New Faces

I saw a new face today.

A face of acceptance, willingness, and laughter

And in the beyond, the faces of my mountain brothers in their curiosity
Peeking through the window I crumbled in their sight
White-haired, craggy, rocky shoulders and chins
they huddled closer to rest on my arms
watching every move
like puppies on my lap

I saw faces of fruit, leaves, and flowers
sucking from veins of wood and root in the grassy depths
everywhere shedding old faces for new, short light for long shadow

And then....

....there were these two boys.
whiskery and round-eyed faces,
brothers sprawling heavily on lilypads of light
or strutting heroism in the dirt
Masters of the realm

They are cherubs in furry bodies, large and small
And so, did command my heart

They are all friends and family in Eden
Blinking in the sunlight at their neighbors
their cooing whispers and shudders
spread welcome to my new face

I remember her face...

Yes.

One of many in scenes from a camera
Fully grown, lush and lively
like a tree-herder's thick wisdom of ages past

She held the ancient memories of when this world was young
before the crash of metal on concrete, glass, and steel
before the shock of noise and wave and broken dreams....

.....and the death of innocence.


Ancient memories made new.
With a mild, gentle word
her voice cradles the world in her hands

The face of this queenly giant shines brightly
Her aura hums vibrantly with bird-song

In the face of limits, sacrifice, and pain
she lives long and strong

Remind us of abundance, Dear One
Keep us with the present, our ever-changing gift
and we shall see a new face of the future


2-2-05, for Anna Hurlbutt’s birthday celebration