Journey

Hello friends, September is a good time to reflect on time's passing. A change of season, a difference in the weather, makes me realize that my own journey through life has been a series of passages as well. Here's a poem from my new book, "Interbeing,"…

Advice from Walt Whitman

Buddhism is important in my fourth book of poems, "Interbeing," also in honor of my deceased brother, George. I'm recovering from a couple of falls at 91. I'm coming back slowly surrounded by fine folk and a lovely garden. Landed on lower back,…

Militarism and ROTC

Hello friends, the Independence Day holiday is filled with symbols. Some of them celebrate our break with England, many of them deal with the nation's military strength and national pride. Sometimes this is construed as a "might-makes-right"…

“Gene, You’re Slowing Down”

Hello friends, Aging is not for the young, as the saying goes. These days my balance seems to be wobbly, and my footsteps are not as certain as they once were. I take an occasional tumble to remind myself that dignity is one of the most fleeting…

The better angels of poetry

Hello friends, it is not only others who ask "where poems come from" or "what does this poem mean?" Often poets themselves don't know how inspiration arrives; we amuse ourselves thinking we are entertaining muses unaware, much as some like to…