The chimes outside the pottery studio ring like a temple bell, calling the faithful to honor,

Itchy eyes scaly feet achy joints and bad teeth hair so fine

When you are not here An empty heart full of fear Arises and wonders If I will see you again. What will I do without

An owl hoots on this cool, crisp Spring night. A sound that’s distant yet echos

Beneath the bustling, hustling mind, deep inside, there is an oasis of calm.

In the still night In the silence, My soul begs, My mind to rest. It’s story told

Pink hues from the west Filter through Snow covered boughs Leaving, The evening light

The white snow lay gently on the ground in a swirl pattern. The sky, a slab of smooth grey stone.

Walking on the edge, Between awareness and sleep. Sometimes... I’m in the moment, I feel my body,

Photos are all I have At times, Of smiling familiar faces, My family spread out. I would travel often

This is the America I know: A sea of white, black, red, yellow And brown faces, Strong minds and voices Raised to the sun,

I remember your smile, your laugh,… you gave so freely. It’s hard that you are gone. I sigh and walk along the bay.

Standing at a crossroad Between this life And the next, Heart in hand I knock on that

Life is a day dream So they say, With every beat Of my heart, The gate to love