It's what you do
rather

than what you say
two scoops

in a waffle cone

thunder

lightning

rain drops
pelt the window

your face

insanity never felt
or tasted

so good

It seems... The ghosts of the past gangs up on me now.
It is not even November yet, but each of them starts popping notifications at me now.

where do all the stolen smiles go?
are they gone forever?
or are they fighting for freedom
from persecution.

To be seen —
not as an object of desire,  
but as another human being.

To be seen—
for what she is made of,
for what strengths she carries within
and
not for what she covers her body with.

To be admired
not for her beautiful body
but for the beauty within.

Her voice to be heard
and not her screams.

To have dignity —
in life and in death.

To have self-respect.


Is it too much to ask for?

Death, whose guise is end to sorrow,
sells salvation 'til tomorrow.

Parents are your first teachers;
But if they were permissive,
Teachers have rules they follow through on.
If parents were too strict,
Teachers cut you slack.
If you fall, they may or may not pick you up.
If you were abused, they will report it,
Despite all your objections.
If you've been excluded, you're now in a class.
If you're really smart, they'll show you how much there is to learn.
If you're struggling, they'll show you how to learn.
If you're afraid, stand beside a teacher.
If you're a bully, you will confront your victims.
If you're in doubt, they'll search you out.
If you're cocky, they'll trim your spurs.
If you're lonely, they have room.
If you need solitude, they have a room.
If you're in love, they know the season;
If you know hate, they know the feeling.
When you compete, they're in the seats.
When you're sad, or conflicted,
Teachers listen.
They taught Moses, Jesus and Mohamed,
Yes. Teachers beget teachers.
They instructed Socrates, Aristotle and Plato.
They put us in North America and on the moon.
They worked with Salk and Banting, Gates and Jobs.
Anyone can learn something.
They even taught our parents,
But not everyone learns.
Hey, Teachers, don't leave those kids alone!

Will  daffodils dance near a lake?
Will Heaven still do battle with Hell?
Will you have an NHL?
Will a woman still count the ways she loves?
Will man still have a say in love?
Will hawks replace the release of doves?
Noble savages won't be your theme;
Nor Idols leading  on the silver screen.
What happens if you can't dream
On starry, dark or moon-filled nights,
Where waves lap endlessly on your shore.
I worry about this, and so much more.

(There are millstones and nooses hanging loosely;
Rubber bullets hitting ruthlessly.
The mobs are crowding,
Mouthing uselessly)

Listen.
Watch.
Write it again.