Incrementalism And Beyond

It takes courage to

grab ahold of the rope of

hope and not let go,

especially when we’re told it’s

ill-advised by those

more cynical and more “wise”.

When hope joins hands with

effort, steadfast and informed,

cultural shifts can be born.

JDG

Doors And Windows

I remember how

as children we liked to play

with boxes, cutting

doors and windows to make homes.

When feeling boxed in,

we could reclaim that art and

start working on openings.

JDG

We Wait And See

The clouds didn’t seem

to matter when after days

of gray, light poured forth

and warmed our sun-starved souls. All

too soon gray slipped back

in, this time joined by gusts of

wind, and pushed warm light

away. Will blue skies and sun

return? We will wait and see.

JDG

At Thirteen

“Please, Gaba,” she said,

no welcome to womanhood

speech or little chat.

They’ve become family legend

now and I am well

aware of that.” ” What about

a party to mark

this major life event?” I

asked. She glowered and growled,

“What part of ‘no’ don’t

you get?” “Ok,” I said. “With

this poem I guess you’re set.”

JDG

Comings and Goings

As the trees stand watch

sun and moon rise and fall,

crows squawk, jays squabble,

dark clouds gather then disperse,

hawks soar, rabbits hide,

squirrels gather, the pond reflects.

Trees and pond have much to teach.

JDG

Beyond Expectation

I had hoped for deep

wisdom or at least some peace

when I first began

to meditate, but that’s not

what I got. Instead

there was a quick review of

failures, foolishness,

and flaws. When I signed on I

didn’t expect to

start with all those F’s. “Isdom”,

is that where true wisdom starts?

JDG

As I Go About My Day

The question I want

to keep before me as I

go about my day –

Is what I’m thinking, saying,

or doing adding

to my own suffering or

the suffering of others?

JDG

Questions For The Electorate

Just imagine if

there were a magical switch

and Trump’s words and his

manner of delivery

came from a female

and Clinton’s from a male? What

if they belonged to

no political party?

How would they then be assessed?

JDG

Storm-struck

A slight shimmer spreads

across the pond. The sun casts

a gentle, golden

light. The only storm that struck

came entirely

from within. May I learn to

stand strong and gentle.

May I hold the doors of my

heart open and with

each hesitant breath, invite

the winds of truth to blow through.

JDG

Whole Lot Of Talking Going On

This morning the birds

wouldn’t stop talking. Even

the bees had their buzz,

not to mention the crickets

with their endless chirps.

I decided to add my

two-cents worth of words

to this wild chatter, but

breakfast’s call silenced it all.

JDG