TO LOVERS OF LEARNING

You are my friends
No matter where you live –
Alabama or Ukraine.

For some reason you’ve discovered the secret of being a “true” human being
Through a desire to know everything!

Primary school teachers hurled straight ‘A’s’ at your head
While other children were envious because, for you, it was so obviously not “work”–
Just pure joy.

You’re getting what you want,
Have wanted, and will always want in the future.

It’s a lot like cracking open walnuts –
Or oysters –
This peculiar ambition of the mind!

Stars shine brightest in blackest nights – especially when looking up
Waves arrive at a shore without end
Based upon the love God promised us at birth.

The moon smiles –
Even though just partly lit –
But the sun laughs out loud because it’s day’s turn now.

Let’s drink to old age –
And greet Jules, our first grandchild,
In this New Age – filled with joy and dread –
Mixed up, shaken like a fizzy,
By the Mistress of the Universe.

WHEN SPRING ARRIVES

When Spring arrives, it’s overwhelming in its delicacy –
With soft colors, sweet smells, and increasing sunshine.

Spring is like a giant pink “wave” rolling into shore
Under an azure cloudless sky.

It reminds us that the bright beaches of summer are coming
Along with long romantic nights.

When Spring arrives it’s like a pink bud
Slowly opening into a perfect crimson flower.

Spring comes in infinite flavors,
Quiet murmurs,
And birds calling late into the evening.

No matter how old we get – or how exhausted –
When Spring appears, it overturns everything –
Expected and unexpected.

Spring
Arrives through its winter tunnel
Like a 10-ton Mack truck
Wearing pink lights!