New Journey

strip away the accessories of life
dog. gone.
sports car. sold.
safety net. released.
drama. dismissed.

stand, naked and alone
breathe deep
choose with care
what to take forward
into an unknown future

this is who you are

courage, come with me.
we shall pipe and drum
chains are loosed by our laughter
prisoners fly free in our arms



Photo credit: Joyce Rempel

Heirloom Courage

She leans against the black granite counter
over white cupboards garbed in black sweats
under white t-shirt, head still covered from running
in face-slicing cold that frostbites fingertips

A twin to the girl with a pearl earring
she waits with sunset on her face for quinoa in the cooker
pours out her soul, a milk white strand of pearls
scattering across the hardwood

I recover the pearls, store them safe
in my heart shaped listening room
receive with awe the gift offered
try not to be swine