our eyes met only for a moment
yet i lost my balance and fell in.
i tumbled down a long staircase
all the way to the very bottom.
i knew it would be just as it was.
it was warm, and full of goodness,
life, and soothing motherhood.
slowly and reluctantly, i climbed
back up the staircase and out.
she was someone else’s lover,
and all i could do was to take
one quick, final look back
–photo by my son
hunger stirred
the fledgling bird
and to a tree he flew
now use your head
his mother said
as mothers often do
–photo by me
“Run and get mommy’s scissors, dear.”
When I was a child, my whole family would gather
together to watch Bonanza with my father.
Now that he’s gone, I watch the old reruns,
and it makes me feel as though we’re
somehow watching them together;
I can feel his kind and gentle presence.
Bonanza was one of his favorite shows,
and now it’s one of mine.
a perfect flower
is the summation of all
its imperfections
–photo by me
blessed are the poor in spirit
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
blessed are those that mourn
for they shall be comforted
blessed are the meek
for they shall inherit the earth
blessed are those who hunger
and thirst for righteousness
for they shall be filled
blessed are the merciful
for they shall obtain mercy
blessed are the pure of heart
for they shall see god
blessed are the peacemakers
for they shall be called
the children of god
blessed are they which are
persecuted for righteousness
for theirs is the kingdom
of heaven
–photo by my son aaron
michaeljordahl 