Take a small step

breath in
then let go
reach out
for something to hold on to
take a small step
- that's it -
grab my arm
come along
- there -
see? it's easy
(I know how difficult it has been)
but you're here now
don't look back.

The Power of Softness

(To Jeff Wilhelm and Bruce Novak)

Yes, I felt it.
Because language is there for us,
making it all possible,
I felt that spark of magic
coming towards me
from somewhere lost and gone
into my here and now.
Yes, I understand.
And it makes me wish you were here
and I could listen to your voice,
look into your eyes
touch your arm
to make sure you exist.

Yes, I hear you,
I am with you,
right here!
Please... ?
Can't you see?

It's beautiful!
I get it!

Oh, why do I insist...




(Note: I am currently on page 68 of your wonderful and inspiring book, Teaching Literacy for Love and Wisdom.)

"Re-creation" suggested by Gabriele Rico

After "Writing in the Dark" by Denise Levertov (1987)


Such an inspiring sight
such blissful absence
of light!
A vision felt with passion,
eyes closed,
in a blind man's fashion.

There, the helping hand.
A sense of achievement,
the exhilarating joy,
even when the vision
is irreparably lost.

When I open my eyes again,
there is a gain
I sense with pride:
a new bit of me
inside.

Words

Words -
you've got to love them
for their permanent freshness
their nonchalant, disconcerting gaiety
their light, exquisite beauty.

Surprising, suggesting, playful words
ajar, albeit and galore
exotic, rampant, prevailing
prickly, landscape, awe,
lo, capricious, ashore...

However ruthless and unjust
words are never ever responsible
for the mess they might make.
After drought,
an earthquake
tsunamis,
you might curse the sun, the sea,
the earth's bowels or crust -

but who would remember to blame
their innocent, accidental name?