Dark Contemplation

“Contemplation cannot be taught. It cannot even be clearly explained. It can only be hinted at, suggested, pointed to, symbolized.”  Thomas Merton. New Seeds of Contemplation

Through seasons of pleasure 

and months of pain, 

morning birds calling;

night’s howling trains

oh, fall into dream’s 

cold silent folds

where unyielding truth 

nightly is told.

The morning star’s rising

through night’s fading lace.

Soon sun will be glaring;

truth without grace.

The Heist

Two grey-blue mockingbirds

alight on my cherry tree,

and set up their look-out;

the squatting male belches

shrill, harsh warnings, his

screeching song feigning pain

to make the gold-finch

and robin flee in alarm,

while Bonnie to his Clyde

picks at my ripe cherries and

knocks one to the ground;

flitting lightly down, she arises,

all Betty Boop

red lips pouting

between pointed beak,

as together they make their get-away,

high into the cottonwood,

beyond the reach of my constable cat,

to divide the fruit of their crime.

A Windy Day

Image: A Windy Day, Joshua Shaw, 1840

We live in the land

of the western wind.

Sit silent and still

under dancing leaves.

See how it fills

the savage trees

with whispered passion,

strokes rough wood,

enraptures

tender stems.

                                                                                                                                                

War Rages

“All men seek peace first of all with themselves. That is necessary, because we do not naturally find rest even in our own being. We have to learn to commune with ourselves before we can communicate with other men and with God.”  Thomas Merton


War rages
in secret places,

cold war,
shivering bones
firing stones into
the hidden nests
of the
enemy

until war ends
in collapse
or
annilhilation;

but simply speak
and soon words
like sweet rain
will ease your
desert pain;

reach out,
hand to trembling
hand
and find
new strength:

friendship
and sacred
peace.

March Rain

March rain, thick mists drip

from grey branches, glowing grass,

rising like fire.

Buds bursting in slow

motion, unclenched, learn to trust

that green spring will stay.