issue #6 (12/14/00)

the name comes lazily
  to my ear
while water finds time
  to bathe my feet
and grass to lick
  my soles

with generosity equal
  to crazy teenagers, in love
that stare into each other's
  eyes with hunger and anticipation
though devoid of expectation.

  and the sun
that nudges me awake
  and appeared as a sighing
nipple from slumbering
  Mother Earth,
who leaves everything but wants only
  appreciation

and wonder
  and respect.
don't we all?

the call was from far
  off
and was not my dream,
  already gone.
echoing and renewed,
  refreshed,

there is no refuge,
  nor need for there to be,
for comfort and hospitality
  come in its tone.

stemming from the chant

  of the animals
and the trees.
  the bird minstrals
and the bees.

the moon
and the sky
and the morning loon's
pleasant lullaby.

the mantra to
  well-being
on that quiet morn.

  oh, to keep
remnants forever,
  of this word
simply: "nature."