Textiles in every
visible color
and patterns
-structured chaos
into useful beauty;
These things are inspiring.

Continued steps
with long-expired desire
and soles
and still finding room
in your tired self to smile;
This is strength.

Human relationships
treasured, grasped
though unaffordable
with trust's
bounced check;
Relational endurance.

Heritage-focused
unfashionable pride
finding beauty
in ancient and
unique;
Self-security.

Third world:
in money
First class:
in riches
mixed with good and ugly;
Guatemala, abiding.

How glorious was the morning
in your eyes
unburdened by the weight of reality.

The adventure was brimming,
overflowing your cup
of Satisfaction.

How noble the noontime
acceptance of responsibility.

Your shoulders broader
and yet the still managed
to be full of new things.

I don't understand you,
in this tandem swirl-
always at the other end of extreme.

How is the evening?

My country 'tis of thee
a land in
death convulsing
of thee I weep.

Land of great moral strife
debt-choked
lie-hypnotized
for thee I weep.

To relinquish heart's hold
on thee,
Prepare for my new Country
I am so weak.

Thy transformation
I prefer-
hope has yet
to cease.

weather lies

When the lies of men
gather in
like hurricanes in September...
and truth goes marching on
by

When probabilities
are said as certainties,
storm-sheltered
you remember "blue
skies"

When life and chance
and circumstance
mix rain with
no umbrella
-sigh-

Will you waterproof your heart,
put up your guard
or
live with heart still open,
alight?