A Heart That Moves

In a heart that moves

no longer in hesitation

no longer lurching to a halt

only mindful of the moment

knowing full well

tomorrow will not come

if today is not lived

and in that sweet light

I see a face in you

that speaks to me of love

that is bursting from my heart

trying to tell you without fear

that you are the one I adore

without demand just because

It is my good fortune

to know the angel of the century

who walks upon the water

of your own glorious being

floating inside your own body

where you manifest in me

affection stronger than steel

But softer than the bread of life

you call my secret name to a table

where I feast upon eyes

warmer than golden sunsets

in an ocean of time

that never needs hurry

wanting to be eternally with you

in your sweet embrace

kissing me when the moon is right

or the sunrise speaks your perfect name

wisely like a lotus flower

my precious companion hoping

that you will be that with me

holding hands that never part

or when they do they feel a home

calling them together again

like homing pigeons that long

to make their nest at night

when all is dark and still

and you can hear heart beats

making love in the candle light

---------------------------------------

Watercolor: Steve Hanks

A Precious New Friend

Today for me was glorious

to meet a precious new friend

standing at the doorway

of her own tomorrow

I see her graciously

stepping onto the golden path

that will lead her to become

the person she dreams herself to be

though she does not yet know

And while these words may sound silly

to ears that do not hear them in full

for me I know she has in store

a future as limitless as the sky is blue

with possibilities astounding

and in just one day I've come to know

a precious new friend full of life

wondering how the world will fit

into her pocket on her rocket

knowing she will someday fly

-----------------------------------------

Watercolor: Steve Hanks

Smiling Gene Paige

In smiles astounding deep and wide

reflecting their own beauty to some who can't see

warming hearts across an unknown world

making it known more day by day

He gives his grace to many I love

and to him I have thanks each morning

when I think of him I smile knowing

he's smiling in his heart at everyone

And so with his loving warmth behind me

I stand upon a taller cloud more near

the divinity that touches us all

if only we can smile

Joyful is his name known as Gene

my friend somehow he came to be

unknown he came to me in magic

like a waterfall in spring

Bursting out from icy grip

warming frost away

kissing oceans of hesitation

into submission with one grin

My dear brother never known before

until the moment he arrived

and opened a door to me

so I could see how love should be displayed

-------------------------------

Photo: Gene Paige

Spot-Cat in Motion

Spot-Cat in motion

across an ocean of love

carried in hearts plenty

near and far

an old friend tender

warm to the touch even now

in the smiling hearts he loved

and still touching them alive

fueling a brighter moment of joy

How he wove his antics thick

kissing away tears before they could come

until some may come now

as our old friend

family to those that don't know him

but love him all the same

comes not to find his rest in peace

but comes to find his spot in our hearts

Now he walks on water

and slide through air with grace

truer in form than ever

as we see him more alive

than ever we knew

flowing from Belgium to California

No doubt Alaska too

Down under even is not too far a reach

For this Spot-Cat

making his place be known

by the glorious company he keeps

and keeps and keeps

even now, NOW, in this present

the only place he's ever been

where still he is as far as I can see

purring in my heart at this moment now

as never before he has been

-------------------------------

Photo: Gene Paige

Dedicated to the loving memory of Spot-Cat

Drip by Drop

Lurking behind the veil deep

some secret unknown even to you

waits until it cannot be unseen

unexpectedly a new life emerges

erupting from snow's exotic grip

as you arrive like honey drip by drop

in a powerful surge of stem to leaf

into my life's fathomless stormy ocean

dissolving into being divinely

breathtaking as a waterfall

flowing backwards to the source

you leave me breathless as you

approach what cannot be touched

and embrace my heart with every step

that dares not speak your secret name

the name of love I've never known

-------------------------------------

Photo: Heidi Westum

Married to the Truth... but Cheating

Married to the Truth

but cheating like a thief

I intended divine communion

when I took my solemn vows

earnestly I wrote the words

upon my heart in blood

of my unborn children's children

and made my pledge to know you

and keep you safe and well cherished

and in return you opened yourself to me

and let me know you more deeply

than I had ever known before

in bliss we would lay

in authenticity

together at last

forever it seemed

But now I'm here or there

without a second thought carefree

nothing matters at all these days

pretending it's all good

as you sleep so trustfully

I allow you to fill my heart

and drink your sacred wine

while I lie musing in my mind

how other's might taste

wondering in silence

why I cannot keep

the vows I made

And all for lack of patience

everything I've ever asked

has been given and received

sometimes in ways I cannot see

but the Truth cannot hurry or lie

she can only give herself

as she is

or not at all

when her cocoon is ripe

she emerges in brilliant clarity

as the glorious butterfly she is

how I once loved to watch her fly

with tears flowing down my cheek

but now in the darkness

I contemplate my cheat

For other's hearts are more easily won

tempting me to discard what I know

willingly they whisper what I long to hear

enchanting my fantasies of knowing

by stories of my own making

servicing my imagination's fancy

rather than saying what is

and I am carried away

suckling their false treasure

and turning my back upon you

my beloved one who is helpless

unable to stand in my way

because you can only speak

when you are cherished

and can only open

when you are loved

So I ask you to wear false clothing

that flatters not the beauty of your form

while nakedly you stand open to me

showing every sweet curve of your being

I dress you in rags of cheap fancy

pretending you are one of my whores

painting false words upon your chest

parroted slogans you never said

covering the succulent splendor you offer

if only I would care to drink your nectar

and lay again in the divine bliss

we once shared so true

And now I increase your burden

forcing you to walk behind me

carrying slowly all my baggage

and my contrived dogma too

stuffing your mouth too full to speak

with other men's musings not my own

burying your devotion out of sight

so as not to catch a glimpse

of your beloved True name

that would remind me

to set us both free

this is how I care for thee

But with loving tears of trust betrayed

and wise eyes asking to be known

needing only my honesty to answer

why am I here with you

pretending to be one with intention

while squandering my promise

offending your sweet womb

with the memory of my whores

while your only offense

is being True

I find myself

in my own shadow

and choose to step

back into the light

where you embrace me

as we begin again

---------------------------------

Photo: Zachar Rise

Unseen Beauty

In beauty's wake you walk

unable to fill the mold you made

blinded by your own grandeur

hidden from your own unloving eyes

until you forgive the curse

you have inflicted upon yourself

unwilling to behold in truth

that which would astound you

for in your heart of hearts

lies the key you already hold

clutched so tightly in your grip

you refuse to embrace your bounty

and walk lonely and afraid

under dark shadows judging

scorning your divinity with

the fruit of your condemnation

unless you will give forward

what you have always owed

a dewdrop of your own love

sprinkled with the bliss of being

multiplying the ground to spread

wider than you can stand or gaze

exploding from your eyes until

all of your world stands amazed

glowing in shimming rainbows

touching every leaf in sight

while the ground gladly kisses

every footstep you give her in grace

in this new awakened light you find

your golden face unseen anew

stripped naked of all your hatred

drinking every moment that is

presenting itself in your honor

standing before yourself whole

unflinching and free at last

the world awaits you lovingly

--------------------------------------

Photo: Dmitry Plotnikoff

Closer Than Bodies Can Touch

Strong arms

softer than butter

melting through your honey skin

closer than bodies can touch

wrapping around your perfect heart

then diving in

to the pool of fire

quenched

by the ocean of love

that is you

abounding and astounding

and in your every move

I see a dance

beckoning me to step

into your life and stay

long enough to know

the eternity of love

that has always been

and will always be

anytime two hearts

like this

should dare to kiss

----------------------------------------

Photo: Unknown Artist

Walking with Yourselves as One

Daring to hope with clasped hands

rising up out of the fearful drumming

painted across the hearts of many

walking with yourselves as one

as he has always dreamed it would be

eyes to sky wondering impossible questions

contemplating possibilities beyond the realm

but through all of your love combined

comes a vision pouring into being

remembering all that has been

and could be

some glowing and growing

as he really is

even when some eyes could not see

striving for more

wanting to be

walking forward some times alone

misunderstood by some

seldom free of a true longing

to touch the sky beyond reach

and in this dark and bright time

comes into realization a communion

a connection of long lost friends

forgiving past hurts transcendent

dreaming together of love

as large as he would ever ask

and larger still perhaps

than ever he could have dreamed

as you sit quiet in circles recalling

and talking until speech comes no more

just as it always must be

where only the light of our own souls

can illuminate the darkness of night

and guide us into the present

where regret and lose cannot exist

where he has always lived in our hearts

and always forever will be

---------------------------------------------------

Mike Grefner is still missing

as of 25 January 2012.

http://findmikegrefner.ca

This poem is dedicated

with hope and love

to Mike and his dreams

and

to those that love him

Brave and Scared

Afraid and scared

bold and brave

we walk through life so strangely

bound to what we believe

seldom free

tied by the eyes that love us

to suffer their fears

strangely entangled in a knot

conditioned to walk on earth

in water we sink and drown

there is evidence all around

we have no choice

unless we choose

walking barefoot in our shoes

we feel so safe in cozy homes

afraid to step out and live

afraid to step out and give

afraid to step out and die

paralyzed in our tranquility

we make no move

rotting like fungus on the vine

some of us think we are divine

as the clock that does not tick

beats out the rhythm of our life

we stand in paradise

lost beyond horizons

where we dare not gaze or dream

-------------------------------------------

Photo: Tomek Dyczewski

In Balance

In balance we find poise to stand

together as one on the other we lean

while they give their chest

so we can rest

we give our heart

so they can feel

without needing

just a choice

desiring connection deeply ingrained

woven in the same warm mill

working toward a merging

larger than both

every union giving birth

to another point in time

a memory refined in bliss

a touch of God's hand divine

structure providing the vase

in which our liquid may flow

into the richness it knows

without limit but deserving

to be not wasted

cherished for a moment

long enough to live free

we take our turns tenderly

where beauty finds a corner

where it need not hide

as our divinity sees

the light of day

in each other's loving eyes

-------------------------------------------

Photograph: boris schwemin

Hesitation's Embrace

As serenity calls

though wind's changing tides

ebb and flow astounds

surging colorless

on black nights

dripping humid taste

upon a bed of grace

some finger beckons walk

out of hesitation's embrace

--------------------------------------------

Photograph: Matthew Tauzer

Contours Bending

Contours bending in a storm

emerging twisted gracious form

drifting through forgotten night

on slowly moving candlelight

with sweet hands tending tender skin

swollen kisses tumbling in

where hidden canyon's sweet abyss

surge toward a glowing temporal bliss

as human touch seeks out its will

unfolding from a stardust mill

weaving daydreams until dawn

the river's flow has nowhere gone

for climbers of crescendoed falls

always fail to cross their walls

until a time will come to be

when our whole heart will let us see

------------------------------------------------

Photograph: Herbert Wannhoff

Drowning Half Awake

Drowning half awake

suspended in a trance

under your toe's pull

drawn by footstep's need

to find a path

on a sunny road to walk

naked in the sun

worn well in conviction

for the crimes of your heart

uncommitted

you stand alone again

with water filled lungs

unable to speak

ears full of sand

blood on your hands

while biting shark's fear

keeps you ashore

rotting in love's lament

unfounded in a dream

calling your will

to redeem your intention

sinking below the reach

of everyday patience

as miracles occur

by divine intervention

sung by angel's words

of your own hidden making

from a place on high

deep inside your heart

above the water's edge

where you cry

to be touched

where you live

and see the face

you were born to know

---------------------------------------------

Photograph: Shlomi Nissim

Until You Finally Fly

Finding yourself lost

standing on the edge of time

some cliff faces you

no center step in sight

only the far horizon calling

where you see the light

but cringe at the darkness

that separates you from

the things you love

trembling on the bluff

the ground nearby sluffs off

into the canyon deep

you hear it fall in cascades

and back away

as it warns you to stay

but you drink your poison instead

swallowing your fear you hesitate

serving your hellish time waiting

for the green light to shine

though knowing full well

the keys you need are in hand

only wondering if you'll find them

as you fall into the abyss

you have worried into being

but nothing blocks your path

other than love of life that binds you

blinds you and makes you human

the whole person you are

breathing out some sighing pattern

that somehow delights you to watch

this life you love walk by

as you preen your golden wings

until you finally fly

-------------------------------------

Photo: Planet Science

Sherri Phoenix Rising

Floating above the ash

rising above the beaten down path

taller than the wind

billowing full her golden sails

that kiss her gracefully

as she bends with life's blows

like a field of grain

nourishing with love

those who take the time to gaze

upon the hidden beauty

of her heart and soul

sometimes unseen

behind a veil of words

that say so much more

than some can read

but her hands reach

from a loving place

deeper than a well

it draws you near

she's sincere

and I have come to know

she is strong as nails

and sweet as wine

gliding freely through light

standing taller than her frame

kindness overflowing every pore

opening every door

no limits to possibilities

an angel's touch

from an outreached hand

unwilling to harm

always kinder to others

than herself

she's perfect in her way

and an inspiration to all

that open their eyes to love

-------------------------------------------------

Photographer: Cristian Nyaguly

A Better Dream Than You

As your heart radiates

its perfect reflection

of your own inner beauty

dream a better dream than you

where the wealth you manifest

into your own small hands

is larger than your fear

of what might be taken away

and allow to flow wide

the river of your being

so you stand not tall alone

but wide in a field of plenty

as far as your eye can see

Bonded Below the Skin

Flying low and high

skimming clouds below your feet

walking on water vaporized

unbound if you choose

you drift away and back

standing near the edge

we tremble you might fall

and clasp our hands in joy

as you turn away

even if only for a day

a week

a year

or a lifetime

knowing you have walked

hand in hand through our lives

makes us feel you in our blood

for you are one more so than most

bonded below the skin

in a triangle of hearts

that has a million corners

radiating outward to the all

one in spirit you are

beloved more

than you know

-------------------------------------------

Photo Credit: Yavuz Sariyildiz

Inspired by the love I felt in Daniel family

Daniel's brother Antoine suggests this music goes with it

My Imagination Walks on Water

My imagination walks on water

beyond the end of steps

into the wonder that intrigues me

pulling my faith stronger

until it rips away

and I am born

again a butterfly

free without a care

in a world without limits

I find a home

where the stars are my ceiling

and you are the hallow ground

giving me a place to live

and making me know

we are all the same

but in your eyes

I find the reason

to look again

and there I find

my heart belongs to you

-------------------------

Photo Credit: sut68

Long Night Alone

On a long night alone we float

through a sea of doubt

no captain to guide our way

other than steady hands

of our own making

crafted from trembling baby cries

that grew up too soon

often blown off course

long before we knew that we

are purveyors of our own

sweet and sour future

And even if some captain calls

our duty to disobey our self

seems more seductive

than naked skin in moonlight

near the banks of a pristine shore

of a river of warm tea from china

with orange blossomed scents calling

we seem so easily led astray

indulging in beauty abounding

too youthful to care

we drift to where the first chapter ends

When we find our self face to face

with the darkness of our own light

shining through empty hands

that seem to hold nothing

of what we thought we'd dearly paid

and then the trembling cries

turn into hands that shake

from a baby's dream

into someone alone

in their own dream that will not come

to face itself in the light

and darkness falls as doubt ascends

But only a twinkling of faith

founded on a shred of hope

built from a sincere desire

to be born again

as a truthful self

guided by authentic intention

forged into action

by our own strong hands

can build a bridge

that can never burn

for as long as we

believe without doubt

that we are one

----------------------------------------------

Photo Credit: Teemu Lagerstedt

If Morning Comes Without Me

If morning comes without me

I'll be there

in some way I can't say

but I know

And that knowing gives me hope

that transcends hoping

knowing it will come whenever

but knowing it will come

I turn my face to the cold wind

and feel the joy in my soul

chomping ahead through this life

that I have come to call love

meeting new faces every day

starting to understand the glory

of being one with the whole

never more a worry to be had

Only sailing free

freer each day that does not pass

spinning backward through this time

that we invent to count our blessings

how I long to touch your face

in my hands that do not know your name

but only hear the golden voice that sings

that life has a new meaning to me

and this flower I behold now in my path

shimmering brighter than all the stars

only because I love this moment so

somehow humbled in my own footsteps

where I see God in your eyes

glowing like a moonbeam of truth

never bigger than this could it be

and yet it knows no bounds

-----------------------------------------

Photo Credit: James Spaide

A Larger Me

A larger me

steers trouble away

bringing it only near enough to see

like the Ghost of Christmas Future

answering prayers unprayed

and I scream to ask

who are you

who are you

who are you anyway

silence answers my noisy mind

until I close my eyes and see

a bigger me embracing my small frame

with hands as warm as kisses divine

I feel him swimming

in the fabric of everything

and know I am one inside a whole

inside a whole

inside a larger whole

forever

he watches me wherever

we dance in light ethereal

flowing into my heart as sound

as magic sunrises abound

with a strong hand and warm heart

he embraces me now

somehow

as we start

to soar

------------------------------

Artwork: fractal.art.pl

Heather Dream

A feather floats past in a dream

cloudy far away content to blow

no rain chooses this day to spray

while some heather upon a branch nearby

watches passively unlike her normal self

who would be constantly moving

to her own song

untouched by the wind

she goes where she will

even as she feels the tugging breeze

begging her to bend

she stands as she does

stronger than she knows

withstanding all that come unwelcome

perhaps too well at times

and yet frisky as a child

she is one often too

prancing merrily along in tune

to the music that dances out

of the path she beats

following her rather than her following it

with some deliberation she starts to walk

faster and taller until she flies

screaming some past fears away

banished to a prison deep

unable to return they shrivel away

and she becomes golden

as she soars

nearer to the sun than Icarus

but wiser than wax she succeeds

in knowing herself better

and becoming

her own dream

-------------------------------------------------------------

Photo Credit: LOSTPASTREMEMBERED

Exquisite Treasure

What an exquisite treasure you are

rocking my day to sleep

leading it joyfully into night

kissing my ears with tender words

that stir my soul to ask

how could a moment like this

have taken my lifetime to arrive

as I relax my grip and breath

knowing tomorrow will come

if it will

and that you will be standing

within my reach if you choose

to touch a heart that is missing

from your own chest

as your heart has taken a home

inside of me

and we dance through that

magically in each other's spell

not really held but free

except by the desire to touch

another cut from the same cloth

but only embroidered

with different names

that proclaim one truth

that wisdom should be held nobly

and nobility should be wisely held

so my hope still dances

to touch your hair with my face

and feel the caress of your lips

curiously exploring my neck

naked in our words

telling each other's truth

through eyes that cannot lie

except together as one

-----------------------

Artist: Unknown

Some Sea Calls My Name

Some sea breaks in foam

rushing around virgin shores

made new by every wave

and yet some see nothing

but water and sky

while I see you

which is everything but me

yet including me too

when I stand in your shoes

Some see melted hearts

singing as one throughout the night

sailing from Jupiter to Mars

in the span of one kiss

layered in as many dimensions

as their imagination can dream

but I see you standing

naked in the sunshine

on a tranquil beach midday

your ankles surrounded by foam

that takes your breath away

Some sea calls my name

seducing me to walk on water

like a child is drawn to birth

but I worry how to make those steps

unlike the child following her canal

I misstep because I think

while my former self small

knew the way without worry

and hence I fall through the waves

the mountain in my path does not move

and a mustard seed is too large

to contain my faith

Artist: Lucie Fair