It happened here a year ago, something of significance, a tragedy yes, a response remarkable in its commonness, infrequent in its recognition. The human spirit rose, indeed soared, far above the mundane of division and distrust. It was there in the old stone church on the hill as the last refrains of Amazing Grace lingered in the air, present at the Helene anniversary gatherings, retold by those who lived it. A kindness, a sharing of all with all, gratitude and reflection, we can live this way, yes.

An exceptionally beautiful fall season in this exceptionally beautiful country, a ramble over backroads and foot paths to places known and new discovered.

.

..

.

.

..

.

.

..

.

.

..

.

.

..

.

Sunset

Sun travels across the sky
in the company of holy one to
the end of day and evening come

In rest and reflection, moving to night
he returns to home with Tsohanoi
restoring balance and harmony

Jim walks down the hill from the high
place carrying with him food scavenged
and cooked over coals in the coolness of

the storms aftermath to a small home on
the far side of luxury and affluence his
grateful and frightened friend to greet

Moon rises, sun’s desire, to track
the night as the world sleeps a soft
light for those travelers in the dark

The dance of sun and moon, cycle of
night and day, light and darkness, in
colors yellow-orange and black-blue

Gathered at the corner amid landslide
rubble, torn roads and spilled creeks a
little community huddles for solace

Sun rises, a new beginning, holy ones
in the waking dance, greet them now
and walk in beauty

.

..

.

.

..

.

.

..

.

.

..

.

.

..

.

Sunrise

Frost lifts silently from
slips of gray grass
the first rays and mist
up from the coves
serviceberry in bright gold

Sun peaks over the ridge
as the blue morning light
fades into day-yellows
the warmth is comforting
my face to the east

In listening sound and breath
touch and vision envelope
thoughts are clouds in
a cloudless sky passing
by noted and gone

.

..

.

.

..

.

.

..

.

.

..

.

…

..

.