Maya

I open my eyes. The world spreads as a field
flowered in swirling green light and shadow.
I close my eyes. The sunlit world
darkens in the cool of moonless night.

I open my eyes.  On still water
a lotus flower slowly opens.
I close my eyes. Lotus petals
curl, fold and drift down and down.

I open my eyes. A small bird
wanders from branch to branch.
I close my eyes. All the birds
fly away to forests hidden and deep.

I open my eyes. Storm clouds and thunder
flash with lightning and rain.
I close my eyes. A sound like a bee
drifts slowly away, flower to flower.


Portland, Oregon – July 25, 2020

“Maya is the world of that rippling pond…the fractured, sparkling image of reality that is no reality but only its broken surface.”  (Myths of Light – Eastern Metaphors of the Eternal.  Joseph Campbell.  New World Library, p. 48)
–

Solstice

The solstice nears,
days long, night short,
dreams wild and insistent.
Spring bleeds into summer.
Riotous colors of flowers
announce natures bounty –
the sun dominates.
Moonglow lost in late evenings –
Children shout joyous release.
The longest day takes hold –
the solstice nears.


Seattle, Washington – June 19, 2002.  This was written by my lovely wife, Carol.  Lovely in every way!