Headline Poem 7/31/14 -- the future mayor

Today's poem is inspired by election season in Hawaii. One of the candidates for mayor on the island of Kauai is an anti GMO advocate, MMA fighter, and surfer. 

the future mayor 

there are many words 

that don't come 

to mind

as I drive by

brightly colored signs 

hanging from fences

with names I can't pronounce

the man who chose 

to run three weeks ago 

has the lead,

and has raised 

more money 

and gathered 

more speed 

by

doing what's right (some people really hate that about him)

the politicians are confused. 

they stopped working for

you, the people, 

when 'new guy' 

was in preschool,

winning all along 

because 

the voters didn't know 

  

any   better  so 

while they counted their 

winnings and escaped jail,

the future mayor 

surfed and healed,

making him

perfectly unprepared 

Headline Poem 7/30/14 -- It is said

It is said 

That every once in awhile,

we all must take the time to

rejuvenate. I hesitate 

to accept 

that yes indeed that means me,

and us, and you. 

But it's true. 

Wrapping my body around the moon 

while drinking in its mood

is something that 

I must do. 

Headline Poem 7/29/14 -- Salt Water

Salt Water 

Salt water soothes 

even the

hardest edges 

and tough exteriors.  

It changes its direction as 

much as it changes yours 

  by calming light   places that 

     sometimes 

turn to dark

not by choice, but just because 

things that 

evolve require 

extra attention. 

It's okay. 

The power is sacred and 

hard to compare to anything else. 

Some pieces, 

no matter how much they swim away, return minute after minute,

day after day. 

They come back until you 

notice and say hello. 

And then one day, the water you've welcomed for so long

is gone. 

You no longer greet it, 

it's now for someone else -- your welcoming wall falls down, 

and you are naked 

and real. 

It hurts and stings,

but it is sweet and satisfying still. 

Embrace this new salt water 

because 

once you swim 

in the current and float on thin air, 

most other things 

just can't compare,

and wouldn't dare. 

The salt helps you love. 

It will hurt if you let it, but once you decide there is strength in tasting it, 

you will see what it means to break the wall 

and to feel what it means to live 

without fear of pain. 

Salt water awakens sleepy minds if 

the minds that sleep

know

they are asleep. 

Headline Poem 7/28/14 -- your shadow & mine

your shadow & mine 

your shadow & mine 

met

on a mountain top, 

and smiled with 

relief

when they realized 

they'd been following 

each other 

all along. 

Headline Poem 7/27/14 -- A fiery dance

Today's poem is inspired by this L.A. Times article about a restaurant in Irvine serving up extremely hot chile! Here's the full article, and here is "A fiery dance." 

http://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-worlds-hottest-chile-at-clay-oven-20140724-story.html

A fiery dance 

Sometimes I wonder

   if it's worth 

devouring the chile,

seeds 

and all. 

Then I swallow 

and feel 

the fierce heat

burn my eyes

and numb my throat. 

I    look    down   at my body

doing a fiery dance, and I know. 

It hurts, but

I 

am

content and full. 

Headline Poem 7/26/14 -- Homemade Love Song

Homemade Love Song 

Some ingredients sit around 

ignored and a 

hint jealous

of 

the just-ripeneded

that get used right away. 

That's okay. 

    Because 

knowing which ones to use 

   and    when

is half the fun. 

Headline Poem 7/25/14 -- A To-Do (Better) List

Today, a to-do (better) list inspired by tomorrow's full moon in Leo -- focusing on inner strength, creativity, and healing as the foundation in which to guide ourselves and share with others. 

A To-Do (Better) List:

Love completely, especially when hurt. 

Judge less, especially myself. 

Heal, period. 

Smile deeply, and genuinely with the intent to uplift. 

Be compassionate, particularly when others don't make it easy. 

Be kind, to myself first. 

Not make others miserable (even if I feel miserable). 

Embrace and flow with an occasional rage. 

Communicate rather than alienate. 

Not act tough when I don't have to. 

Trust without fear. 

Let go of negativity, even when it wants to stay. 

Live in the present moment.

Ask for help in nice ways. 

Lower walls rather than raise them. 

Be aware of my facial expressions. 

Play. 

Laugh. 

Take things that aren't that serious less seriously. 

Feel completely. 

Forgive authentically. 

Headline Poem 7/24/14 -- I love when

I love when 

Night falls and a man walks up the road and he has a dog named Mystic and Romanian blood and an uncle with a similar name and a father born with the same date and you can talk about lessons and mistakes and not be afraid. 

Headline Poem 7/23/14 -- Some things are hard to explain

(Ramone's in Eureka)

Seven months ago, I was sitting at Ramone's coffee shop in Eureka, Ca. when I started to write a poem in my head about a headline in the local Times Standard newspaper. It was December 31st. A new year was about to begin, and I decided to challenge myself to try to write a poem a day in 2014 based on a headline in the news. As I began this process, I promised myself I would (attempt to) stay balanced -- No freaking out if I couldn't find a headline. No getting obsessed if I was too busy to write. And no worrying about whether or not my writing was "good enough." My goal was simply to create, to capture the world through words, and to do this daily. Since starting, a poem a day has become a part of me. I didn't know it at the time, but this process, this taking time for myself, and this poetry would become something I needed. It is extremely therapeutic. It is beautiful. I'm so glad I decided to start, and I'm proud I have continued. If you have read any of my poems, cool. If you have hated them, that's okay. If you have been moved by them, I'm glad. Thank you for letting me share regardless. 

Who knows, maybe I'll go beyond one year, but for now... Cheers to five more months! ❤️

Today's poem is inspired by something, well, that is hard to explain. Apparently, Eureka is experiencing sporadic, loud, mysterious booms, and has been for awhile. These sounds have made the news, and today while hiking in the redwoods, we heard one. Here is today's poem... 

Some things are hard to explain 

Some things are hard to explain 

like 

songs of doubt you 

don't dare let out,

with the same lyrics 

as the ones you sing to yourself,

in your head, 

but that are written by 

someone else

  instead...

auction-announcer voices, 

asparagus pee (you know what I mean), 

and the movie Drop Dead Fred. 

The rate 

at which some animals graze 

and 

others 

  run free. 

Most of the differences between berries are a mystery to me. 

I know the astrological signs of 

former presidents 

and their wives, 

but have yet to put to memory 

my driver's license number. 

I'm pretty sure there's a three. 

Bumper stickers --

I say make love. Period. ✌️

Organic food costs so much more,

death is something we're afraid to explore. 

Sleezy hotels collect rent, and apples 

can be granny or gala, 

green or red. 

Leftovers never taste as good 

unless it's 

cold pizza at 2 a.m. 

Bowling shoes are cool, 

until you think about their use. 

Friendships shouldn't have rules, 

and Home Depot sells too many tools! 

Headline Poem 7/22/14 -- Eyes

Eyes

I prefer to live

with eyes 

wet with tears 

than those 

dry from fear. 

Headline Poem 7/21/14 -- Bliss

Bliss 

I've been praying to the rocks 

and sun and salt 

and redwood trees

of the beautiful North Coast since it first took my breath away. 

Today. I rediscovered my love for 

this place. 

I surrendered long ago to the birds and words, whispered to me on the beach near Trinidad where I'd feel my dad. 

I cried in coffee shops over freshly made scones as I 

woke early and then drove 

to

learn to 

become a teacher to my beloved 

country kids in Fortuna. 

I listened as my colleague-turned-friend mourned the loss of them, 

her parents in Nashville, 

who she'd never see again 

because in June they died 

suddenly 

and she left me in charge 

and I thrived 

and she was proud of me (though today, for some unknown reason, we don't speak). 

Her presence comforted me. Then. 

I let life lead

as it circled and swayed 

and bent and brought 

old friends back 

and made new ones real. 

So it is... today

in the beauty

I embraced my blood, 

thick that runs

red, and

as brilliant as the brightest thread.

I love this place 

which has held 

my hand 

and caressed my heart 

through many endings and new starts. 

So it is... today. 

Headline Poem 7/20/14 -- I look

Today's poem is based on this new campaign headline http://www.kelownanow.com/news/news/Lifestyle/14/07/18/Edgy_Campaign_Calls_For_Women_to_Stand_Up_For_Themselves

meant to empower women to stand up for themselves, and change within, the unrealistic beauty standards being set for them. There are several key words and phrases that inspired "I look." 

I look 

I look for her face 

in random

passersby

as we approach the city 

where she now resides. 

A move I'm sure meant to hide 

from the past that they created 

and I despise. 

She doesn't 

deserve an encounter with me. 

She'd freeze. Because 

from what I know, 

she's not very good with words. 

Unless

they're written on a page or 

in lessons where she 

probably thrives 

when prepared  

and organized. 

But I don't know. 

Meeting me would throw 

her into a rope 

and cause her throat 

to knot like her stomach 

that turns in too many directions, 

while 

abandoning the things 

she's supposed to hold dear. 

I'm not real clear 

except I suspect that her

disrespect is

caused by years of 

being ignored, 

abandoned,

or treated like a whore. 

In actuality, it's not fair of me 

to speculate about 

her reality. 

Headline Poem 7/19/14 -- Little Saigon

No headline today, but I saw a great deal as we drove through Little Saigon today. 

Little Saigon 

The guilty gather 

on the steps of the hardened

church,

too tired to continue to defend 

their name. 

Wind-blown and dreary,

particles sweep, 

but do not clear away.

All are welcome,

but there are no 

guarantees. 

Headline Poem 7/18/14 -- Poetry

Today's poem is inspired by life and poetry itself. 

Poetry

poetry is what happens 

in 

between 

breaths 

it's the packed bags

the night sweats 

the confidence 

the inept

it resides where you 

let it 

and stays 

where it wants

Headline Poem 7/17/14 -- stargazers

There's a lot going in in the world... particularly violence in Israel and Palestine, so much so that I am unable (tonight at least) to categorize or reflect on it too much. This is an example of a time when I feel completely disconnected and even spoiled. People, children, are dying and I'm drinking Vanilla Lattes. All of this reminds me of the simplicity of stargazing -- where everything is the same size up there regardless of how small things feel down here. 

stargazers 

stargazers seek truth 

   regardless of 

  how small    things    feel 

         down here 

    and 

are 

      willing 

 to breathe in 

     

   the 

       darkness 

in order to

          find it. 

Headline Poem 7/16/14 -- Fragile Man

Fragile Man 

Rugged veins and sinew dripping wet with 

sweat

In the Solitude of longing for acceptance, despite regret 

Despising rejection,

soul dying 

from 

a shattering ego 

and lingering truth 

     The obvious suit

     in an empty deck 

She's not 

the one 

he'll bring

     Home 

to 

 the momma who started it all 

 The source of the starving and 

grasping, 

He lets It go,

Whispering 

     from  down   the hall, 

     through honest teeth and cracks, 

 'thank you for believing in me.' 

 

Headline Poem 7/15/14 -- I dreamt about Reese Witherspoon

This morning while sleeping, after hitting snooze on the alarm, I dreamt about... Reese Witherspoon. Headline inspiration: I loved the book Wild by Cheryl Strayed. Reese plays Cheryl in the movie that is coming out this fall. I can't wait to see it! 

I dreamt about Reese Witherspoon

We were chatting it up like two 

regular girls

Bonding over sweet tea (she's southern) and chicken wings 

and pearls. 

We talked about our babies, 

and what it means to be blonde, 

But then 

I took my purse out and started to put my lipgloss on. 

Still sweet, still bonded, 

Reese looked at me and said, 

we should talk about colors. 

Okay, I agreed,

although I felt a bit a kid 

whose babysitter wanted to make her over, but then  

she saw my shoes 

and shouted,

Let's go shopping instead! 

That's when I woke up, 

half elated (Reese and I were going shopping because I was cool and made her feel like a regular girl) 

and half pissed,

What the hell does she care 

about my feet and lips!?

Headline Poem 7/14/14 -- 1972

Today's poem is based on a story from CBS Sunday morning about people going from convertible cars to covered cars, and back again -- the top symbolizing lack of wealth, and then high status and the good life, and then a (too) fast paced lifestyle. It inspired today's poem. 

1972

She traded in 

her cherry red 

convertible 

for a topped off wagon 

that vowed to get her 

to her destinations quicker 

and more efficiently. 

Because she now had 

more places to be 

and more people to please 

and no longer had time  

to cruise 

topless 

while enjoying 

the

sun and breeze. 

Headline Poem 7/13/14 -- Running with the bulls, ya marriage is kinda like that

My husband and I got married 13 years ago tomorrow on July 14, 2001 -- Bastille Day, and also the last day of the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. It seems fitting, especially as of late, that we said 'I do' while thousands of adrenaline junkies ran with wild animals (that at any minute could kill them) through the streets of Spain. Cheers to us for making it this far, and cheers to all of you who also try! I think we're fucking incredible! 😉

Running with the bulls, ya marriage is kinda like that 

I said 'I do'

On a day people (by choice)

run along side animals 

who can,

at any minute, 

maim, kill, or eat 

them. 

Adventure seeking

Fools, I tell you! 

Marriage is kinda like that. 

We CHOOSE 

to jump in with all of our hearts 

and run 

freaked out and thrilled through streets 

     Together 

regardless of the weather, 

or safety ratings, 

full speed into each other,

     Hoping 

to make 

it out safely 

and alive 

with all of our limbs and 

all of our parts. 

We tease each other. 

We flash and flaunt 

red scarves in one another's faces and say hey! 

Look at me! 

Are you angry? 

Is this working?

Do you feel like chasing and stabbing me, 

and making me bleed?

We know there will be casualties, and wars, but we also know the beauty of the reward 

And we see 

all we really need 

is for 

something so dangerous 

to feel safe, 

for the bull in all of us

to stop running once in awhile 

and 

put our rage 

And 

need to be right,

aside 

And stand upright

     face to face with the one 

who makes us more frustrated than anyone 

and say

     Okay. 

I'll play this silly

Fucked up game 

because it's one that's always been played. 

In the name of tradition, I will chase and be chased, 

I will run. 

But,

when this madness is done,

and we're alone

And the crowds have gone home,

Let's make amends. 

Let's be friends. 

Let's dance together 

without intentionally

stepping on

each other's 

toes. 

Let's both win in the end. 

Headline Poem 7/12/14 -- In the Netherlands, 1998

Today, the Netherlands beat Brazil for 3rd place in the World Cup. This inspired memories and tonight's short poem. 

In the Netherlands, 1998 

I learned how to order from

 a 

Bar that had nothing to offer

    Except laughs and a 

  free picture 

to be taken 

          but never 

Posted. 

Posted? What's that!? 

Headline Poem 7/11/14 -- She's a natural beauty

Today, I read a headline about Loreal. There is an app that will tell you which colors of makeup will look best on you. It reminded me of a moment with my daughter last week. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2689197/LOreal-launches-virtual-magic-mirror-make-app-reveal-lipsticks-eyeliners-look-best-you.html

Natural Beauty 

The other morning while putting on makeup

my daughter came in to talk to me,

as she often does,

about whatever it is 

that is on her curious six year old mind. 

She smiled up at me and asked 

where I thought a certain friend of mine sat to put her makeup on. 

I paused in between mascara applications

and said, 

oh baby she doesn't wear any makeup. 

     She's a natural beauty. 

She looked perplexed. 

Then, why, mommy, do you?  

Headline Poem 7/10/14 -- the planets turn

Read this tonight on the NASA website. Here is today's headline poem. 

the planets turn 

tonight at the grocery store 

a woman asked me

if i 

could really see 

i nodded enthusiastically 

yes, i 

believe 

i can 

really see 

how do you know,

she wanted to know?

i smiled. 

i know. 

just like you know

the planets turn

even though 

you don't 

feel a thing 

that was the end. 

she shook her head 

and

blindly 

walked away

Headline Poem 7/9/14 -- Let

Today's poem is dedicated to summer salads and genuine guests. 

Let 

I want to 

let life linger

like a summer salad 

and 

genuine guests,

     who fill me up 

and     

 leave me

     with

a 

satisfied mess. 

Headline Poem 7/8/14 -- Towers and Barbed Wire

Today's poem is inspired by a post about the history of barbed wire. 

Towers and Barbed Wire 

While trying to escape 

From towers and barbed wire,

I said hurtful things 

to you 

Which -- if there'd been a 

mirror to my face 

you'd have known,

I 

was talking to myself. 

     

     All along. 

Headline Poem 7/7/14 -- On the eve of your birth

A little personal reflection tonight on the eve of our second son's birth. 

On the eve of your birth 

July 7, 2004

I tossed, but could not manage a turn. I stayed up 

Hand to my belly, feeling you move, 

     knowing

In mere hours I'd feel your skin. 

I know we made you a Cancer when you were probably destined to be a Leo. 

You lead like a lion, but retreat like the crab. King of your jungle,

Face of the moon. I longed for you. 

You were perfect when you were born. Though,

You swallowed fluid and couldn't be held by me 

for a day

While I recovered. I pumped my liquid gold 

And made my way to you. 

 Beautiful 

Gavin Isaac Scott, our little, soaring, 

Precious hawk. I know you 

Fear you are not good enough, 

So everyday, Mark my spot. I stop to say, and I hope to convey 

You matter to me and to us. 

You are 

A miracle, a puzzle, a source. 

I drink you in, though sometimes,

I cannot relate to the taste, and hesitate. 

You are learning. We are learning. 

You, our son, are an incredible being. 

You are loved. You are adored. 

Headline Poem 7/6/14 -- Ring Masters

There is a ballot measure regarding the small town of Norco, Ca. Its residents are making efforts to stop future building. I thought of a circus, and wrote this. 

Ring Masters

Ring masters 

Twirl us through 

circus acts

In order to

Reveal 

what we already know. 

  

In the name of show. 

The big top controls 

the little people, 

   (and the ring master

   Himself),

  who will pay a pretty cent 

To see 

  what they want (us) to see, 

ignoring. 

The rest. 

Stop building

Glorified versions

and put the 

Chained 

animals to bed. 

Headline Poem 7/5/14 -- Six kids, four parents, and one epic hike

Six kids, four parents, and one epic hike

Today, 

we hiked into the wilderness, and got off the beaten path 

to follow smooth rocks, and mosquito beds,

discovering views

and mysteries that 

beckon those willing to go past 

the 

crowded trail heads. 

We plunged through streams and creeks,

enduring a 2,500 feet elevation loss, straight up (and down) cliffs, 

lunched on homemade burritos and fresh salsa all while 

keeping 

our smiles 

and patience 

in place. 

These are the days I want etched in my mind

until the end of time.

I want my kids to say to theirs... C'mon guys, you're doing great.

I'm going to show you an amazing place...

And when their babies beg, at 9,000 for a snack, or piggy back, 

I hope they laugh, and silently 

send a thank you to their 

Dear mom and pop, 

understanding at that moment

That our mission in life was to make 

theirs fun,

to show them respect for this incredible world, 

and how truly beautiful life is. 

Headline Poem 7/4/14 -- An Aspen Meadow at Dawn

An Aspen Meadow at Dawn

An orchestra of birds 

awaken my sleepless mind. 

The pitches blend as though 

they've been practicing 

a long, thoughtful time. 

Melodies of hope as 

the new day begins, even when 

not much is certain, 

They sing 

while fluttering aspen leaves dance

A concert in morning light. 

Headline Poem 7/3/14 -- The cycle is complete.

The cycle is complete. 

The sun goes up and five years 

are gone. The vicious cycle has

come undone, finishing 

with an abrupt, traumatic end. 

It is complete. I 

rub my hands, 

washing and rinsing it away. 

We sigh. We drop to our knees. 

Thank God, 

(and everyone else watching over us). 

I don't ask, 'Where the hell have you all been?!' I know it had to happen this way. This not-so-quiet rage

had to rage for us 

to emerge 

  From ashes. 

  From dust. 

From beginning to end, we felt the rip and pull, 

and attempted to bandage each other's wounds -- mostly from slipping on puddles of salt from 

The loss 

Of us. 

and although 

some days had moments of smooth,

they were 

conquered 

and ruled 

by 

an intensity hard to name. A phantom. A ghost. An intruder who lurked,

With purpose we could not see through 

Our anger and hurt. 

We see it now. This horrible, dominant evil guest was really a welcome visitor. 

And yet... 

We've fed it Enough. The cycle is complete. 

We have no more for it to eat. 

I can't explain it other than to say,

although I curse it dead, I am glad it stayed. But. I'm even more glad 

to say goodbye, and send it. 

On its way. 

I feared for a long time, I'd never return. 

But I have. I did. 

Like wheat and wind and whispers, nothing can stay that low. 

I'm not ready to forgive, 

but I am ready. to forget. 

I am choosing to be happy. 

I am choosing to feel peace. 

I am grateful for this. 

The reward is what guides me. I cannot forget that through this we get the gift 

of better versions of ourselves. 

     For us, 

     for our children, 

     and for theirs. 

Amen. I am blessed. 

Headline Poem 7/2/14 -- because they feared

(Photo credit Google Image)

I read this tonight from NPR about a huge new invention that takes down a 30 foot tree in 15 seconds. Fast, efficient, and "built for busy humans," this inspired tonight's poem.

because they feared

in a matter of seconds
a tree
thriving
is uprooted.

  revealing
that what appeared
  to be living
was actually dead,

and
no one was
acknowledging it

  because they feared

that
maybe
 
it was theirs

Headline Poem 7/1/14 -- three wolves of freedom

Today is Canada Day! 

three wolves of freedom

together,

blue borders spread 

to red

separated 

to reunite 

empty and unfed

beaten and hollow,

blinded, 

they stood by 

     each other 

stopping, slightly,

to eat,

but never fill up 

moving always,

inspired by   

hungry   eyes

eventually, space 

created peace,

     guided by green jade 

     and wondering,

     restless minds 

calmed 

by rain,

the (sharp) teeth of 

beautiful beasts 

accepted lips 

slanted upward;

     

     an accident

to be happy, 

as rain turns

to snow,

it is the simple things 

they know