Poet's Corner
Climbing the Mountain
Today
take small steps,
in sync with the rising sun.
Find your breath.
Meet the moment
in front of you
as if no other
moment exists.
Make it
to the next day
and the next.
Try to embrace
the sad steps
the angry steps
the heavy chest
the raining of tears.
Look for warmth
in the darkest of clouds.
What was safe is
now tenuous.
What was whole
is now shattered.
It’s always been about
putting one foot in front
of the other, tamping down
brush in front of you
making right turns
and wrong turns
reaching a clearing,
remembering to breathe
then looking back
to see how far you’ve come.
You will see your place
You will give back
You will live
nurturing your wounded heart.
John Prine was a Super Moon
Today, our lives are upended,
suspended like a dark moon
lingering behind thunder clouds.
He touched my life
one warm spring evening
in a small theater on Key West.
He sang of everyday wounds,
everyday joys
a universe that was simple.
the day he died
the “biggest moon ever”
rose above the sounds,
filled space between
leafless cottonwood branches.
It felt like a cruel joke.
the earth couldn’t handle
the light—pulled the shades down.
When the storm ends,
the moon will still be dark for a while.
Diana Howard
2020
Snowbird
I’m a snowbird –
one who heads south for the winter,
not for survival – though
some would beg to differ –
but for pleasure and comfort.
There are other snowbirds
following me overhead…
Canada Geese, Swallow-tailed Kites,
Great White Pelicans, Cormorants
and Sand Hill Cranes –
I am impressed with their rhythm;
in awe of their strength.
Birds use the earth with
its wind currents – its gravity
its humble offerings of wood,
berries, insects, fish –
but they don’t offend it
they don’t create damage
that cannot be undone.
They don’t toss plastic bags,
beer cans, styrofoam cups, food containers,
and spare car parts onto medians
of highways or into ditches
filled with water.
They are not selfish nor are they
callous in their behavior.
These wise birds of the sky
are respectful of their home.
diana howard
2019