Monday, February 20, 2017

Headlight on the Hilltop



author's note:

Easy to forget that we’re in outer space.


HEADLIGHT ON THE HILLTOP

Yeah--
what I saw was probably
just a car headlight
switching from low to bright
then from bright to low
up there on the hillside.

Nonetheless
the sight thrilled my heart
before I could stop to think

and when
the light blinked off
a few moments later
(or maybe it was an hour)
my eyes began to search
the heavens in hope

even as I told myself:
you'll find nothing above
except a litter of stars


and indeed
though I did strain
that's all I could see:
distant balls of gas

but so many...
more than I could possibly take in--

once again
I felt our universe to be
something so much greater
than my small mind
can comprehend...

once again
I felt microscopic
in the mystery--

wonderfully insignificant.

Yes, I told myself
probably just a headlight
beaming from low to bright
then from bright to low
over and over again


but even so...

a blessed event.

© 2017, Michael R. Patton
Searching for My Best Beliefs: a book

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Saturday, February 11, 2017

How We Make Wine



author's note:

"Drink me."
      -- from Alice in Wonderland


HOW WE MAKE WINE

Some say
the medieval science
of alchemy
can be a useful metaphor

but I say:
a better metaphor
for human transformation
might be wine-making--

the process
is not only less complex
but also open to all

because who among us
has not been crushed?

and after the stomping
we need to be encouraged
to go into the dark--
the metaphor would help us accept
the time and restriction necessary
for our potent potion
to develop.

Then later
when I resist the next step
the metaphor would show me
the reason for opening.

Yes, I'm still fascinated
by the possibilities of alchemy
however, I know
the design of my life
might limit me
to a less lofty goal...

okay--
life may limit me
but I won't limit my life--
I won't limit my flow
--I'll pour

myself out--
give
all I've got to give now

followed by more tomorrow...

this winemaker
will never rest...

© 2017, Michael R. Patton
Common Courage: a poetry book

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