rock, snow, iced over pond

 snow, rock, icy pond
dried grasses stand like straws
rub up against ice               

 

peace

the temple bell stops
but the sound keeps coming
out of the flowers
~Basho

at beach in silence

clouds wisp in shapes of crosses
dead low tide, with barely a ripple
last hour of sun paints points
glitter on flat tummy tan sand

imprints on sand espouse
ancient ceremonies--nearing
sunset, seagulls gather
purposes parade in cackles of crows

Kate Lamberg

photo by Kate Lamberg

rain paints clear crystals

The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.”--Ralph Waldo Emerson


rain paints clear crystals
light wind caresses red leaves
joy in quiet mind 

photo and haiku by kate lamberg, all rights reserved..(c)

water swirls with light

In your light I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance inside my chest where no-one sees you, but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art.~ Rumi

water swirls with light
with such delight, we write poems
& dance--call it love

Kate Lamberg

swirling water photo, by Kate Lamberg~

Happy Winter Solstice!

Wishing everyone a wonderful bright and joyous winter solstice!
May everyone feel the fullness of the sun's return, as the days once again lengthen.
Sending special prayers of comfort and joy to all those who are grieving losses,
battling an illness, feeling lonely, hurt, challenged in any way.
I shall be burning candles all night for the upliftment
of everyone. In spirit, we are all one heart, one love!

Brightest Blessings and all my love,
Kate

i am forced to polish my inner lamp

We cannot live for ourselves alone.
Our lives are connected
by a thousand invisible threads..
~ Herman Melville

i am forced to step through
the small doorway, and hold
hands with the light that was
always there--just hidden from view

i am forced to polish my inner
lamp ever more brightly
so as to feel the light shining
burning from the inside out

atrocities can kill the spirit
when we take the hand of mind's insistence;
we can choose the heart- just on the surface
of the pond's soul to take control

shining luminosity from forest to star cluster
from green algae, our swans glide smoothly above
to the squirrel's green eyes resting on fallen log
in this moment of loving- we remind ourselves

the more we practice compassion
the more we can shine the light
for others who are in pain

the sun and rain:
in misty harmony,
WE will find peace again

as we witness the oneness woven
each of us-- a perfect thread
stitched into the same peaceful blanket

reds, purples, blacks,
whites, yellows, blues-

we can only contribute
to each other's beauty

what we take away

from ourselves, we take away
from the blessed
whole of humanity

so be it

Kate Lamberg 

it's not the thoughts

it is not the thoughts
but our attachment to them
that makes us crazy

if we could only
look at thoughts--as if they were
leaves, garnets, or pearls

floating down the  river;
once the water takes a turn,
jeweled thoughts dissolve like tears

the clear still point breathes
its own life within our soul
brimming with liquid joy

Kate Lamberg

Day before Winter Solstice

On my sunny walk today, in preparation for tomorrow's Winter Solstice, I felt a calling to do some energy balancing. I stopped and breathed the fire energies (the sun) down to my crown, while I breathed the earth energies up from the soles of me feet. A gentle side sway movement allowed for the fluidity of air (wind) to meet and to dance with water (sea) energies. Feeling all the elements in balance, enhances my well-being and my abilities to facilitate healing. In quiet gratitude. (( ♥ ))

we still believe

“The human soul has still greater need of the ideal than of the real. It is by the real that we exist; it is by the ideal that we live.”
 ~Victor Hugo

we still believe in
hopscotch, strawberry shortcake
birthday magic for all

Kate Lamberg

'magical celebration'..internet photo

every leaf and flower

In a forest of a hundred thousand trees,
no two leaves are alike.
~ Paulo Coelho

every leaf and flower,
blade of grass, smiles on faces
different,  yet the same

as lotus center
remains a strong still circle
each petal, unique

the center of  hearts
continue to be one with
love's simple purity

Kate Lamberg

autumn leaves, by Kate Lamberg

clay softens uner the lightest pressure

As clay anchors a tree in light and wind - may your outer life grow from peace within ~ John O'Donohue



clay softens under the lightest pressure of warm moist hands
once fired, hardens into both a sight of beauty and something
useful for placing flowers in, or sipping hot sweet green tea out of

when we sip tea out of earthen clay vessels, we pause to appreciate
the origin of the solid shiny green mug & where the soft flowery herb
began to shoot its flowers, & grow towards the sunlight- as its gentle

sweet aroma floods our senses, we become grateful
for all things which need to grow and need to die
we grow towards the light of our present

relaxed in the knowing
the music that plays when we drink
shares our joy- wafting through the distant hills

Kate Lamberg
12/11/12

trees touch the sky-photo by Kate Lamberg

Judge nothing, and you will be happy. (Shri Chimnoy)

“Judge nothing, you will be happy. Forgive everything, you will be happier. Love everything, you will be happiest.” ~Shri Chinmoy

Mt. Baker photo by Kate Lamberg~

I don't believe we always choose what happens to us.

I don't believe we always choose what happens to us. That includes our depressions. chronic illness,  or our negative experiences with other people.  No one wishes to suffer,  or be a victim to a bullying insensitive critical judgmental person. We are often victimized by negative people and situations. That does not make us "the victim".  Some experiences may be brought to us in order to grow.

However I don't believe we choose to suffer. Things happen to the best, kindest, most loving, light filled, well-intentioned people. It is not loving, supportive. or growth inducing to say "everything is a choice". I am writing this post, as a  response to certain love and light communities who seem to feel --by simply putting on the crystal crown,  and choosing to flow with ease, then all will be well and healed in our world.

Yes, I agree with many of my friends--- that shit happens.  It is our way of responding to stress and difficulty that may make or break us. Following a program of sound diet, exercise, meditation, yoga, soothing music, supportive friends, being in nature all help to reduce the stress. Which brings a greater balance in one's mind body and soul. 

There is a school of thought that says we create everything that comes to us...good or bad.  I do not believe we "bring on" the bad stuff.  However, when under stress/dark periods...I do recommend in my healing practice many natural modalities to help counteract the dark periods.

For a balanced mind body and soul..the following are just some of things I suggest. The power of prayer, positive thoughts, affirmations, aromatherapy, massage, walking in nature,  speaking with a friend, psychotherapy, sun bathing, gardening, yoga, guided meditations,  tree hugging, vitamin d, herbs. In addition, I would include--to find a creative expression that you truly love--such as writing, playing an instrument, painting/doodling.

By not seeking perfection in the process of creating--- becomes a pure and simple path towards self acceptance.  With this self-acceptance, we are able to look within and sense our hearts beating as our own pure spirit. Then, perhaps,  we may experience the external stresses as just birds flying above--and beyond the present reality of our lives.

May we all experience a new opening into our self-understanding,  as we explore and choose wisely the paths to greater wellness and harmony with one's self.

Kate Lamberg

dreaming in green and pink~ a dream poem (droem)

running in the fields
i stop in my tracks--as i see pink roses growing
in vines among the green pines

i try to pick one rose, from the green stem
and then--an  entire long vine of roses that were wrapped around
the tall green pine trees becomes unraveled

i return to my running
the long trail of rose vines stirring the dirt in my wake
below my feet--an occasional pine needle kicked up in the wind

Kate Lamberg

pine trees at mt. baker~photo by Kate Lamberg

pink roses at portland rose garden~photo by Kate Lamberg

night- still but roaring

"Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood." TS Eliot


the night is still but roaring a fire i cannot extinguish
strains of beethoven expand as wind rises --or does the air
eat the music--no one knows, yet feels a  poetry

about to compose itself--so long it has been sitting
on shadowed damp steps leading to broken cellar doors
so long to shattered glass --even replacing with stainless

makes for a rattle crash, while simply tapping at the door handle
metal always strikes me as colder than wood, however long
the tree had fallen--however long the winter seems to stretch out

in paisley  pajamas--celebrating the right to do nothing- blessings
become orchestrated- feelings swelling--neither being able to fight
back or find another path, we walk back to back down opposite sides

of the mountain--meeting at the base for peace talks lasting the night
and into the morning freshness--birds belong where they wish--never
interfering with what you or i had in mind to message--just more

melons floating down the river--seeds cascading inside the flesh
just waiting for an ample spring morning to plant
and wait some more for nourishment

to feed the masses begins with simple
planning--and then we step
lightly away from expecting

another blessed thing
it's all happening
when we trust

without fully knowing
eyes burning bon fires--furnishing
outdoor palaces to spring up

over night without a fight
we ascend the garnet gates
cedar shakes in still waters

Kate Lamberg
11/30/12

sine qua non

dedicated to the unsinkable soul in all of us


not meaning to place any pressure upon you-
my words become pressed on paper
as hot coffee dripping, as wildflowers lay
in between isinglass for centuries

i am stirred and can do nothing
like coffee in my big green mug
be drunk in by the same mouth
that uttered the words in her sleep

it is the reason we dust mirrors-full well knowing
more dust will come; not a vain search in
the dark woods: what soul purveys
in thoughts, unleashes fruits to guide our days

juice, preserves, compote or stew
thoughts turn to words-birthing poems
as the immediacy of glissade seamlessly
becomes ensemble--in ballet-- salted sea foam

action begun in tired darkness perpetuates
the seaside song dug so deeply the sand oozes
lifetimes of piracy, princes, and princesses
pirate ships made of mahagony to last

more lifetimes than you've figured
into this equation of doubtless floating
waters shine a pristine unsinkable trust
still painted in flaked gold along the sides

no one is chiding you for your hiding
yet seeing your standing- as tall green  mountain
on the sunlit deck-- pulling that main sail tight
is the cause for my marveling at your glorious light

Kate Lamberg
11/29/12

Kindness..

If with kindly generosity
One merely has the wish to soothe
The aching hearts of other beings,
Such merit has no bounds.
~Kuan Yin

without our trying
we simply practice kindness
worlds of love appear

Kate Lamberg

Beauty

Every beauty which is seen here below by persons of perception resembles more than anything else that celestial source from which we all come.
~ Michelangelo

angel cloud photo, by Kate Lamberg~

letting ego fade, as we are being love

As you dissolve into love, your ego fades. You're not thinking about loving; you're just being love, radiating like the sun.
— Ram Dass

like your favorite old blue jeans
let that big tattered ego fade
into the ethers--for another eternity

sun creeps meekly over your morning coffee
will you choose to let your judgements rule--
your relationships are running

out of juice--needing a pump
of oxygen rich blood based love
the red stuff you and i are made up of

what rules outdoor animals huddling
do they question who is giving more heat
do they judge who has had less to eat

surround your self with the love
you know, like the stars and moon
you are composed mostly of

watery moon essence
awe of fire, air's sweeping inspiration
earth that supports us all, when tides
rise, and we run for common ground

the mountains meander home
as hearts who realize soul in common
stones skipped, flat rocks laid out in spirals
allowing the meager steps necessary

unleash the mind who thinks it knows
to allow a greater gust of cleansing breath
letting the love rule--a lighthouse--guiding

ourselves and all who hover near to know
it's the love and only the love- that will restore
that will-- from the inside out be ours, to glow

Kate Lamberg
11/27/12

almost full moon, thanksgiving, '12~ photo by Kate Lamberg

sky at dawn (an etheree)

sky
at dawn
brings us in
to the softness
keeping the stillness
quieting the mad mind
bubbles on the ocean-still
rejoicing in this blessed day
communing as one soul singing hymns
to grace the planet with brightest blessings

Kate Lamberg

healing from within

But do not ask me where I am going,

As I travel in this limitless world,
Where every step I take is my home.
 ~Dogen

home heals from within
wherever we walk is home
no need to prove now

butterfly steps soar
us off ground, while wolf spirit
brings us down to earth

cougar medicine
keeps us on track, unswerving
balanced adagio

mindful yellow finch
allows the quick changes to
move through soul body

moon ripens as frost
coats grass fronds at night- freezes
feet temporarily

we wake with warm toes
walk with joy to light puja
our purposeful life

Kate Lamberg

thanksgiving tanka

foggy grey blue sky
kept body sleeping longer
rise and be grateful
lessons are spun through gull's wings
sitting with head in the sky

Kate Lamberg
11/22/12

leaves in the stream

shadows of trees-- leaves
dance in the stream & linger
wind sweeps leaves down stream

attitude is everything

Your living is determined, not so much by what life brings to you, as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you, as by the way your mind looks at what happens.
 ~Kahlil Gibran

kind trees at the pond
often reflect their  beauty
not trying to shine

Kate Lamberg

our bright roofless home

The words you speak become the house you live in."
 ~Hafiz


our bright roofless home
with round openings- no walls
to keep away love

the light, shining down
upon our crowns-wakes
the truth on contact

pearlized floors echo
all the love we can muster
our joy, musky rose

sun pours by day, dark
falls by night--we dream in soft
pastels-braided truth

birds fly within this home
skylight spinning, living truth
stars blessing our love


Kate Lamberg
10/14/12

slicing the tops of the earth

slicing the tops of the earth
removing the touches of green,
cutting the rocks, stones, shoveling
the grey gravel making whooshing sounds
clearing the ground for a new way to see

we peer into the ways we have been boldly
selfish--serving our own mouths & tummies
without seeing our neighbors-- hungry without
winter garments--in the midst of changing cold
weather--freezing bones & flesh- without

either wisdom or ability to seek a solution
flexibility changes to stiff ropes left
out in the howling cold wind
no more even trying
rope--snaps

it's all over
this prayer perhaps will alter
the spiraling screw---down, down
into the bowels of the hard earth
the tiny shred of hope we hang on

a soft strain of a piano melody
the sight of sea gulls on green grass
in november,  when things are decomposing
a tiny sprout beneath a flat rock in the garden
just a few kind words from a friend

we stroll out into the cold grey morning
holding the kindnesses like a baby
careful not to drop--or lose our faith within
this onward and upward ascension--this cleaving
to our being selfless--kindness rocks,  not leaving

Kate Lamberg
11/19/12

katya's rock garden~photo by Kate Lamberg

Happy to be Blogging More

After three full years of posting poems, photos, connecting with, and making almost 1500 "virtual friends" on facebook, I have decided to take a break. A very long break. I have enjoyed meeting many friends, who have inspired me with their art work, poetry, and shared letters. I have even met several friends in "real life", and am grateful for the friendships formed off of the screen.

During this holiday season, and amidst the tradedies both in our country, and more currently overseas, I have had to step back and take a long hard look at my own life, and to decide what is really important for me to focus my energies on. Prioritizing is not something that comes easily for me. I could be swimming in the joyous river of face booking for years to come. I now realize I've been one of the true face book addicts. And I must stop. And I have.

This is difficult for me to share here. I had to begin this essay by sharing all the good stuff I received by being there. My soul is speaking to me, and I must listen. My gifts of teaching, writing, composing,  inspiring, facilitating healing (massage, reiki, yoga)  are real. This is the time for me to utilize my gifts--harnessing my strengths and moving forward with them--both professionally and in all aspects of my life.

Presently I am seeking a publisher who would love my poetry enough..to publish my first book of poetry. I have  amassed in the last three years over 1000 poems--writing and posting a poem a day! Self-publishing is another possibility, I am also seriously contemplating.
Also, I have plans for implementing and expanding my natural healing practice, in the coming year, 2013. Stay posted for that!

This is the first in a series of sharing what is new with me. I will also be posting poems and photos, like I used to do regularly on face book. You may sign up to follow me, and then you are welcome to leave comments. I am just happy your are reading my words now. Feeling so much  joy in writing has got to be the writer's motivation. Every now and then, we like to know someone noticed!

During this holiday season...Be extra kind and considerate to each other. Count your blessings, for there are many. I am most grateful for my loving family, friends and the power and beauty of nature every day.

Joyous Thanksgiving Everyone!

Bright blessings, and Much Love,
Kate xx

like seltzer after popcorn

on my way home, driving
from the movie--i saw
so many crows
clustered on the wire

they seemed to know how much
i was feeling alone; their crackling
caw filled me with temporary joy
like seltzer after popcorn

returning to my abode
my cats greeted me with nudges
&, "where've ya been mom" faraway
glances--enough to slap guilt on my cold skin

green tea, chamber music, and darkness
setting in for the evening--why does this
evening in of itself wrap my heart in both
an edge of sadness and an inevitable joy

Kate Lamberg
11/15/12

be like water

"When you do not resist, you meet no resistance. When you refuse to play the game, your are out of it." ~Sri Nesargadatta

rushing of river
freely taking up space- time
ticks without  meaning

the pulse of water
sings ancient hymns unrehearsed
she's always in tune

drawing in peaceful
circles of light- of delight
single pointedness

while we walk or sit
energy courses upwards
from earth- gracing souls

fluidity dance
serpentine snake charms smoothly
no excess movements

to change without trying
takes the trust of the centuries
cutting wood and stacking

allowing the light
to spill through one's open crown
fragrant faith at work

purity is found
without looking anywhere
sky, sun, earth, sea- is you

Kate Lamberg
11/18/12

photo by Kate Lamberg

selfless

be melting snow,
wash yourself of yourself.
~ Rumi


two figures emerge
as snow melts, revealing this
self-less purity

~Kate Lamberg

being born in the spring

being born in the spring makes it easy
to relay my essence, every little thing
you see the sun was shining and
i could not wait to be born

into the magic of magnolias,
robins' reappearing, snows having
mostly melted--still some patches
remaining within the shadows of trees
i'd get to know intimately

you see i was born in the spring
but truly, spring was borne into me
as i always awoke early--hoping to catch
sunshine as it crept and dazzled
and climb the nearest tree

i let the spring continue- in my
fiery acculturation to swathe me
as i  tried to climb & brighten my family
and all who came to visit-- with pirouettes,
& fragments of moonlight sonata

as the fiery child who only meant
to please her audience, with the gift
of fire she wore so well was only being
her inner radiance pouring plenitude:

cream, roses, martian red hot lights
inside the fire was a still brook
stilled by outside winds,
her warrior self would begin

the moment candle light
met with the first stroke of morning
crystal animals would come alive
on her bedroom floor: turtles, doves, and horses
casting rainbows on her golden walls-

her fortress of protection

she would close her eyes and say to herself
this may be truly a dream, but if i think hard enough
all of this could be true--i could awake and fly
through canyons, my fire ball being dancing
clear across the orange sky--and make it home on time

cormorants

four cormorants sit
sharing floating log, centered
on  pond's  peacefulness

Kate Lamberg

two trees

two trees, branches wrapped
around each other- to stay
warm, and oh so loved

Kate Lamberg
11/10/12

communing

sweet farm friends commune
within an emerald green field
returning peaceful


photo and haiku by Kate Lamberg

soft and misty

soft misty reflections
breathing dreams that dance within
the darkness giving way to light

Kate Lamberg

twin pond in summer, '12

so whenever i walk around the pond and see

for edna st. vincent millay


"you were like the hummingbird to me" georgia okeefe, in a letter to edna



so whenever i walk around the pond and see
the mountain laurel in varying degrees
of living green and spring time pink
i think of you and how we'd be

such awfully good friends
you and me walking
up steepletop, and
down the other side

no flaunting, no pride
just you and me and pink
and green profusion- a suspension
stream of blood sisters swirling

feather festooned hats- meeting
for tea on the hill--chirping like birds
landing for a mouthful of muffins
and vision always on the stream

that never ends its bubbling
only resting briefly to change
ironed peter pan collars for silky lace
for times when john or james or grace

came to visit--kick off the shoes--
bare feet always go well with whatever
the outfit of the day- be it floppy hat, or parasol
held on a tilt within a summer's day 


Kate Lamberg
11/5/12 

green around the pond, in the height of heat in summer~ photo by Kate Lamberg

kindness

no act of kindness,
no matter how small,
is ever wasted.
~Aesop

prayers voiced for those
who live far away from here
still are felt deeply

photo and haiku by Kate Lamberg

twin rocks

two rocks, separated at birth
stay connected, where they meet
rooted in rocky earth

between them- an opening
where soft light pours sunshine warmth
baby blue sky birth

rocks birth gold sunshine
and nebulous blue skyline
carrying soul songs

Kate Lamberg

Mt. Baker, photo by Kate Lamberg~

northeasterly wind while listening to gregorian chants

northeasterly wind pounding upon
the windows and red brick building
cocooned with melting ice
and soft snow below windows

listening to gregorian chants-
cats spooned by my feet
a treat to feel this still-
quiet jumps in between

each rich nourishing note--making up
a melody to wear as a cape
colors of rich burgundy,
roasted chestnuts, and

concord grapes- sitting in
an urn of burnished mahogany
voices weaving between ears
a scarf of unending years--warming

skull's chilled fears in their tracks
taming terror on contact--blessing
all who weep honestly--for any weather
offers a splendid opportunity for meeting

together in prayer--in rooms created for
that purpose--or plainly finding on one's own:
every chair in the house could have been carved by a soul
full well knowing--it would be you or me

sitting upright upon it--to center and to meditate
on the throne of one's choosing--the amethyst
and chalcedony glow in the late afternoon prayers
we share in pure time and space, whittled

by our own intentions--purely penetrating
time and space with positive compositions-
preventing parallel worlds to fold,
as we all uncover spirit's

solitude emeshed
with the grace
of angels
ready
to fly


Kate Lamberg
11/8/12

when grace shows up

when grace shows up in solid carriage
the angels play their minstrel song
the sky lifts and opens on cue
leaves past deep  crimson fall through

the small dome we call sky forever opens
exposing layers of light- too infinite to speak
a shining gabriel fills our chalice heart
sending moon beams of joy to start

the song of forever gratitude
lifting generations of earthly beings
unto their feet, to feel the change
colors swirling, as nature does rearrange

purpose under heaven sighs
as furtive fragrant moss and pine
glows it essence- pooling with the growing
moon,  a conduit--no longer drawing lines

so rest your troubles at the foot of time
and climb the boulders you've justified
in peaceful hearts, mind is left on stoned beach
to be carried out by the storm- no longer in reach

so teach the ones you love with might
to test the waters in their flight
making calmness soar by singing- as truth
and love meet on turquoise winging


Kate Lamberg
10/27/12

seattle beach~ 9/12 by katyajo

it's always dark when she awakes

we choose our parents
as souls crying to be reborn
into earthen vessels, for artist souls


look inside to see
their own temperature--what makes
for a good poem.   honesty told through

a pin hole in a wooden flute
found by the banks
of the susquehanna river
casting in the wind soul

reminded  to be a part-
nourished by the wind art
of cooperative blessings

we ache joy in cyclones &
form wax winged words
like birds-- knowing when to perch,
and when to let them fly

Kate Lamberg
October 24, 2012

fluffy october cloud~ photo by Kate Lamberg~

Integrity

dampness follows the sun,
like a dead beat at a party--trying
to prove he is right and you are
worse than wrong--your thoughts
have no bearing in the world
of righteousness; good,
you say--and sway--

go slither out the door
go bouncing down the rocky path
with more joy than words can sputter
a bubble of clarity dodging the cutting
of a terse wind--getting away

and rising over the moss covered roof
beyond the purple feminine hillock
straight to the place where
your wash is left out to dry

upon the narrow strong low branches
of the pine tree--sunflower shells left
mixed randomly with pine needles
of varying levels of age--some resinous green, &
others brown crumbling to the touch

all meeting at the base of the tree--
for harmony happens without a plan
no need to ready your self--slow down
the peace you seek is just

doing what you do with no intention
but this: to follow heart's true happiness
sometimes beneath trees, other times
swinging arms around the few friends
who know you completely

without judgement
love you
no matter
what you say
it's written that way

no dodging the truth
when it softly touches
your cheeks and mouth
smiling upwards & onwards
both beyond and within
your small comforts

courting the highest:
forever is now--now
is forever's prayer
blessing all that it touches
obliterating all that does scare

Kate Lamberg

saturday afternoon on shore rd. setauket. photo by Kate Lamberg~

• 
  

a string of six haiku

Love is a canvas furnished by Nature and embroidered by imagination. ~Voltaire


greens blues whites and reds
kissing their essence cleanly
core being autumn

cobalt blue sky sighs
shimmying up close to the sea
water and air aligned

white birch next to red maple
standing on mossy green yard
blue sky and sea as bookends

soft rolling green lawn
warm grass, damp cool earth below
bare feet creep--do know

orange butterfly
sweeps around my wide open eyes
draws a figure eight

cormorant hangs out
on the raft for a short rest
before the deep plunge

Kate Lamberg

orange monarch, seen by the beach, 10/22/12

red maple, next to white birch

cormorant on raft~setauket harbour

'We all flow from one fountain soul' ~John Muir quote.

We all flow from One fountain Soul. All are expressions of One Love. God does not appear, and flow out, only from narrow chinks and round bored wells here and there in favored races and places, but flows in grand undivided currents, shoreless and boundless over creeds and forms and all kinds of civilizations and peoples and beasts, saturating all and fountainizing all.

~ John Muir, 1872 ~

 whatcom falls photo by Kate Lamberg~

light pushes through

light pushes through
color ripening, as autumn
fruit forever demands
our witnessing--its sweet

sour showering
its wish to join
our day old bread, sugar, butter,
inside a nice homey pudding

light, the forever common
denominator: the purveyor of truths tended to
by the faith of gardeners, football fiends, rowdy
wrestlers, buddhist dancers, poet politicians--

light sparking interest on first look
maintaining our curiousity  throughout
the swiftly turning pages
of the book--with all its

peacefulness, rantings
& rages--the reason
we push through
to do any blessed thing:

the telephone ring,
a neighbor whistling
the birds, now singing
at seven a. m.

the season of deliberate
death of green leaves, the holy
birth of brown cashmere sleeves
putting the sandals on hold

until our cruise next spring
permeating every crack
with heels to grind
on slated walkways

and newly found hallways
closing in the rooftop terrace
for just a little while
we wear a cozy zippered smile

at musk fragrances shared,
when we walk our talk, bared
to the cool october air--
knee deep in sand, dirt, shells,

pummeling, mumbling--malas
strung, ready for puja at dusk


Kate Lamberg
10/20/12

angel cloud~photo by Kate Lamberg

blue heron

 blue heron lurches
for lunchtime meal in green pond
stirring my senses



photo and haiku by kate lamberg