A Ship Called Boxcar

On a ship called “Boxcar”, we did sail

from the southern tip of the US

into the deep teal blue ocean

hosted by situational pirates drinking whiskey and ale

harmless and generous folks sporting dreads

in need of love and a bit hesitant

I opened myself up and eventually they did too

as we snorkeled in tandem

observing the underwater world

of swaying plant life,

fish long yellow and black

as well as low swimming huge colored an electric blue

a squall came our way

an opaque veil of rain had covered the view

they all hit the deck – seeking cover

but I kept my place

wanting to feel the intensity 

I sat it out

a peace came over me

as the sailboat was tossed around

as the rain pounded down

it was confirmed in that moment

that all things do pass…

and if I could make it through this

I could weather anything coming my way,

as I journey down my path

following my internal compass –

the squall moved on, the sun shone bright

my eyes forever changed

I’ve gained new sight

that will continue to lead me

towards the light.

On the Road Again

In a few short hours

I’ll be on the road again

waving a fond farewell to the desert

while heading back to the state

where it all began.

this time in a different way

I’ve learned about life and love

following my intuition

and making the most of every day.

there is so much out there

in this expansive world of ours

a variety of different lives to live

an abundance of options

a plethora of fragrant flowers

so many things to waste away the hours.

Tomorrow I’m heading on the road again

who knows what the future holds

but I am sure as time progresses

and I keep trekking down my path

that life will continue to open up

love will be found all around

and once again I will overfill my cup.

Enchanting North Caroline

digging my feet in the moist mountain dirt

while climbing from the river

up to the grove hand over hand on a rope

approaching three large mushrooms

an ants view looking up their skirt

like alice in wonderland

or some fairytale told to children

but it does exist…

a real live fern gully

of magical nature escapes

all found in a different reality

in the temperate rain forest

in the great smokies

of beautiful and enchanting

western north caroline

feminine and free

with easy careless days

and peaceful nights fireside

where everything seems to bloom

quickly, vibrant and withers

a dancing and constantly evolving landscape

where large cranes still perch

and at dusk play the fireflies

Two Places at Once

Sharing a current view

inside an institution

within a city

not just any

the big apple.

people walking all around

watching them

listening to the sounds

of jazz players

of a baby too

a gentle voice

and lots of chatter

all the while

sitting upon a deck

in Western North Carolina.

Incredible

it is

to have opportunities

as this

to see life

as its happening

through a friends view

of a coffee joint in the city

while I enjoy time

watching a raccoon…

here and there

there and here

traveling

without moving

what a treat!

Portland – Gotta Love it!

Ashley and I arrived a couple of days ago and I am absolutely diggin on Portland. The feel here is relaxed, green and seemingly full of love. Had the chance to hit up a couple of venues run by the McMenamin brothers – the Kennedy School (an old elementary school transformed into a pub and entertainment venue including a soaking tub, restaurants & bars featuring their own specialty brews and wines… delightful). Last night walked over to the Bagdad Theater (a short walk from Ash’s new place here in Hawthorne) to watch a Woody Allen film for three bucks while drinking a local IPA and snacking on a tuna sandwich on the balcony of the theater while sitting in a loveseat… awesome idea, chill and unbeatable so far…

Still have a few more days here and will try my best to soak it up… my writing has gotten exponentially more intense and real since I arrived which feels cathartic (misspelled?) and healthy.

Lots of love from Oregon.