There’s less conflict

at the feeder when

most of the seed is gone.

Maybe when stomachs are full,

there’s less appetite for fight.

JDG

After many days of brisk winds,

today is suddenly still.

I let that stillness be my guide

and after many days of busyness,

I slow down and softly settle in.

JDG

Sometimes what we need most

is an engaged witness –

one who offers us attentive presence

and a silence so open and deep

that we can hear our own heart speak.

JDG

No existential questions,

no angst-filled speculations –

just me and my dog

walking along a country road

on this overcast April day.

JDG

As the sun sets,

green leaves take on

a golden hue

reflecting the gift

the sun has brought.

JDG

We can be so intent

on moving forward

that we fail to see

the value of

taking a step back.

JDG

Looking out my window,

warmed by the sight of the sun

filtering through the trees,

leaving patterns of light and shadow

on the grass below.

JDG

Knox looks at me, heaves a sigh,

seems to wonder why, why, why

I’ll always join him for a walk

but for a hearty lawn roll

my answer’s always no, no, no.

JDG

When talk gets stormy

 and rough, we need

 an early warning system,

alerting us to seek shelter

in wordless compassion.

JDG

Knox doesn’t need a map

to guide him home

after he dashes off 

in pursuit of critters

by himself, all alone.

JDG