The flesh withers as we age But our inner spirit Remains the same. And when the body dies The spirit breaks free

The misty, night rain, Soaking bare trees, Bringing nourishment. I stand at the window, A steady beat echoes

Cold spring rain chills my body And yet, the birds fly in unison As if, it is a sunny day. The white tail deer Bounce through the ravine

On a walk, many Brown-Eye Susan line the border, before the woods. Rain clouds move closer as if to give a hug, while

In the still night In the silence, My soul begs, My mind to rest. It’s story told

Soft gray clouds pass slowly by, Soon they will release a gift of r… Trees are shedding their leaves As they turn red, orange and yello… Signaling the squirrels to collect…

This is the America I know: A sea of white, black, red, yellow And brown faces, Strong minds and voices Raised to the sun,

In the noble purpose of my life, In the clear and quiet chamber Of my soul, In the open and warm cave Of my heart,

I remember your smile, your laugh,… you gave so freely. It’s hard that you are gone. I sigh and walk along the bay.

When you are not here An empty heart full of fear Arises and wonders If I will see you again. What will I do without

Geese are honking As they fly Across an orange colored Sky. My spirit soars

Red bird perched on a tree limb laced with snow. So happy to see him and the joy he brings.

It is what it is Despite my wishes for it, Otherwise. You are who you are Despite my expectations,

One year since I traveled to paradise. One year since I laughed and danced with friends. One year since I watched

The gift of summer Is the sound of a Creek flowing through Rocks. A blue bird perched