White Ash

In bucking headwinds I relax

And as peace of trust confides in me

I reconnoiter my position

As above, so below

Once more this mantra churns the weightless waters

And so the way I speak grows steady

Embers glowing bide their time

~t

The Mariner's Gull

I set out on this voyage as a young man.

Chose a name for my vessel and ventured out.

Nothin’ but salt and waves all around me--

A stubborn mind with resolve so stout.

And I passed through those wicked storms.

Oh, the ocean it did churn and crash.

I had no idea the anchor dwelt within myself.

I still had so much left to learn.

When the sun did rise so kindly,

You became the mariner’s gull.

You stayed so completely by my side.

I didn’t know you were to leave me.

For when I reached a friendly port,

You just up and flew away—

What a silly disillusion that I thought you would remain.

Of course ‘twas not your nature,

So I left the port once more.

I learned to plot a new path not knowing what's in store.

I ran out of provisions and my ship did spring a leak.

A capsized vessel drowning quick.

Nothing solid ‘neath my feet.

When I finally looked up at my sails,

I saw they were only at half-mast.

There was no swimming for the shore,

When I saw that blood-red sun.

As it sunk below horizon—kindred spirit, feel my pain.

The briny deep embraced me.

What striking déjà-vu as I decided to let go.

The water filled my lungs and guts--

The ephemeral, pulsing anguish as my organs did collapse.

The bellows sputtered, gagged, and caved in,

With one last lamentful breath.

Oh, that blood-red semi-circle did invade my sight once more.

Within—a silhouette of a bird I once knew.

One by one they came along, those raptors in disguise.

A hundred lengths of twine bound to them.

Pierced my dead aquatic sky.

Upward they did lift me as my vessel sunk beneath.

I had forgotten the feel of the wind.

I had remembered the sight of the land,
As I was set down upon the grass.

The trees whispered to greet me—

What glorious rebirth!

As those gulls did fly away with their dangling strands of love,

A smile amidst the tears of joy—

They would surely find another.

This new-found land was canvas, bare,

And new sails, I could fashion.

In the sand I drew a circle ‘round a lone stargazer lily.

A benevolent sentinel to watch the constellation forming.

~t

Reversal of the Setting Sun

 Reversal of the Setting Sun

Oh, what a gathering--

This collection of things,

Tied fast to your wrists so tight,

As you struggle to breathe.

Tongue, tooth, and a blade,

On this mountainous crest.

While your consciousness sinks so deep,

Lay those notions to rest.

Feel the wind at your back.

Breathe in deep.

Keep those eyes shut tight,

As you sink down beneath.

With your watch and your chain,

There's no telling the time.

Observing this life you lead--

There's no reason or rhyme.

Open up to these words,

With illusion denied.

Just drop the act now, son.

Let your heart open wide.

Face the wind now, child.

Breathe in deep.

Keep those eyes open wide,

As you rise from beneath.

~t

Praying Arm Lane

This is a segment of one of my favorite 16 Horsepower songs. Last night I has a dream about this song.
It's called "Praying Arm Lane". Beautiful.

Oh, my dream, come and take me quickly,
'Fore the struggle take me.
Yes, lay me down any way you choose,
And with the voices of our children wake me.

The boughs, they all bend for us,
And all the Earth awaits thee.
All the stones, they will cry out,
And every tongue, confess thee.

~DEE

Acceptance!!!

I just found out that I have been accepted into the masters program at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)! I am very excited about the possibilities that lie down this path. I've got several great ideas for projects to pursue over the next couple of years, and you are likely to see the prototypes of these ideas manifesting over the spring and summer as I work to hone my concepts and my craft. I can't wait to be back in the trenches with an amazing new city, teachers, and peers.

Thanks to all of those that continued to encourage me to go back to school.