There are families beyond families.
And to be lost in the greater folds
of the wild universe, total eclipse
a shining circle around the black
spot of tea, we are reconciling all
that has been with what was promised.
And then to be found alone, standing
with my face in the wind, too stoic
then for someone to come along side me
taming the raging cosmos of my mind
brightening the way, adding your light
to warm the tea, and build a bridge.
this is what was promised to us:
there are families beyond families.

All now scattered pieces
All the knots in the line
How to form them into a whole?
How to straighten the string?

Always ask the pretty girl to dance
Write a to-do list (for tomorrow)
Do the laundry and the dishes
Vacuum, sweep and dust
Wash behind your ears
Love your lover
befriend your friends
Pray before sleeping,
Then don’t set an alarm
Seek peace with men and women
Make peace with God
and talk with him daily

but when the dishes pile up
and the lover is not easily loved,
when all that goes wrong,
Make peace with God
and talk with him daily.

“I could have a very full life
if I never married,” he said.
And if I were talking with
an older version of myself
I hope I could say the same
(without having to do so.)
For I am not convinced as he
that life has other centers;
but there would I betray myself:
“Our Father, who art in heaven.”