Issue 11

September 2012

Cover Photo © 2012 “The One Who Stood Patiently Waiting” by Laura Betters.

Whether it is the gradual effects of age or the struggle to survive another moment, we are reminded that through reflection, there is the opportunity to grow and find a deeper understanding of the events of life.  Such an understanding not only can bring recovery, but it can be a wisdom worthy of passing on to those we encounter.  For though the changes life brings can take us places we did not intend and leave us beyond our comfort zone they can never take away from us the wisdom we have garnered from those moments in life we dared to live and learn from.

How glad I am you still like walking slowly.

Karen Kelsay

I study the charts

to see how much I deviate

from desired standards.

Arlene L. Mandell

So you forget about the walk,

take his other hand and dance.

Ruth Schiffmann

You shudder for no apparent reason

and watch as chirping birds

leave empty trees.

Pat St. Pierre

And I wonder what merit

I’ve accumulated from past

lives to witness such courage

Kaveri Patel

Perhaps self-awareness comes only when we have been thoroughly shaken out of our complacencies

Naveed Rehan

When the night wind twists them to pieces,

they will die like this: laughing,

tossing their brilliant heads

in the bitter air.

Christine Klocek-Lim

Now we walk for you,

out of the darkness,

and into the light of those who remain.

Barbara Murphy

If I could, I’d create a pole so high

it would pierce the sky, and still

would not be as tall

as you walked in this life.

Jackie Fox

Some say the eyes are windows on the soul;

and your eyes wrinkle into smiles of mildness

Murray Alfredson

now the tremors come so frequently

he holds onto his chin with resolution,

smiles, keeps moving ahead.

Jan Duncan-O'Neal

and if you rise before you wake

I will forgive you; the onset of relief.

Carol Lynn Stevenson Grellas

Like waves washing over the beach

you would consume me.

Stacey Dye