September 19: After rain, fog. As if an island weren't isolating enough.

Island hushed with fog,

the village in silhouette--

I take a deep breath.

Posted with Blogsy

March 18: In their element

Mullet leaps once, twice,

five times out of the water,

my heart high with it.

Posted with Blogsy

October 11: Thar she blows

On a pelagic birding trip today on the Granite State out of Rye, New Hampshire, we were fortunate enough to observe, in addition to the birdlife, at least six Humpback Whales and many White-sided Dolphins, some of them quite close to the boat.

 

Plume of whale's breath--

we too exhale, exclaim,

what a joy to be breathing.

Posted with Blogsy

April 29: Why did the chicken cross the road?

Stopping for a hen in the road--

it's not just the old joke

that makes me smile.

Posted with Blogsy

January 17: Joy in unexpected places

In the grocery aisle--

pop song on the sound system,

old man sings along.

Posted with Blogsy

November 25: Sunset

Despite the rage-inducing injustices in the world, of which we are daily reminded, we can't avoid moments of beauty and joy. Maybe that's what keeps most of us sane.

Pondering Ferguson.
But when the whole sky lights up
I only feel joy.

September 11: Vultures

Twelve soaring vultures--
celebrating thermals
or something dead below.

April 19: Hawks returning

Here's what fills me with joy:
rich late afternoon light,
Ospreys overhead.

January 16: Full moon joy in Florida

Tonight's poem is lifted from a conversation after a dinner party tonight with my mother and her friends here in Englewood, Florida. Thank you for the inspiration, Patrick!

 

Laughter in the dark:

"Full moon

over a double wide!"

Posted with Blogsy

November 29: Mozart on the radio

For my workout high

and this winter-blue sky,

Mozart sounds just right.

November 9: At the bank

Funny the places where we're suddenly struck with happiness. Today, waiting at the bank, having just engaged in a friendly conversation about geese with a bank employee I know, I hear a song I like playing over the sound system. I'm just standing there, smiling, waiting for the teller to finish the deposits. And it hits me: in this moment, right now, I'm happy.

Touchstone for joy
closer than we realize.
Radio song. Bird's flight.