in my journey
I am continually invited and welcomed into
the deeper spaces of reality
beyond the surface sheen and sounds
to walk in the dpeths of the streams of
life
to discover the part each living creature
plays in the make-up
of my life.
Richard W Smith
December 12, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
"God Is On the Other Side"
God is on the other
side of the lake.
over there at a distance.
Sometimes as I look out my
living room window
fog covers my view
of God!
Snow bands white out
my view
God is there
distant.
I see glimpses at a distance
As God walks along the
shore.
No cooking fish,
just a casual stroll along
the beach.
One day with binoculars
in hand, I notice
God is looking at me,
through the fog and
snow bands,
through the strong winds and
deep nights
God sees me looking
a hand waves slowly in
recognition, in
greeting.
Richard W Smith
March 2002
side of the lake.
over there at a distance.
Sometimes as I look out my
living room window
fog covers my view
of God!
Snow bands white out
my view
God is there
distant.
I see glimpses at a distance
As God walks along the
shore.
No cooking fish,
just a casual stroll along
the beach.
One day with binoculars
in hand, I notice
God is looking at me,
through the fog and
snow bands,
through the strong winds and
deep nights
God sees me looking
a hand waves slowly in
recognition, in
greeting.
Richard W Smith
March 2002
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Diagonal Lines
Diagonal lines
action lines, lines that cut across scenes of life
and move and act and run.
The sun has risen this morning
life begins with the
diagonal slant of light.
Perspectives change as this
diagonal line moves and moves its simple slant
gradually into a perpendicular stance,
solid and grounded
and back again to its' horizontal slant.
Yet, the journey is
not simply through the sky
it is also through our lives.
The perspective is of
colors and shades,
shadows and light.
Changes happening moment to moment.
There's a gold hue to this slant where
there is action and passion,
movement and growth.
No longer under the cloak of darkness,
going in unknown directions,
no, now the light has come and
brings beauty as well as energy
to each new day.
The Lord rides those diagonal lines,
rides them into life each morning and
brings the beauty as well as energy
to each new day.
The Lord comes and
warms creation with light.
The Lord comes to paint
each tree, each road, every person,
to bounce reflections
off midnight's puddles of rain
and oceans flat from lack of Spirit.
The Lord comes and sprinkles gold dust
into life and creates a fresh new Moasaic
each moment of the new day.
And...and you and I are
all part of this artist's pallette,
and we are part of the colors flecked with gold
that this artist's smears
across the skies and earth...and you and I
are part of the colors painted
on life today with all
our troubles, joys, schemes and dreams
just waiting to be released
on this day that is covered with
diagonal lines!
Richard W Smith
2003
action lines, lines that cut across scenes of life
and move and act and run.
The sun has risen this morning
life begins with the
diagonal slant of light.
Perspectives change as this
diagonal line moves and moves its simple slant
gradually into a perpendicular stance,
solid and grounded
and back again to its' horizontal slant.
Yet, the journey is
not simply through the sky
it is also through our lives.
The perspective is of
colors and shades,
shadows and light.
Changes happening moment to moment.
There's a gold hue to this slant where
there is action and passion,
movement and growth.
No longer under the cloak of darkness,
going in unknown directions,
no, now the light has come and
brings beauty as well as energy
to each new day.
The Lord rides those diagonal lines,
rides them into life each morning and
brings the beauty as well as energy
to each new day.
The Lord comes and
warms creation with light.
The Lord comes to paint
each tree, each road, every person,
to bounce reflections
off midnight's puddles of rain
and oceans flat from lack of Spirit.
The Lord comes and sprinkles gold dust
into life and creates a fresh new Moasaic
each moment of the new day.
And...and you and I are
all part of this artist's pallette,
and we are part of the colors flecked with gold
that this artist's smears
across the skies and earth...and you and I
are part of the colors painted
on life today with all
our troubles, joys, schemes and dreams
just waiting to be released
on this day that is covered with
diagonal lines!
Richard W Smith
2003
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
A Standing God
My God is a
standing God.
The God who created
street corners
bus stops
train stations
lines and
beds.
My God is in
no hurry
to take charge of
life
to get somewhere
fast
to be first
be best
be admired for
superiority.
My God is standing
waiting
patiently
smellng the scents of life
listening to voices
seeing pained hearts
touching starved children.
My God is a standing God
who waits
who heals
who stays
with all
who need
healing
hope
compassion.
Richard W Smith
September 2003
standing God.
The God who created
street corners
bus stops
train stations
lines and
beds.
My God is in
no hurry
to take charge of
life
to get somewhere
fast
to be first
be best
be admired for
superiority.
My God is standing
waiting
patiently
smellng the scents of life
listening to voices
seeing pained hearts
touching starved children.
My God is a standing God
who waits
who heals
who stays
with all
who need
healing
hope
compassion.
Richard W Smith
September 2003
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Tree Troupe
I regard trees as show offs---
Look at them
Sometimes they make soft rustling noises
Just to grab our attention early in the morning
Or in the deep dark nights or
Take the times they entertain us
In bright red, orange, or yellow leaves
Waving at us back and forth
Trying to take our eyes off what we were doing or
How about when all their leaves fall off in
Cold winter months, what happens?
They are winter-snow covered and
Provide shapes and forms as they
Stand or slouch or lean against each other.
There is a starkness to them, they even imitate
Branch-Skeletons.
The forests and parks, huddles of trees
Not standing idly by,
But alive and busy at life
performing
In varieties of ways.
Yes, those elms, oaks, birches, and all the rest of the gang
Show offs every one of them!
Richard W Smith
December 7, 2010
Look at them
Sometimes they make soft rustling noises
Just to grab our attention early in the morning
Or in the deep dark nights or
Take the times they entertain us
In bright red, orange, or yellow leaves
Waving at us back and forth
Trying to take our eyes off what we were doing or
How about when all their leaves fall off in
Cold winter months, what happens?
They are winter-snow covered and
Provide shapes and forms as they
Stand or slouch or lean against each other.
There is a starkness to them, they even imitate
Branch-Skeletons.
The forests and parks, huddles of trees
Not standing idly by,
But alive and busy at life
performing
In varieties of ways.
Yes, those elms, oaks, birches, and all the rest of the gang
Show offs every one of them!
Richard W Smith
December 7, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Prayer For Visibility
Lord
I want to flow down
mountain side
swim upstream. I want to float
upon the lake and hear
echoes of life at work and
birds calling and trees
speaking as wind plays
across their leaves. I want to
melt like snow within
this earth and fly unhidered like a
blackbird who moves with swagger
calling life to consciousness each
sunrise. I want to be seen in the
distant scene, across the lake
in blues, reds, and yellows all neatly
matched and able to be eye-catching
to some unknown spy from the other side
of the lake. I want to float to earth like
a fall leaf and rise like a summer rose.
I want, dear Lord, to be part of the
rhythm, a piece of the canvass,
a note in the song, a spark in
the life that You
Create!
Amen.
Richard W Smith
March 2002
I want to flow down
mountain side
swim upstream. I want to float
upon the lake and hear
echoes of life at work and
birds calling and trees
speaking as wind plays
across their leaves. I want to
melt like snow within
this earth and fly unhidered like a
blackbird who moves with swagger
calling life to consciousness each
sunrise. I want to be seen in the
distant scene, across the lake
in blues, reds, and yellows all neatly
matched and able to be eye-catching
to some unknown spy from the other side
of the lake. I want to float to earth like
a fall leaf and rise like a summer rose.
I want, dear Lord, to be part of the
rhythm, a piece of the canvass,
a note in the song, a spark in
the life that You
Create!
Amen.
Richard W Smith
March 2002
Saturday, December 4, 2010
We Return With Homeless Hearts
We return with homeless hearts
our weary journeys have left us
with no place to rest, to belong
with no reference point for living life
with no shelter from life's suffering.
Waiting Father
at the horizens of life
you search the future
for your returning child.
Waiting Father
we return so late
but life needs to be
tested and seen for
ourselves.
We return with broken hearts
spirits barely alive.
Coming in sad regret
with hopes of a home
a place of safety.
Christ of our hopes
You are always there
yet unseen by
our selfish energy
centered on being the
"One" ourselves, being
our own answer to our life.
Christ of our hopes
we fail willfully
to open our hearts
to your gracious friendship
your loving embrace.
We return with hearts imprisoned
captive to sad decisions
caged by unfree actions
unable to break into
acts of kindness and
compassion.
Enabling Spirit of God
you stand by with
hand upon open door
inviting and enabling our
life to be whole and healed
encouraging us to drink all of
life from the cup you serve.
Enabling Spirit of God
your energy and passion
invade our lives and hearts
causing us to be new
someone different from the old mix
of ingredients to our life.
But we return with homeless hearts
our weary journeys have left us
with no place to rest, to belong
with no reference point for living
with no shelter from life's pain.
Richard W Smith
March 2002
our weary journeys have left us
with no place to rest, to belong
with no reference point for living life
with no shelter from life's suffering.
Waiting Father
at the horizens of life
you search the future
for your returning child.
Waiting Father
we return so late
but life needs to be
tested and seen for
ourselves.
We return with broken hearts
spirits barely alive.
Coming in sad regret
with hopes of a home
a place of safety.
Christ of our hopes
You are always there
yet unseen by
our selfish energy
centered on being the
"One" ourselves, being
our own answer to our life.
Christ of our hopes
we fail willfully
to open our hearts
to your gracious friendship
your loving embrace.
We return with hearts imprisoned
captive to sad decisions
caged by unfree actions
unable to break into
acts of kindness and
compassion.
Enabling Spirit of God
you stand by with
hand upon open door
inviting and enabling our
life to be whole and healed
encouraging us to drink all of
life from the cup you serve.
Enabling Spirit of God
your energy and passion
invade our lives and hearts
causing us to be new
someone different from the old mix
of ingredients to our life.
But we return with homeless hearts
our weary journeys have left us
with no place to rest, to belong
with no reference point for living
with no shelter from life's pain.
Richard W Smith
March 2002
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The Rumble Down the Family Tree
My Mother
follows me
down the stairs
of my life
my years.
Small woman
of anger
my terror!
Striking me
with tongue
and hand
Violence in words
quips at table
and rest.
We each
my older sister and I
huddled inside
ourselves
circling the wagons
preparing for attacks
for sharp arrows
for deep wounds
which we only discovered
years after the assault.
Always hidden
like so many families
We both pretended
we were O.K.
But our children's lives
betray our secret
they bear the scars
of our Mother's
tongue and hand!
Our children pass on the
echo of the violence
down
down the generations
this specter of shadow
this destructiveness
so insidious
so secret
so painful.
My Mother has
ceased her rule
she's feeble
memory fading
her hand and tongue
not so strong
But we still
enthrown her out of habit
giving her her due
and as she fades
from this world into memory
behind her
miles behind her
we see many other
women
ancient
with raised hand
with biting tongue
we hear the thunder of violence
rumbling down
our family tree!
April 2004
follows me
down the stairs
of my life
my years.
Small woman
of anger
my terror!
Striking me
with tongue
and hand
Violence in words
quips at table
and rest.
We each
my older sister and I
huddled inside
ourselves
circling the wagons
preparing for attacks
for sharp arrows
for deep wounds
which we only discovered
years after the assault.
Always hidden
like so many families
We both pretended
we were O.K.
But our children's lives
betray our secret
they bear the scars
of our Mother's
tongue and hand!
Our children pass on the
echo of the violence
down
down the generations
this specter of shadow
this destructiveness
so insidious
so secret
so painful.
My Mother has
ceased her rule
she's feeble
memory fading
her hand and tongue
not so strong
But we still
enthrown her out of habit
giving her her due
and as she fades
from this world into memory
behind her
miles behind her
we see many other
women
ancient
with raised hand
with biting tongue
we hear the thunder of violence
rumbling down
our family tree!
April 2004
Labels:
quips and
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The Heron
Slowly imperceptible
those grey feet slide
in the pond-hidden
from the green late-summer-waters
from the road,
behind the forest leaf-camouflage
to almost every eye.
This might seem like judgment
as an ususpecting fish is speared
it might feel like injustice
bad luck
at least to pond creatures
as this intruder invades their world.
Yet the grey historic bird
has been part of both worlds
over and over again
flying large
striding softly
imperceptible to the universe.
September 13, 2009
those grey feet slide
in the pond-hidden
from the green late-summer-waters
from the road,
behind the forest leaf-camouflage
to almost every eye.
This might seem like judgment
as an ususpecting fish is speared
it might feel like injustice
bad luck
at least to pond creatures
as this intruder invades their world.
Yet the grey historic bird
has been part of both worlds
over and over again
flying large
striding softly
imperceptible to the universe.
September 13, 2009
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Still Looking for Lodging!!!
Still Looking for Lodging!
Travelling home from work
Through neighborhoods of
Strung lights bobbing in winds,
Recently inflated plastic air-bag characters
From children’s cartoons
And seeing the Holy Family
Camping on many front lawns!
The decorations go up signaling
Christmas shopping time has begun.
The Family is still looking for
Lodging,
For a place to stay,
Beyond ornamentation on
Americas’ lawns,
Beyond being part of the
Country’s collective characters and symbols
Dragged out
year after year
sometimes adding new characters to
the mob,
To signal
The beginning of shopping sprees,
Building the economy,
Lifting the GNP,
Encourage Wall Street investors!
At our church each year
Someone steals the Baby Jesus from
The front lawn
crèche scene---
Travelling home from work
Through neighborhoods of
Strung lights bobbing in winds,
Recently inflated plastic air-bag characters
From children’s cartoons
And seeing the Holy Family
Camping on many front lawns!
The decorations go up signaling
Christmas shopping time has begun.
The Family is still looking for
Lodging,
For a place to stay,
Beyond ornamentation on
Americas’ lawns,
Beyond being part of the
Country’s collective characters and symbols
Dragged out
year after year
sometimes adding new characters to
the mob,
To signal
The beginning of shopping sprees,
Building the economy,
Lifting the GNP,
Encourage Wall Street investors!
At our church each year
Someone steals the Baby Jesus from
The front lawn
crèche scene---
Birdsong
I swear
the birds are all
extroverts!!!
From early morning
even before the sun surfaces
they start their chatter
on into late evening
never quitting.
What is it they have to say
so long
so much?
Some people imagine
they're singing to their mates,
Others to
God's glory.
Richard W Smith
June 16, 2010
the birds are all
extroverts!!!
From early morning
even before the sun surfaces
they start their chatter
on into late evening
never quitting.
What is it they have to say
so long
so much?
Some people imagine
they're singing to their mates,
Others to
God's glory.
Richard W Smith
June 16, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
My Wish!
To let the
fall breezes
flow across
my face
tousle my hair
bringing
scent
wildness
wilderness
dirt
flowers
wild flowers
the multch for next year
and a fireplace
some distance away,
To let the
cool tap water
flow over my
sore hands
softly
before bed
squeezing through
the faucet
on the right
having circulated through
the house
refreshing
enlivening
peaceful
all
before I leave
this planet
another eight hours
placing my
life
in gravity's hands
that the world
will turn
the universe
will survive
and my love
will be beside me
when the sun
creeps across
the floor
and the cracks
in the window shades
are highlighted
becoming a wake-up
call
to life again!
fall breezes
flow across
my face
tousle my hair
bringing
scent
wildness
wilderness
dirt
flowers
wild flowers
the multch for next year
and a fireplace
some distance away,
To let the
cool tap water
flow over my
sore hands
softly
before bed
squeezing through
the faucet
on the right
having circulated through
the house
refreshing
enlivening
peaceful
all
before I leave
this planet
another eight hours
placing my
life
in gravity's hands
that the world
will turn
the universe
will survive
and my love
will be beside me
when the sun
creeps across
the floor
and the cracks
in the window shades
are highlighted
becoming a wake-up
call
to life again!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
"Stay Awake!"
The old preacher
Told me
to pay attention.
Not because
I sleep during
Her sermons,
But today is Advent
The start of watching
And waiting for
The arrival
of the “One
who is to come!”
Pay attention
Don’t focus only on my
Pain.
Watch
Don’t indulge my
Sadness.
Be alert
Not focused on my
Problems.
Listen carefully
To the sounds of life
Not only my
Life.
Consider
The whole of life
Be not
Inattentive.
Observe
The worlds peoples
Be not
Self absorbed.
Patient
Not trying to control
All of life
Fitting it into my
Schemes.
Advent has arrived
Time to prepare
Take a fresh look
At my focus
Values
Wants and
Wishes
And lining them all up
As a simple gift
To the Child of Bethlehem
For the entire world!
Richard W Smith
November 28, 2010
Told me
to pay attention.
Not because
I sleep during
Her sermons,
But today is Advent
The start of watching
And waiting for
The arrival
of the “One
who is to come!”
Pay attention
Don’t focus only on my
Pain.
Watch
Don’t indulge my
Sadness.
Be alert
Not focused on my
Problems.
Listen carefully
To the sounds of life
Not only my
Life.
Consider
The whole of life
Be not
Inattentive.
Observe
The worlds peoples
Be not
Self absorbed.
Patient
Not trying to control
All of life
Fitting it into my
Schemes.
Advent has arrived
Time to prepare
Take a fresh look
At my focus
Values
Wants and
Wishes
And lining them all up
As a simple gift
To the Child of Bethlehem
For the entire world!
Richard W Smith
November 28, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Path Walking
Path walking
brief journies
each day
along known and
unknown
trails
often leading
in a circle
a Pilgrimage
nontheless.
Some of the
journey
muffled by
earbuds
Some with
frivlous chatter
When all along
wonder
amazement
mystery
adventure
Totally envelope us
as we jog
walk
in fits & starts.
Path walking
a rehearsal
for the
hard reality
of living,
an experiment
in paying attention
a little while.
Maybe the
excuse is
just plain
exercise
losing weight
looking good
fighting depression.
But the stark
action
is facing all creation
being part of
"What Is"
Being counted as
"environment"
Being part of
"Creation"
Being included in
"Life."
Path walking
cutting across
intersecting
sliicing through
boarders
boundaries
where living
life
energy
is spinning
shivering
shaking
quaking
and we are in
the middle
of it
all.
Sometimes
unaware
occassionally
reveling
possibly
thanking
The God deep
within all that's
Life!
Richard W Smith
8/18/2010
brief journies
each day
along known and
unknown
trails
often leading
in a circle
a Pilgrimage
nontheless.
Some of the
journey
muffled by
earbuds
Some with
frivlous chatter
When all along
wonder
amazement
mystery
adventure
Totally envelope us
as we jog
walk
in fits & starts.
Path walking
a rehearsal
for the
hard reality
of living,
an experiment
in paying attention
a little while.
Maybe the
excuse is
just plain
exercise
losing weight
looking good
fighting depression.
But the stark
action
is facing all creation
being part of
"What Is"
Being counted as
"environment"
Being part of
"Creation"
Being included in
"Life."
Path walking
cutting across
intersecting
sliicing through
boarders
boundaries
where living
life
energy
is spinning
shivering
shaking
quaking
and we are in
the middle
of it
all.
Sometimes
unaware
occassionally
reveling
possibly
thanking
The God deep
within all that's
Life!
Richard W Smith
8/18/2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Vincent van Gogh
Vincent-
all colors!!!
hyper-energy
reality painted
not fast enough
dabs
stabs and smudges of
bright
colors.
How did you
see Vincent?
Those quick
impressions
hitting your
retina
splashing
whirling
swirling
blues
yellows
alive!!!
alive!!!
filled with
energy
life
movement
no placid
reality
no boredom
no routine
but
every day
novelty
newness
resurrected life.
Your view of
reality
biologically
influenced
like us all
but
an open heart
waiting
just waiting
to be filled
with the
mystery
the wordless
wonder
as you try and
catch a
fleeting
glimpse on
canvass of
God!
all colors!!!
hyper-energy
reality painted
not fast enough
dabs
stabs and smudges of
bright
colors.
How did you
see Vincent?
Those quick
impressions
hitting your
retina
splashing
whirling
swirling
blues
yellows
alive!!!
alive!!!
filled with
energy
life
movement
no placid
reality
no boredom
no routine
but
every day
novelty
newness
resurrected life.
Your view of
reality
biologically
influenced
like us all
but
an open heart
waiting
just waiting
to be filled
with the
mystery
the wordless
wonder
as you try and
catch a
fleeting
glimpse on
canvass of
God!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Sometimes I'm Joyful
Sometimes
I'm joyful
I can't explain it
it happens!
I feel like
my insides are
"a flutter."
Sometimes
I'm down
angry and wanting to
lash out and
"dam" the whole
process of life!
Sometimes
I'm in neutral
unaware of happenings
blaze
going through the motions
looking forward only to a
TV show
Food
a good book
bright photogenic colors
sleep.
Sometimes
I just don't know
I'm stuck
wondering
hoping
disappointed
feeling like a fool
looking back on my lifetime
with regrets
sometimes with delight
most times with
mixed reviews.
October 25, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
I Saw An "X"
I saw an
"X" in the
windy blue
fall sky
floating by
(the kind made
by jets)
and it collided
with an
"I"
to make the
letter
"H"
and it spread
wider and wider
covering half
the visible
sky
reminding people
of all sorts of
things in their
lives
past and present
maybe hinting at their futures.
Then as the
"H"
drifted
it simply
disintegrated
from riding the
wind
and moving
further & futher
into the distance.
"X" in the
windy blue
fall sky
floating by
(the kind made
by jets)
and it collided
with an
"I"
to make the
letter
"H"
and it spread
wider and wider
covering half
the visible
sky
reminding people
of all sorts of
things in their
lives
past and present
maybe hinting at their futures.
Then as the
"H"
drifted
it simply
disintegrated
from riding the
wind
and moving
further & futher
into the distance.
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