She calls to her crimson mate
He answers not
Cats watch from the window

Let the stillness of my own voice be respite enough
For uneasy pause do words turn to force and banality
Tear out this wagging, bantering rogue of a tongue
Should it beckon you not in meaningful earnest
That my indolent insecurities
Not rape your psyche with idle chatter
To which device you may choose matters not
Shut me up and save us both!


SL 03-08-08

Wrongs of Passage- Society's Ban of the Homeless and the Poor

by Harmony Foster Kieding


We humans have long had ceremonies and rites of passage to celebrate and consecrate
our important events in life. We've created rituals that honor birth, coming
of age, marriage and death. In times of drought some of us have performed the
Rain Dance. We've recognized the importance of community ties with barn-raising,
and welcomed new neighbors with casseroles. Some of us bless our homes each
time we enter… Continue

On rusted, squeaking swings
We played together
Peals of joyous laughter
Rhythm of this father’s heart
Twisting blondish curls
Bright, beaming smile
Washed away all my day’s worries
Rocking into nightly slumber
Soft lullabies on the air
Carrying you proudly in my arms
Story times
I called you ‘Sunshine’

Innocence crushed
A known way of being upended
My indiscretions became your destiny
My sins your burden
A thing time alone cannot permit
You still can
Let me save us both
Let me bear it with you… Continue