mist

and there are moments

when life is more
than a mere passage of time

there are moments
that are magic

filled with purpose of breath
glory of life

you can't predict them
you can't prepare
they must be savored

before they dissolve into the mist

flight

i am out the door
in the air
with no clue where i am going

free flying
eyes open
hoping to get a glimpse of the future

but it is now
air, movement, flight
wind against the face
relieving the tension
from standing still

return

one cannot dishonor or shame themselves

by choosing to love another

for love does not depend
on the return of that love

that is why God will always
remain faithful

true

i thought i should want to be compassionate

but i am not that kind

i thought i should want to be generous
but i don't give freely

i thought it would be good to speak boldly

but i prefer the subtly of action

i realized i am who i am
and that is good

i want to be true

and i want to be loved anyway

crowded solitude

alone

searching for quiet
for stillness

the vast emptiness
in which a soul can grow

bus

The driver spoke in Italian, as is custom in Italy. I didn't think the answer to "quanto costa" could be so complicated. My dumbfounded expression spoke volumes and in his generosity he motioned for me to take a seat. "molto grazie"

The first free seat was halfway down the bus with plenty of feet, arms, legs, and seats to bang against, hook onto and apologize to. Laughter encouraged my progression. Fellow tourists, most likely from Germany, found this highly entertaining & watched as I unloaded my bags one by one while the bus lurched on.

One moment of dignity left, vanished as my head greeted the overhead storage. I sat, took a deep breathe, and reflected on Castello.

hearing

trust is hearing
no more listening to tales of woe
hope is reaching
past the mire to the hand of old
faith is walking
into the unseen
into the darkness
as if it were light

i see you walking where i could not go
i see you speaking words i dare not say
i see you living the life i want to live

see

i want this person that i see
i want to see more of this me