Author Archives: Herb Stone

poem: our lives together in challenging times

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poem: our lives together in challenging times

separated from one another
and under assault from the external din
as never before in our lifetime

a ‘new normal’ will never evolve
by commenting on the scenery or
changing external circumstances

needing intensive Self care,
and a cleansing from the rhetoric, lies,
propaganda, hubris, nostalgia, and platitudes

letting go of all we think we know
and that which the dominant authorities
want us to believe although unexamined

here and now quieting and stilling
we are as beginners each new day to the
examined, intentional, purposeful life

transcending the absorbed self
let us turn and open within
to wisdom of the ages and Self truth here and now

being as seekers
of the new day, the new time,
and the new way transformed

recalling Truth and Love
are the treasures sitting upon
the Lotus throne of our hearts

now with intensive Self care and loving mutuality
together we shall meet the difficult challenges
confronting us

dear friends pray for me in my tiredness
as I pray for you in yours, as we take time now,
to be restored together in Truth, Beauty, and Goodness

Herb Stone
here&now working poetry
September 20, 2021

photo by author
‘Gulfview Heights, SRB, 2017 with Cathey’

poem: craving connection, a creature in the house of the living God

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poem: craving connection, a creature
in the house of the living God

cooped up so long
due to inhospitable climes,
poor health, contagion

now stepping out into a Fallish nip,
on the breeze, more agreeable climes,
a brilliant walk at long last

my beloved and I seeking benefits
of a good trek on a good day,
lifting lagging spirits

the beauty of the season’s change
and its’ bounty greet us along the trail,
bearing witness thus sustaining

hedge apples, blue cardinal flower,
wingstem, bulrush, honeysuckle
berries, milkweed seed pods abounding

industrious insects scattered
gathering pollen as diapause approaches,
riotous activity aplenty

reflecting in the seasons
life’s paradoxical cycles,
all things interconnecting, working together

nature’s holistic rhyme, rhythm, and flow
fully on display this day,
entering, soothing our very souls

oh thy saving grace may we accept
being instruments of your peaceableness,
Earth beings in the great Cosmos belonging

a creature in the house of the living God

Herb Stone
here&now working poetry
September 14, 2021

photos by the author

Author’s note: “a creature in the house of the
living God” is from the poem ‘Pax’ by D.H.
Lawrence.

poem: 9/11: this day of national mourning and rebirth 

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poem: 9/11: this day of national mourning and rebirth

silently witnessing this day of national mourning,

through tears remembering the tragic images burned into our minds,

grieving for all who perished, were wounded, and traumatized,

humbly opening to the way of love, healing, peaceableness, and community,

let us be bearers of comfort, healing, and reconciliation,

and harbingers of the eternal way of radical love and radical grace in the neighborly community truth and authentic belonging,

God of the Universe, by whatever name,  hear our cries and laments for hope, creative imagination, and a better world for all beings

Yes! Amen.

Herb Stone
here&now working poetry
September 11, 2021

art by Abel Pann (1883-1963)
‘and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares’

 

 

poem: memories of youthful luminescence

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poem: memories of youthful luminescence

once, long ago, remembering
a night on the beach at Viareggio

the moon a yellow pizza pie
glowing in the great cosmo sky

cheese stretching from above
to our hungry mouths below

stinging jelly fish luminescing
in the dark Mediterranean sea

endless stars lighting the dark void
of the night canopy overhead

our heart’s souls connecting to all
in golden threads

we skip the light fandango
the great cosmos spins

Herb Stone
here & now working poetry
September 8, 2021

photo unattributed

poem: a paean to well being

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poem: a paean to well being

grateful for the relief
a day can bring

after the month of August
unbearably hot, wet, humid

cataclysmic, catastrophic
climate change surrounding us

yesterday walking out into a Fallish day
of sunshine and fresh air

our longest walk in awhile
in a cool breeze rejoicing

in the evening the home therapist
discharges Cathey

impressed as she completes ninety steps
marching in place in two minutes

the therapist delighted with Cathey’s
smile, laugh, and determination

she says ‘you remind me
of my mama’ with a smile

a palpable sense of relief
and well being lifts us up

deep gratitude for a beautiful day
and the good health to enjoy it

Herb Stone
here&now working poetry
September 4, 2021

photos Herb Stone

Author’s note: Cathey, my wife, is recovering well from
a stroke and recently completed her in home physical therapy.

We continue to walk and exercise daily.