HOW CLOSE IS THE FIRE?

A fire is burning 40 miles from your home
in Southern CA and yet you feel it. Nature
has a way of showing us its scary side.
The sun is red during the day and at dusk
all is quiet and animals are mostly hiding.
We walk; we witness.

A cell phone can't see what you do.

Even a small cave rat is cautious.

 

         A short night walk.

Everything changes in the fire air.

A lady is coming back from walking her small dog. "Makes me want

to get down on my knees" she says. "Could be the end, you know?"

What will we learn from all these fires?

Twilight Time

The last night of July 2018 . . .

The twilight sunset lasts only minutes and changes as we

drink it in. We should know that we can't hold beauty forever.

In reverie an old song from The Platters plays in our mind.

Can you hear it? 

Twilight Time

The Platters

Heavenly shades of night are falling, it's twilight time
Out of the mist your voice is calling, it's twilight time
When purple colored curtains mark the end of day
I'll hear you, my dear, at twilight time

Deepening shadows gather splendor as day is done
Fingers of night will soon surrender the setting sun
I count the moments darling till you're here with me
Together at last at twilight time

Here, in the afterglow of day, we keep our rendezvous beneath the blue
Here in the same and sweet old way, I fall in love again as I did then

Deep in the dark your kiss will thrill me like days of old
Lighting the spark of love that fills me with dreams untold
Each day I pray for evening just to be with you
Together at last at twilight time

Here, in the afterglow of day, we keep our rendezvous beneath the blue
Here in the sweet and same old way, I fall in love again as I did then

Deep in the dark your kiss will thrill me like days of old
Lighting the spark of love that fills me with dreams untold
Each day I pray for evening just to be with you
Together at last at twilight time
Together at last at twilight time

Songwriters: Artie Dunn / Al Nevins / Morty Nevins / Buck Ram

Twilight Time lyrics © T.R.O. Inc.

Summer Colors

What are the colors of summer 2018?

Well, yes, this summer everything is hot
--sometimes more than we can handle--it seems.
Politics or weather take your choice.

Freedom & Justice & Stawberry Fields

                       forever?

Let's remember:

Strawberries come from fields 

Someone needs to pick those berries

         Let us give thanks 

 

 

A Beach Day

This blog has been on an extended
"Beach Day"-- which is not to say
that I have been on vacation . . . so

Dana Point, CA

                                                         

Here are some of the recent publications where my poems and images can be found. I offer this list with gratitude and a shout out to some awesome editors. 

https://www.csustan.edu/penumbra/current-issue

https://www.firstthings.com/article/2017/12/here-is-what-id-like-to-say-to-you

http://curamag.com/issues/2018/5/31/somnium

https://www.friendsjournal.org/into-a-mystery/

http://themaliterarysociety.com/

Now back to that beach.

Summer vacation is happening, schools are out for many, and going to the beach becomes a ritual, especially for the young. Be happy and enjoy! 

(Do remember that sun-screen. Otherwise, some of us may be forced to show you the damage unprotected sun bathing can bring on later in your life.)

                                                                              

A LIGHTHOUSE

What Is A Lighthouse?

                    Scotland 2012

We've all seen them, right. They dot the
coastlines of the U.S. and other countries.
They are towers that help navigate with their
light. They might warn people of dangers.
They might just be something beautiful to
view while we are on our journey.

Tonight I am thinking of someone who became
a lighthouse for me and countless other writers:

                     Brian Doyle.

Brian is no longer with us but his writing
remains to guide us, and light out hearts.
When you need a treat just "Google" Brian and
you will find something delightful to help you
through your day.
Dear writers,
Here's some Brian Doyle for today . . .

https://www.kenyonreview.org/journal/spring-2008/selections/no/

ALLELUIA! LEFT & RIGHT

Easter Alleluia Greetings.

The Lord has risen.
Let us rejoice and be glad.

How do political differences enter into the big
question of Salvation?
Is there anyone else conflicted about whether
they are a person on the left or one on the right?

Here's the good news Jesus belongs to both sides.
He is the God of both Democrats and Republicans.
He died for everyone in the world.

The Sunday after Easter was designated
Divine Mercy Sunday by St. Pope John Paul II.

Here's a little story that involves this beautiful Feast Day.

https://www.nationalreview.com/2018/04/remembering-divine-mercy-with-kate-obeirne/

Happy Easter Season and Happy Divine Mercy Sunday!

WINTER GOLD

Another moment in that "magic hour."

February 2018 brings us Ash Wednesday

and Valentine's Day together. 

And now (in CA) cold days of Lent 

as we journey to Easter.

We keep in mind that every day is
precious, especially for those who are ill.

And so for them this . . .
          "Winter Gold."