No one really knows
that I am here.
They only know
that they are there.
I am a clown,
a puppet without strings.
My imaginary movements
are so clumsy.
I’m a bird
without its wings.
No one sees me
when I smile,
but they applaud
when I fall down.
I taste my salty tears
as I pick myself
up off the ground.
I sometimes feel so alone.
I cannot bear the pain.
I’m dancing only
for my peers,
to see their smiles
and hear their cheers.
And I will never know
that I am here,
while they will always know
that they are there.

Oh Texas, my Texas,
I loved you while young,
when the songs of my youth
were still fresh on your tongue.

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Morning things
Suck my breath
In the snap of cool, shallow waters

Hummingbees bumble
In bright striped jackets.
Squirrels chip fat nuts
In puffy cheek baskets.
Sunbirds’ electric wings cross
Tripling waves of heat, sweating.

Children’s freckled, dimple-smeared faces
Grow pockets of wrinkles on the next block.

Blueboard skies
With pillows of chalk
Blend with thin blades of grass.
Inhale the
Rich and earthen moisture
As I pass.

The shadows have not yet grown long.
Sing to me my morning song.

A child’s hand stroking
a soft peach-fuzzy cheek.
Nurturing, gentle, sacrificial,
life-giver, life-bearer,
adventurous, story-teller.
Made in the image of God.
Made in the image of Eve.
Her Creator she will laud.
His hands artfully weave.
A weaker vessel to declare,
inside of her a life to bear.
Outside of her a life to care.

On a January-meadow-day,
flew swatches of cobalt blue.

Caught me by surprise!
Caught me by delight!

Brought me sunshine-smiling
in their January flight.

Cedar breasts perched
on the nut brown bark.

Bluebirds painting color
against the winter stark.

Oh, joy in my Creator!
Oh, joy in His Creation!

Swirling new patterns
on my carpet.
I can tell
from where I fell.
Should have looked up.
Instead looked down.
Now my face is on the ground.
Wondering which device this time.
A sling, a crutch, a brace,
a bandage for my face.
Next time I’ll watch my step.
The time after that, as well.
How many times will it take?
Only time will tell.
From the last time that I fell.

If I were an angel
I’d sleep on a cloud
And kiss the moon goodnight.

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Your childish play has lighted
the corners of my mouth,
and filled my days
with endless pleasure.
Your impish grin
has touched my heart.
I feel your bumps and bruises
and the tears I’ve wiped away…
I see your face, asleep, angelic,
and the eyelash
which flutters to your cheek.
Your cheerful games
of hide-and-seek,
your giggles and glee.
How could such innocence
have passed so swiftly
before my starry eyes…
I am alone,
and yet not sad.
For I have love
that never dies.

He rides the antique wings of birds
whose golden tips have not yet touched
the edge of time.
The ancient songs of earth below
serve to remind…
Ancient of Days,
Creator of all mankind.

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