Pilgrimage: Mid-Summer: Bloom

the roses open so wide
the petals fall like bits of paper
against the bark
dust motes sparkle
day stars
while sunlight warms
the edge of the table

the coffee takes a long while to cool

this is the song of morning in gratitude this is the picture of the wooden church at the bottom of the hill here is the psalm of a change in the wind and four small strawberries in a ceramic pot just outside the door this is the avenue of vacation this is the gratitude painting no photograph but what you hear when you read these words

Pilgrimage: Churches

the hearse in front of the church
awaits it's passenger
for the last short ride
no one on the street seems to notice
or care
there are more funerals than christenings
more funerals than weddings
only the dead are faithful
these days

Pilgrimage: Mid-June: Trappists

this alley silent
in the late afternoon
bricks warm as cognac
sipped slowly in the piazza
leads to mystery
and Belgian beer
cold on tap and clear

Pilgrimage: Knowledge & Beauty Week #23

Many ways to prepare:
with study, applying 
blush to the cheekbones 
& heart. Knowledge 
advises that there are 
the cameras we see 
aimed at us &
those that we don't.
We are the recipients 
of any & all attention.
It isn't always easy
to learn. But the light
will find a way in.

Pilgrimage: End of Spring: Finals

studying for finals
notebook only partially deciphered
while the coffee mug steams on the table
this is an exercise in hope
turning toward tomorrow
and the remote possibility that
the sun will rise

Pilgrimage: Some Week: Speed

the red Ducati built for speed
sits in the bright sun
only needs a girl in a sundress
and shades to scream
perfection