Tag Archives: Hope

Sunsets

SUNSETS

Sunsets are long in these latitudes
and filled with color

The color of sunlight refracting
through soil and seed and dreams

picked up by west winds
and held in suspension
along with prayers
for a good harvest

What it might pay off
and what it might pay
a little something
down on

A little rain brings them
back to earth again

POETS IN SPRINGTIME

POETS IN SPRINGTIME

It is not the job of the poet
to speak of spring in the springtime

The task is to gather
the cool winds of April
to freshen your face in July

And all through the fallings of fall
and all through the dyings of winter

And all through the long days of lent
all through the pain of the Friday
reminding us always of Sunday

HOPE FLOWERS

HOPE FLOWERS

In Bethlehem
a refugee with sadness but no hate decreed
another generation is what we need

And a school where
the children of the refugees of holocausts and
refugees of refugees can learn together
learn to look inward first

This is a most beautiful and special place
with such regard for dignity and respect
so successful in their message of love
so filled with fairness to each side

That Arafat’s Palestinians burn their busses
and Israelis torture teachers and riddle walls

While Caterpillars sent from across the sea
creep closer each day in their wonderful
mindless mechanical way
with levelling intent

To be met with Gandhi smiles
and your help, if you give it

www.hopeflowersschool.org

Hope Flowers School – Bethlehem

THE UNCAGED BIRD

THE UNCAGED BIRD
(For Maya Angelou)

Sometimes we read
because we cannot not, because we need
to find that one story, one friend
one note of truth

Sometimes a young girl, repeatedly abused
hides
“I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”
under her mattress

And keeps on living because
she takes it out after he has gone
and talks to Maya, who understands