Half and Half

The horizon is always
at eye level.
Half earth. Half sky.

No matter where we move,
up or down, left or right,
ahead or back,
the horizon fills our view.
Half earth. Half sky.

Even when it lies hidden
by storms or mountains or forests,
the horizon remains constant.
Half earth. Half sky.

The universe is full
of metaphor.

Why a Death Hurts So Much

A death is something
that cannot be repeated.

This is why it hurts so much
when a loved one dies.

We know we won't be able
to repeat the experience,
no matter how painful it is,
to have back the life before.

What Does Not Burn Away

When a body burns away,
it leaves ashes and grief and
memories for those who remain.

When money burns away,
it leaves dread and suicides
and the collapse of nations.

When freedom burns away,
it leaves a silent labyrinth
of walls that keep us divided.

Spiritual Thicket

How do I find my way
out of a spiritual thicket?

Do I try to pick my own way out,
one thorn at a time?

Or do I wait for a clearer path
to make itself known?

The True Goals of Government

Where the true goal
of government is service,
everyone will have enough.

Where the true goal
of government is power,
only some will have enough.

Where the true goal
of government is money,
no one will have enough.

Busy Mind

My mind talks to itself all day.
It's like being with children.

Sometimes that's fine.
Sometimes it turns me gray.

When it goes suddenly quiet,
I start wondering what it's up to.

Mugger

Sadness waits for each of us
and mugs us
when we do not expect it.

No protector can shield us
from its criminal behavior.
All fall victim sooner or later.

The best response to its pain
is to let it have its way,
knowing it will soon move on.

Why We Need One Another

We need one another because
we are happiest when we share.

Can't We All Just Get Along?

I hate these people because they're evil.
I hate those people because they're idiots.

I hate this group because they're not like me.
I hate that group for the same reason.

I hate I hate I hate I hate I hate I hate.

I hate?
Is that where I want to live?
Where's the future in that?

Old and New

What was old is new again.
What is new was never new.
This is true even for galaxies.

And yet, the universe is born again
moment by moment by moment.

What Is Natural?

What is natural?

Anything free
of human invention.

What is nature?

Everything outside
of human intention.

Hot Blink

From a summer
of record heat,
the thick of winter
is less than half
a year away.

The blink of an eye.