Today
Hold close your Wild spirit
as this nation churns.
Cup your hands around it
like you would a candle in wind,
preserving your flame.
That source—your Wild nature–
The difference between a stretch and a hot mess
It was a gut-wrenching moment. I was set to speak at the 50th anniversary of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA), where I serve on the board and deeply believe in the cause. I’d prepared remarks about using MCEA as a powerful “carbon counterpoint” – donating to tackle the root causes of emissions, rather […]
Portals
When the press of humans and our panicked frailty
are just too much to bear
and it feels as though nothing could break through
the chatter and commotion we cause,
there are portals quietly waiting for us to enter.
They take many forms, these openings,
these passages that take us beyond our usual understandings.
Portals are not free of charge
they ask us, […]
Fight, flight, or…
An opossum came calling last night.
Unfortunately, my dog answered the call.
He has a thing about opossums in his yard
and it’s not a very nice thing.
After some discussion, he agreed to go back inside.
And I was left to assess the scene.
Walking up to the rumpled opossum,
it looked like the story would end here.
But there was something […]
Shifts Happen
“Something shifted during our last session.” That’s how my coaching client described it and I felt it too. I could practically see it happening, even through the tiny screens of zoom. Something brightened across her face, like how light changes when sun breaks through clouds.
Honestly, I think we both were a little startled by how […]
Holiday Reflections: giving grief a seat at the table
‘Merry’ or ‘Happy’ does not fully reflect
all that is present during holidays.
‘Joy’ is closer, with its arms wide open reach
that delights in happiness and bright new faces
but does not turn […]
Orion
Just before sunrise this fine winter morning
the familiar stars of Orion shimmer,
with his belt and his sword,
keeping watch over the night sky.
It’s quiet now, a hushed silence before daybreak.
Dappled clouds promise a sunrise
graced with shades of pink and orange
and the particular lavender of winter skies.
We slowly grow accustomed to darkness
this time of year.
Better to accept […]
Hope, Soap and a Man Named Charles: stories worth telling
As part of my Sustainable Speaking initiative, I research the venue where I’ll be speaking prior to the event. I track down what they are doing to reduce waste, limit carbon emissions, conserve water, that sort of thing. What I’m finding is that each place has a story, but those stories are often hidden.
Take, for […]
Thanksgiving Poem
For the peace and promise of a sunrise.
The quickening of breath that comes
when we take in the beauty of our surroundings.
For the mystery and humility
of daring to see how we are all connected.
For the opportunity, over and over again,
to choose joy.
For waking up every day to the unknown
and the courage to walk into that day.
For […]
We are here
When all you can see is a world relentless in its harshness
may you be wrapped in the beauty of a gentle autumn day.
When it feels like we shall never find understanding
may you lay down upon this earth, on soft, solid ground
look up at a sky filled with wonder
feel the ground beneath you
and recall how wholly […]
