nothing is perfect
and we are lucky for that
because otherwise
we would not exist at all
so remember that this life
is a gift and a challenge
every last one of us
is a pilgrim in this world
and it is important that
we listen to our fellows
respecting their opinions
and showing them that we do
acting with true compassion
ready to cooperate
always demanding the same
making our own decisions
looking below the surface
to seek out all the details
and how they fit together
with an unpejudiced eye
and then we will be worthy
of being called civilized
and intelligent

life's complexity
is spellbinding to behold
a fractal splendour
that will never fit into
a pedantic pigeon hole
for when it is studied close
it generates more questions
than it does primal answers
instead it is wonderful
a universe without end
full of beauty abundant
a shining celebration
of entropy's spawn

born dead and living
my brothers and my sisters
i cherish you all

grey clouds crowding in
the desultory rain drifts
pigeons mob for crusts
strutting on pink feet they search
the unforgiving asphalt
of the glass, concrete canyon
stalked by umbrellas

eyes look in clear light
reflective through a mirror
to see that other
that one on the other side
hanging back in the shadows
behind childhood's holy icons
supping on the bitter host
trapped and lost and terrified
unable to see beyond
its tormented chrysalis
barking and growling cruelly
daring you to touch

i saw you that night
you were too real for them
eyes full of mourning
deep blue pools in ivory
above the little black dress
sitting there leaning forward
invisible tears pouring
down your cheeks an endless stream
betraying your distraction
though you bravely tried to smile
and that is when i realized
i truly loved you