Birthday Streamers

Arising on a sculptured cliff

Expecting the cool embrace of my familiar

As she had welcomed me the day before with

A misting flutter through cypress branches.

Yet, pulling back the curtains,

A clear day dawns with

Pink, yellow, and orange along the horizon

Like Birthday Streamers

Reflecting in waves splashing peninsula rocks.

Surrounded by whistles and chirps,

Frogs sing in their creek while

Monarchs and bees call among

Pride of Madeira and Indian Paintbrush:

All the world will celebrate

And say you are loved

If you listen.

For Patrick

When I return to my etheric form,

I will dance in the procession of colors.

Glowing ribbons reflected in oceans and rivers:

An expression of joy that follows the sun.

When our paints grow dim and our party lights fade,

Darling, please don’t think that I’m gone.

Just look for me in the moonlight

Or amongst leaves on the trees

And, of course, in your tender heartsong.

Praying for Rain

My heart, a seed within soil, calls the heavens to coax me out of dormancy.

My arms, oaks on drought-afflicted land, ache from the lost embrace.

My outstretched hands, messengers between earth and sky, cast pollinated prayers to the wind:

Beloved, do not allow your creations to wither. Without you, we are not whole.

Nourish our roots with your abundance; bring forth the flowers of our soul.

Deliver us to ourselves, and let our purpose grow.