tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11370185372179897962024-02-07T19:31:07.529-08:00Flood Water PhotographyWelcome to Flood Water Photography. Contemporary Poetry and Photography.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-16958040703469120632022-12-21T10:53:00.000-08:002022-12-21T10:53:07.550-08:00The Hummingbirds of December<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxNlbgCRBiJVSu_etZ_HVepB4nR9AEwr_eOc-sPM9CkEkyr7QzTwUKsniSFBGSDOuYk5Zq3jj88vpKk3zSCRg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-3805587867020009012021-12-10T11:42:00.004-08:002021-12-10T11:54:38.668-08:00Letters of December<p><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></p><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">A letter</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">before it starts to wander.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Two lips pressed in silence.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Ears bending to brain’s curious child</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">holding one finger up</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">to test for wind.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">I have lost the bridge to you.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">The landslide brings all trees</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">to their knees</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">opens in every which way</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">the body</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">yet somehow through many</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">great storms</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">you are the tree</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">that survives.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Your hair grew long</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">while you waited.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">The lower portion of your face</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">hides behind a mask.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">My fingers play with a strand,</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">there is music.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Surprisingly</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">the nursing home allows wolves.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">I am kept outside on the patio.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Green eyes slowly turn toward the door.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Before we know it</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">two wolves sit beside each other.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">I wonder have you forgotten me?</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">You remember, the light comes on.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Your face is a map my fingers like to trace.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Even this morning in the northlands</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">that warmth stays.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">I carve out my heart between us.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">I offer it to you but you are no longer hungry.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">We both look at a shrouded sky</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">wishing for sun.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">The fallen leaf originates a kind of trust</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">before it dies.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Enough of them</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">produces a body of light.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">I lean towards you</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">willing my warmth</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">to pink you up.</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">We light candles</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">between us.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">A song bird flies overhead.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">You point to the red roof of the house</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">two blocks away. So we talk about it;</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">as if we have always known that place,</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">as if we know the man walking</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">to the intersection,</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">as if it is a woman you know</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">who is coming to see you.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">We become friends</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">and lovers</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">again.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">You remember and smile</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">and touch the card with fondness.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Laughter</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">is a party inside us.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">I forget I have to leave again,</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">and hope you will forgive me.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">I promise to come visit the next day</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">and the next day and wonder if you will</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">remember what that means.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">That I will need to leave you</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">and a part of me wants you to forget.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">But then of course</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">the soul knows</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">and understands</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">and remembers</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">and always always loves.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">One day a northern wolf heard the southern wolf's song.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">So many stories later they stand here.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Two wolves testing the air.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Contently between time.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Presence is the whole of it.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">They do not need to eat</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">or be warm.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">They read the weather together.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">There are no promises</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">between two souls.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Hunger and not hunger is the love between them.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">She turns to go.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">He begins to crumple a little inside.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Glaciers melt blue</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">on the fringes.</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">He turns and walks through the doorway.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">As if one light turns off</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">and another on.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">The northern wolf feels snow coming.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">It runs with wind in its fur,</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">tirelessly easing into a lope,</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">face pointing towards home.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">The southern wolf lies down</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">easing back into the place that holds him.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">The poetry and flute of her words</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">warm and escaping.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">~~~</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">for J.</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">12.4.2021</span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-32444796081492859602021-12-10T11:17:00.006-08:002022-12-21T10:42:17.174-08:00Welcome to Flood Water Photography!<br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This blog began in 2010...and now suddenly here it is 2022. December just before Christmas with a couple inches of snow on the ground and trees. Time to start posting photographs and poetry again.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Welcome to my sitting room. Pull up a comfy chair, your favorite warm beverage, and with perhaps a friendly cat or dog on your lap or close to your feet. Life is beautiful and rugged at times. We have the honor of feeding our soul. Hopefully you'll find rest and happiness here.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">warm regards,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">T.L. Stokes</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">12.21.2022</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-91662041451214511252015-11-06T09:34:00.005-08:002021-12-10T11:48:58.819-08:00Starbucks on Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXcp9iIxR9iFBIVf1jedRquBhE82NdliJHDem2vsBb5xJhSvpF9dbgzmRL1NPhaLytN1_xjBez9NwM_V9_MZ58lq0OJH1kck5_9on92xbWtZD5NL28klwtn49VPX0_LhXI5P2Qi3QY6Pu/s1600/Day+Eight.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXcp9iIxR9iFBIVf1jedRquBhE82NdliJHDem2vsBb5xJhSvpF9dbgzmRL1NPhaLytN1_xjBez9NwM_V9_MZ58lq0OJH1kck5_9on92xbWtZD5NL28klwtn49VPX0_LhXI5P2Qi3QY6Pu/s400/Day+Eight.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /><br />
<br /><span style="color: white; font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">
Wig wagging<br />
the yellow lab<br />
looks up at his owner<br />
who wears a white half cap<br />
and maroon runner's jacket<br />
chatting with her friend<br />
over pink tea<br />
it pants hoping<br />
to catch her attention.<br />
<br />
A scent of pastries<br />
sneaks out the door.<br />
Yellow coat is waved away.<br />
<br />
Earlier two round babies<br />
bloomed from nests<br />
of colorful blankets<br />
their busy mother<br />
shook two bottles<br />
then aimed each into<br />
their flower mouths.<br />
<br />
She said, Sometimes I cry<br />
and my two older sons<br />
5 and 8 are helpful<br />
but I miss them<br />
since school started.<br />
I wave away the bee<br />
listening. One baby opened<br />
one planetary eye<br />
so I was quiet.<br />
<br />
Another young mother<br />
pushes a stroller<br />
with a pink bundle<br />
and two delicate sisters<br />
one holding her book<br />
crowd around<br />
the baby reaching<br />
to feel cream skin<br />
tuck the blanket in.<br />
<br />
Older people<br />
mostly men<br />
ride bikes or walk<br />
in quickly pausing<br />
to admire a baby<br />
then order a drink<br />
smiling from<br />
newspaper faces.<br />
<br />
Two women get up to leave<br />
yellow coat laps his wide tongue<br />
into a water bowl.<br />
<br />
Each table holds a galaxy<br />
a meteor flashes past stars<br />
and planets circle<br />
while over the roof<br />
a single sun blazes.<br />
<br /></span>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-354590659461877532014-08-14T14:13:00.002-07:002014-08-14T14:13:17.586-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9o83ne7e4iYgjIUA-2gDk1PPdPe-p6lqTNo78xuMkg5gA8cilSm80W_aHzgSQpX15Y8Uktg_mgXxcE3WHkSaxEoGJRtUikkKX1aeMmwU5NjH9VGfCY9IQUENP5d-18FbKpozuZ_h4K4Y/s1600/River+Stones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9o83ne7e4iYgjIUA-2gDk1PPdPe-p6lqTNo78xuMkg5gA8cilSm80W_aHzgSQpX15Y8Uktg_mgXxcE3WHkSaxEoGJRtUikkKX1aeMmwU5NjH9VGfCY9IQUENP5d-18FbKpozuZ_h4K4Y/s1600/River+Stones.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-86927472924936075112014-06-25T20:21:00.001-07:002014-06-25T20:24:58.703-07:00Songs of the Puget Sound<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
2.<br />
<br />
Yesterday<br />
hens carried their round flouncy bodies<br />
up into the coup,<br />
chittering and cooing their sunshine happiness.<br />
<br />
Something then moved out of the blackberries.<br />
Little gift of wildness,<br />
a cup of warmth<br />
in a baby's coat<br />
<br />
content,<br />
and hardly afraid.<br />
<br />
The hens in bed told stories<br />
soft so soft<br />
to each other and the hidden moon.<br />
<br />
So I sat on the porch of the hen house<br />
glad songs welcoming ears,<br />
and the rabbit,<br />
no more than a few weeks old,<br />
nibbled the tender grass.<br />
<br />
There is a time at the end of the most perfect day,<br />
when the sun has been your companion,<br />
when the air lingers full of the first few days of summer,<br />
<br />
when there could be no more perfection<br />
and then comes a movement,<br />
the brown innocence,<br />
quicker beat of heart<br />
so far from your own.<br />
<br />
To rise up on tiny bones and wonder,<br />
to grasp a green stalk<br />
taller than your head,<br />
<br />
with no hands. Yes, no hands.<br />
And I imagine how small its ivory<br />
grinding as the grass and seeds slip<br />
down into that bit of darkness.<br />
<br />
Imagine what may come later in the long night<br />
of larger hungers. And I wonder if it lives in fear.<br />
And if not is this called innocence.<br />
<br />
The ears turn to gather from this way and that<br />
a warning, yet the air is warm and heavy. Old moon<br />
hasn't yet climbed into its fields of stars.<br />
<br />
And the hens, fall silent.<br />
I leave the seed eater as we have<br />
both reached our satisfaction.<br />
<br />
A day like that<br />
one hardly knows<br />
how to write about.<br />
<br />
~~~Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-82219007326345516592014-06-19T03:54:00.000-07:002015-11-06T16:09:17.673-08:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;">How the Boy Saved Dragons</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /><br />What little voice</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">in darkness calls</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">from behind the stars</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">where once were walls.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc;">From a far off land</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">of dragon dance</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">where wars were ended</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">and peace began.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc;">I hail the silence</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">I hail the song</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">into crowds of hearts</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">the victory won.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />for Tyler Robinson & Imagine Dragons</span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISpAgxW1vQw"></a><br /></span>
c2014 T.L. Stokes (all rights reserved)<br />
<br />
Tyler Robinson Foundation
<br />
<div>
<b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISpAgxW1vQw</u></b></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-91380995071586179012014-06-08T02:20:00.001-07:002014-06-08T02:38:39.041-07:00Life Unavoidable<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: large;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">This day I will arise from sleep like the sun</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">from the ocean</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">I will climb into the day</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">with the sun under my arm</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">and the moon below me</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">we will dance oh bright happiness</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">oh deep beautiful you</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">we will swim in rivers of spring's last flowers<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">take my hand</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">come with me</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">listen</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">believe.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">In all things we will allow the heart to wander</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">the child beside us</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">wonder-filled</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">open</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">holding all things</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">and nothing</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">willing to walk in pain</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">unafraid of falling</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">for to love is to risk all things</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">I have found loving you.</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Wounded at times by compassion</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">the thought of losing you</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">the dark how it crowds in</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">just as floods carve away</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">at fields and mountains.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Yet, I would love you</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">in spite of all these things.</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">To be alive and to feel is the spirit's passion.</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Unavoidable. Thrilling.</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Real. Yes, real.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">~~~<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #cccccc; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: large;"><o:p style="background-color: black;"><br /></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #cccccc; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: large;"><o:p style="background-color: black;"><br /></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #cccccc; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: large;"><o:p style="background-color: black;">c2014 T.L. Stokes (all rights reserved)</o:p></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-17543058286939530572014-01-06T13:04:00.000-08:002014-01-06T13:07:44.138-08:00<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">New Poem at Stirring: "Reading Marvin Bell"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">by T.L. Stokes</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Click here:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.sundresspublications.com/stirring/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Stirring - A Literary Collection</span></a><br />
<br />
Beautiful photograph by <i>Clay Wardlaw</i><br />
and interesting new work this month at Stirring.<br />
Enjoy!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-25632020618415856292013-12-18T02:42:00.004-08:002013-12-18T02:42:46.459-08:00Mandela's MouseMandela's Mouse<br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Nelson<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I believe you will slip away from us<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
when no one is looking,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
hungry world, unfinished children,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
one night like any other.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
No fist rants the door,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
no flash of light<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
no bars left on windows;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
unnoticed, the idea of time<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
removes itself<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
like a mouse,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
after finishing the last speck<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
of the last crumb of bread,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
without turning<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
or needing a thing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
tiny feet<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
hurry away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We never know <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
where your eyes will open next.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Once slipped<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
from antiqued pages<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
the note falls,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
yet the book of your body<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
does not miss the words<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
of your life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Nelson before you go<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
tell me a story. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Please don't say a word.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Let me sit in the chair by the bed<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
the room filling with lightning bugs, moths,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
an old eagle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The rattler’s tail shivers<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
and drums in the distance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
You let go of us <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
as your breath seems to be something we need<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
more than you do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
You stand with the sheet around your shadow<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
burned by a soft light<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
as with all good ghosts<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
gone while the getting is good.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
by T.L. Stokes</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
c2013 T.L. Stokes (all rights reserved)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-45781945780833094842013-12-15T23:52:00.000-08:002013-12-16T09:48:14.262-08:00Environmentally Critical Land - Seattle Department of Planning & Development<span style="font-size: large;">Invitation to Beauty and a Warning</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
A tree stands on the edge of a gentle park-like parcel<br />
of land, across the street a swamp full of brush, water<br />
and trees (one of those special places wildlife loves)<br />
points outward toward Union Bay.<br />
<br />
When we arrive, I stand on a sidewalk catching my<br />
first glimpse of a well-established eagle nest in a tall tree.<br />
Within minutes a bald eagle flies in from the waterfront<br />
and lands nearby, immediately opening its wings to dry.<br />
It moves to another tree as if to find a little more sunlight<br />
behind the gray overcast sky. Soon it flies to the nest tree<br />
perching near the very top, again opening its wings,<br />
as if in prayer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqDp1SRcgQRewWFG1295hwtiObShSQvd6vs9X_hRYixkeksDq1cScTsr2lJAdiIjwA9zzFCJped-AdKKhDQlOSaRqz_03A1qLvYNmrNAevlfPjNRD7N7ox6EgL7KsMM3sJIhc8n1yMbg/s1600/DSC07617-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqDp1SRcgQRewWFG1295hwtiObShSQvd6vs9X_hRYixkeksDq1cScTsr2lJAdiIjwA9zzFCJped-AdKKhDQlOSaRqz_03A1qLvYNmrNAevlfPjNRD7N7ox6EgL7KsMM3sJIhc8n1yMbg/s320/DSC07617-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xn3Il4WKIGfvDFsOQ8a9aMX8IzTPvD1ZCfxpwiMJnXRn0UCWvkwg8i8ZIp2RA80FWvec13N4UYBF3TgGcqIE4v01dxzuHGc3pj6WYJ7fFGxLv1sOJptPfTehdeWREln83VCYj4F0LhI/s1600/DSC07622-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xn3Il4WKIGfvDFsOQ8a9aMX8IzTPvD1ZCfxpwiMJnXRn0UCWvkwg8i8ZIp2RA80FWvec13N4UYBF3TgGcqIE4v01dxzuHGc3pj6WYJ7fFGxLv1sOJptPfTehdeWREln83VCYj4F0LhI/s400/DSC07622-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH750iVaKBElp2oy-MxRg7sTgwHI-Y9H4-vsNBQQOkQzVO4mnAt-BKjqPOAcVO9KabTP9aB-KFSsrA_XTrEiPjNE-Ykl32hYPOrEZVVi8OWnqogPMzdwy9pkqUHLriDO_gLbpPkYDX_do/s1600/DSC07627-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH750iVaKBElp2oy-MxRg7sTgwHI-Y9H4-vsNBQQOkQzVO4mnAt-BKjqPOAcVO9KabTP9aB-KFSsrA_XTrEiPjNE-Ykl32hYPOrEZVVi8OWnqogPMzdwy9pkqUHLriDO_gLbpPkYDX_do/s400/DSC07627-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
About half of the nest has recently fallen part way down the tree.<br />
A local resident said there have been no big wind storms lately.<br />
<br />
This time of year as eagles return to their nests, they will begin<br />
bringing courtship gifts of large and small sticks and together rebuild<br />
and strengthen the nest to be ready for egg-laying the coming year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjw1jwnQf9UiCVqaAhg6Kp_UdHATNXKdMkfaJnzCGkGVHf_7WG2fAugLeDTzFUp6jF7RI2wAbD5sNzAH78Mjkc6m52BNX9nHBAAuB4A6bf9tazr8RKd_gReCToYKQPES3RaKLKtgPqAPI/s1600/DSC07623-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjw1jwnQf9UiCVqaAhg6Kp_UdHATNXKdMkfaJnzCGkGVHf_7WG2fAugLeDTzFUp6jF7RI2wAbD5sNzAH78Mjkc6m52BNX9nHBAAuB4A6bf9tazr8RKd_gReCToYKQPES3RaKLKtgPqAPI/s320/DSC07623-001.JPG" width="228" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnZdZJdGBiA09Ee0IiPjGNxUyUl758_Ajk_4x74uOXm2l_e-uaxDwqY-5Gsirvg4Zj_uVVjoRk3AUjx4EVmKaLPSvfkqelJWGO5dmJG3vO0RFszMFP-pQXT-PoM_ciE-TvaCQRC6qQ7g/s1600/DSC07624-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnZdZJdGBiA09Ee0IiPjGNxUyUl758_Ajk_4x74uOXm2l_e-uaxDwqY-5Gsirvg4Zj_uVVjoRk3AUjx4EVmKaLPSvfkqelJWGO5dmJG3vO0RFszMFP-pQXT-PoM_ciE-TvaCQRC6qQ7g/s320/DSC07624-001.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
This parcel of beautiful land is in the review stages for a full<br />
subdivision into 82 parcels, platting of new streets, and adding<br />
126,500 cubic yards for grading. This is the sign posted at the<br />
entrance where there is a new gate and fencing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWb6gAgseu6BOaepOUOQzvQcISJ4uvkfzEJ4AFXgmsjUPbktTHz_iArQfndSPYyCsb9iaBHgPY3kVUDYNhtOkTCXH66C1V_U8nJwGDEF4yEN-NGjKxmEmJxIczvkTGAnZAQoapdWm5sxo/s1600/DSC07639-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWb6gAgseu6BOaepOUOQzvQcISJ4uvkfzEJ4AFXgmsjUPbktTHz_iArQfndSPYyCsb9iaBHgPY3kVUDYNhtOkTCXH66C1V_U8nJwGDEF4yEN-NGjKxmEmJxIczvkTGAnZAQoapdWm5sxo/s320/DSC07639-003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Seattle Department of Planning and Development is conducting<br />
an environmental review.The comment period ended 12/15/13<br />
but may be extended to 12/29/13.This is considered an<br />
environmentally critical area. You can contact Seattle<br />
Dept of Planning and Development at (206) 684-8467<br />
or email PRC@Seattle.gov.<br />
<br />
As we looked over the sweep of grassy fields, small ponds and<br />
trees, there was an abundance of smaller birds in trees and bushes.<br />
The bald eagle flew from the nest tree out over the swamp toward<br />
Union Bay. More stories to come!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-2596766525355965202013-11-24T10:42:00.005-08:002013-11-24T10:42:48.245-08:00Frozen Rose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MBvGYfUgvQcjtwQ-0Jh-ux9k4zu6-DgA-Qz02fHK6cNFdA6QTepylmSYGIO1o-1-sjfMn2LtNO6wX9u4I1fbCks7eQv6QfEu8xkN-CX2hklHB8gGmS7AObVaJdGrD02kFjL5Zh7rxvI/s1600/DSC07597-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MBvGYfUgvQcjtwQ-0Jh-ux9k4zu6-DgA-Qz02fHK6cNFdA6QTepylmSYGIO1o-1-sjfMn2LtNO6wX9u4I1fbCks7eQv6QfEu8xkN-CX2hklHB8gGmS7AObVaJdGrD02kFjL5Zh7rxvI/s400/DSC07597-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span class="userContent"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
Frozen Rose</div>
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<br /><br /><br />Roses of memory<br /> transform themselves <br /> inside the room of new seasons,</div>
<span class="text_exposed_show"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<br /><br /> just as love<br /> always the same<br /> constantly changes.</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
by T.L. Stokes</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">c2013 T.L. Stokes (all rights reserved)</span></em></div>
</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-12996456347926374612013-11-24T09:36:00.000-08:002013-11-24T11:03:30.611-08:00Song of Solomon: the Eclectus<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Song of Solomon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last night the sky opened its hands</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">in the dark and a monsoon poured over the cottage.</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">From gutters rivers flowed,</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">spitting and moaning.</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We rose up out of our beds to watch</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Indians drumming.</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">the same spectacular moment</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God held Mojo in the dark of another room</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">of too much light.</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Holds her still though the parrot</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">in its cage imagines a shackle</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">and sings for what it understands</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">is missing.</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The larger the heart, the greater its light shines.</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In her room that is too white for winter</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">bald eagles keep gathering.</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The hurried nurse shoos with her arms back and forth</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">but they won't listen.</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You would think it's a salmon run</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">but the pinks aren't due till December.</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although none of this</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">makes sense to us now,</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">eagles perch to tell us something:</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">like worry is a pastime not suited for royalty,</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">and God blesses the open-mouthed who sing,</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">or take a moment to imagine the Wilson,</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">its bald and good natured company.</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mojo--</span></o:p><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">in her little boat of unfurling sails,</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">we pray the wind will not find--</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">smiled at that.</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">by T.L. Stokes</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><em>c2013 TL Stokes (all rights reserved)</em></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-35941221318158021062013-09-08T14:28:00.001-07:002013-09-08T14:28:09.348-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-81067367891358475422013-09-07T19:06:00.004-07:002013-09-07T19:06:49.170-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-77320908648027372052013-08-22T15:01:00.001-07:002013-08-22T15:26:15.156-07:00God goes into Dark Places<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">always gets like this,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">kind of breathless<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">by the end.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leaves begin to hang heavy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">under the weight of simmering sun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Narrow saplings,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">lacey cedars, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">wide wise maples<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 119.8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">write many books,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">and when their pages begin to
burn<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">words </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">fly--<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 119.8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">--and fall,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 119.8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">thus God <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">goes into dark places<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">dreaming of new things.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 119.8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Consider the worm</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">testing for a softer
consistency<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">in space between mass, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">cracks, and twigs, and harder
things,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">leaving moist paths.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Think of sow bugs in armor, <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">spiders on the roof<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">and all that’s under,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 119.8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">the sound of all the material<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">of the physical realm<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">finally losing its borders,</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 92.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">our names sinking into the ground,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">our faces pressing the mud,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 92.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">our breath rising.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All things fall from gravity, here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the end the air coming from
us<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">is the only thing going up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">before seeds open.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 92.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before ice creeps with many
voices<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">into bulging streams.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 92.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Consider if you fear the end of
summer,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">life without fall.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How weary life if all things<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">lived on without emotion,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">bored with perfection,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">never an old dog,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 92.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">or a dirt road to follow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Give me the fog<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">and her gray ghosts<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">thinning into invisible <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">when early sunflower</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">combs trees.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 92.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rest without effort <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">is like a child never gaining
wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 92.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who can follow a road without
hills,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">would hunger egg you on<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">without fire inside your eyes?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 92.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let your gaze fall into the
details,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">speak the story </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">behind</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">every
bright occurrence.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Life is brief, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a fish with rainbows and
thunder.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A song, made up as you go along,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">like we sing to babies.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 92.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where is the ruby tucked?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where are the lost things<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">coming back to you? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here. Here.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 92.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Consider before you go<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">home is closest<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">when mind is wide<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">and unsearching,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 92.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">remember the child of your eyes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">and fingers when everything was new.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 92.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">God goes into dark places<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">putting all the pieces of you<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">into many pockets;<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">you the little clay.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">c2013 T.L. Stokes (all rights reserved)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; tab-stops: 117.15pt 170.4pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-16162179619729853682013-04-29T18:11:00.000-07:002013-04-29T18:11:04.434-07:00Rowboat in the Black Sea<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Last night in the black sea<br />
on a rowboat slowly heading<br />
for the Dreamtime
<br />
<br />
I dreamed my father and I<br />
walked together
<br />
<br />
until we reached the end of a line<br />
of people<br />
saying goodbye
<br />
<br />
and sitting on a couch<br />
to our left<br />
<br />
sat my mother.
<br />
<br />
I floated like you do in the land of dreams<br />
opening my arms
<br />
<br />
embracing<br />
with everything that is me<br />
<br />
knowing father<br />
still stood quietly<br />
by my side.
<br />
<br />
What did the heart say in the moment<br />
facing his wife the beloved departed?
<br />
<br />
Such questions<br />
you need not ask nor wonder
<br />
<br />
for upon waking
<br />
answers
are never words.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>For my father, brother and sisters,
</i><br />
<i>she looked good.
</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-86749483423138842192013-04-14T22:42:00.001-07:002013-04-14T22:42:01.336-07:00Spirit of the Teacher<br /><br /><br /><br />In the glorious day of the eagle<br />while
the watchers danced and prayed<br />I asked the teacher:<br /><br />Do you
remember<br />when we talked about grief,<br />Norfolk happened the next
day<br /><br />and then we talked about balance<br />and the white egg cracked so its
voice<br />could come to us,<br /><br />and then we talked about Hope,<br />and honesty
and patience,<br />and you taught us another thing<br />about the position of
life<br /><br />and possibility of death,<br />and you held onto us,<br />teaching in
silence and words<br />typed into the white spaciousness<br />of the
universe.<br /><br />And you waited with us<br />as we played Native chants<br />and
Enya<br />and prayed.<br /><br />Then in the silence of the great mystery<br />a little
life was spilled<br />into our eyes.<br /><br />Alexandra Morton--new abundant
vision<br />of all people--hatchling,<br />and now AJL you honor us<br />and vigilant
more than most,<br />you count the small things<br />noting that all
miracles<br /><br />can be held and charted and <br />marveled over.<br /><br />Above all,
that these finer things<br />from a spirit who must love us<br />more than we will
ever understand,<br />are gifts<br /><br />to be shared. Teacher<br />in the treetops.
Pointing a finger<br />into the darkness<br /><br />for the watchers<br />in the
woods.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />for AJL<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-30080947600296290612013-01-22T12:05:00.003-08:002013-01-23T10:24:22.369-08:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Snow
Ghost</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I
am the lame horse in the blanketed field</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">looking
out past a small ghost of a stump.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Nothing
here has happened all day, then you walk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">i</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">nto
the sticks </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">and frozen grass of our field </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">in the </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">stillness of winter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">You move closer </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">and I look t</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">o see just </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">what
it is </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">you are looking at.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Ah, the cat’s eyes. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">White
bowl of her face, the almost grin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">As if in her </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Arctic
sweater dwells another universe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">You love </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">her
as you never have loved before;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">she stays t</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">o
have you take her photograph,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">pretends i</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">t
is nothing to her, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">and </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">you </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">will </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">never</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">know </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">her
name.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-10723211947130552302012-12-04T14:06:00.002-08:002012-12-04T14:19:26.088-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaqctXHjx8kChtDLPQ04eCVu0mSnXQaSOZoIs_Hx_t4Jvhn5aPVCNId8FIDXFVOc-nDh2sF7qRsDPHsa5v10-eg5_kKh1seVngv_aJ8N1t3-KSukrGeolBMEfYp248SCDcSzuwQevyXw/s1600/DSC04002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaqctXHjx8kChtDLPQ04eCVu0mSnXQaSOZoIs_Hx_t4Jvhn5aPVCNId8FIDXFVOc-nDh2sF7qRsDPHsa5v10-eg5_kKh1seVngv_aJ8N1t3-KSukrGeolBMEfYp248SCDcSzuwQevyXw/s400/DSC04002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Water<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I think God must love water<br />
and perhaps is a water being<br />
above all;<br />
<br />
his laugh cascading over stones,<br />
words floating like they do,<br />
rising up on his elbows<br />
<br />
in the morning<br />
to be with me,<br />
<br />
curious like a lake,<br />
mirror turning down the bright flame<br />
of his eyes,<br />
<br />
and his mother heart<br />
where did he pull that idea<br />
from the void,<br />
<br />
where in his endless body<br />
did he reach into <br />
<br />
carving off a chunk<br />
and mold Adam and Eve's<br />
lopsided muscle,<br />
<br />
leaving space for the darkness,<br />
for the empty seat<br />
<br />
of rough glowing coal<br />
sparked by rising words<br />
God throws into the river<br />
<br />
catching fire becomes the soul.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-27313598289097277322012-10-14T15:35:00.000-07:002012-10-14T15:46:50.794-07:006th Place - Poetry Super Highway 2012 Poetry Contest<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Elephant in the RV </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;"></span></strong></span></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">When elephants gather I cannot look too closely</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">or watch windmills of mountains sway</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">or the water that comes as a trickle from the eye.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I cannot watch the long arm curl and curl</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">around the stubby youngster</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">or the curious mouth on the end </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">or the gushing coolness from it</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">blown with glee.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> cannot watch from the air</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">the dusty countless snaking </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">one-at-a-time foot plodding miles of path;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">they look so thirsty.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Or the elephant’s eyelash</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">or cut of the small mouth, sad smile,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">or imagine the size of the mediastinum,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">space of the heart;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">because they are almost too big to save,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">and too small in number. I can’t take two</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">and hide them in the RV,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">begin a breeding program.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I cannot feed them their favorite vegetables and fruit in season</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">while I drink coffee and write every morning;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">or watch through the loft window with the black dog</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">as the two gray lovers amble down the slow slope</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">to the field, where they give each other the</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">most tender grasses,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">lean their rough heads together,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">earth quake of a quiet rumbling</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">like a cat begins to purr.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I cannot name them Wilson and Beth,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">or Sebastian and Murgatroid, or Lily and Ben.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">They came already named--Mary and Lewis,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">and over the years of them living in the Northwest,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">the trails they flatten have grown,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">all the flowers around the house</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">are gone,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">mud pit at the lower end of the hill collects</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">the rainwater. Mary runs when she feels the drops</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">on her back, trumpets to Lewis to come join her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">He walks steady and deliberate swaying trunk widely</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">until he gets to the mud where Mary is already wallowing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">He slides in next to her; they roll and giggle, skyscraper sides</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">darken with shine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">One day Mary came and woke me, pulled at my arm until I got up,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">and there in the open barn I built for them, in the gold straw,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">steam rose like a hand from the little one,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">slippery from landing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">And I crouched down to get a better look;</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">round swimmer of remembering womb, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">unlikely angel, wobble on little pillars,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">a wet and dark cloud, old man skin baby</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">of the giants from the desert</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I cannot admit I love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">_____________________</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">by T.L. Stokes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>c2012 T.L.Stokes (all rights reserved)</em></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-18066058559284964062012-09-16T10:05:00.001-07:002012-09-16T10:30:14.732-07:00Blog Talk Radio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/psh/2012/09/09/september-2012-worldwide-open-reading#.UFYGkzTlnrI.blogger">September 2012 Worldwide Open Reading 09/09 by PSH Live | Blog Talk Radio</a><br />
T.L. Stokes reads the poem "Dragonfly" on PSH Live hosted by Rick Lupert.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1137018537217989796.post-67348731879499354212012-08-05T12:54:00.001-07:002012-08-05T12:54:18.438-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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