An Uncommon Life

Another incredible poem by Leslie Silton…

I cannot remember the exact moment I shifted
from Believing to Knowing.
I can hardly now imagine life before,
although I know it was one of endless warring,
and combat fueled with brute force,
my great sword shredding the air,
taking no prisoners.
It shocks me with amazement still
that I should ever seek resolution and peace instead.

Why can I not reconstruct now that exact sequence
in my mind
which replaced Believing
and brought me to Knowing?
As least I do remember the essence of it –
a decision as monumental
as a leap into thin air —
I was sure I would simply disappear
and yet
here I still am,
still am,
still …

Therefore do I lay down beside my sword,
peaceful and alive
on this first night on my consequential change
to sleep an honest sleep
and tomorrow to wake and breathe the air
I used to deconstruct.

This is one marvelous poem from my talented  friend Leslie Silton.

All Crows Are Not The Same

Why did I ever think that?
All crows are not the same.
Lined up on the outside railing,
it’s easy to see who’s who.

There’s a clever one
who knows how
to pick open the sugar packet with his beak –
and like that ambitious thief, leaves nothing behind.

Or the bird who inches toward a table
(attended still by unhurried diners)
and stares fixedly
at the almost detritus of bread and salad.

One would-be pilferer
feigns disinterest
but remains on station waiting …

Abruptly they disband into flight –
all except two:
the one who pretended he didn’t care
(and is about to reap the benefit
of human departure, a waiter straggling)
and the smallest of the errant flock
because this may be the only chance he gets
to eat
(at all).

Communication itself can be a creation dissolving in tears, broadening into  smiles or causing that best of sensations, belly-grabbing and painfully uncontrolled laughter.

I’ve found a new  friend through the magic of email. We have never met in person, but are strangely, and beautifully becoming best friends. Since both of us are creative, funny people-our communications are delightful and often strange. Leslie is a poet, an artist of great sensitivity and talent. I will have to ask her if I can stick some of her poetry up here; I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.

This is just a little acknowledgment of how life can present you with the darned best things, even when you had no idea they (or she) was out there.