Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Always a Smile

As a little boy,
when I realized my parents
would die one day,
and later I'd die, too,
I trembled inside
and alone in my bed
many nights I cried.
But I was too young
to be so scared,
so I sent the little boy away.

Now I've grown old,
but the little boy
has revived.
In my helpless old age
he emerges—inside.
Like babies we're born,
like babies we die.
In between are our stories
we make up as we go
for most of our lives.

So child of mine, listen.
You'll soon be in charge.
Imitate the man you've replaced.
He's backing you now
as you face the unknown
past the towers
where Time becomes Space.
Be brave, like Ulysses,
sail the great sea
with always a smile on your face.


You Fool

Trust God completely,
and they'll call you a fool.
It's not cool,
don't you know,
to have nowhere to go.
No agenda, no plans
except for today.
Expecting a miracle
to pave your way.
Walking through life
on a hope and a prayer.
Refusing to fight.
Becoming aware.