This month we feature five exceptional works by Diane Daou.
Purpling Sky
purpling sky
slipped seamlessly
into sea
as sleek sailboats and
yare yachts
settled snugly
into sea-side
moorings
an eventide
hush
enveloped all and
at this perfect
pause
between day and
dark
I stood
stunned
into silence
by the swell of
joy’s
sweet call
A
The Sun Winked
I thought about
trekking
the Himalayas
in search
of blissthen the sun
winked
at me and
I knew
I could save
the shoe leather
A
The Violin
I miss
my body being
played
like a violin
each note
so artfully
coaxed
from flesh
made willing
by an artist’s
touch
but
sitting sad
upon my
bed
night’s luscious
visions
owning
my lonely
day
I see
my dawn-kissed
skin and
smile
in my woman’s
way
no need
for tears
or longing sighs
lamenting
songs
once tenderly
played
for I
in truth
own
this Stradivarius and
such a finely
strung
instrument
will always
find
a loving hand
to tenderly
caress
its strings
A
That Person
that person
who always
irritates
aggravates
causes our temper
to flash
angry words
to flow
our equanimity
to take
a holidayyes
THAT person
is our ticket
to heavenfor
she reminds us
of all the baggage
we have to lose
to gain lift-off and
soar
heaven’s skiesso
when next
you see
her lovely face
plant a big
kiss
of gratitude
on her
holy
instructive lips
A
Slow Motion
I ran towards Dog
willing myself
to get to him
first
arms
legs
even my voice
moving
in weighted
slow motion
his head hit
concrete and
as the brutal noise
of it
shattered the air
my spirit
reached out
to his and
I willed him
to breathe
a fury of activity
whirled outside
of our silent
time-stopped
bubble
soon
Dog draped
across my lap
his tiny body
cooling
my car flew
as brakes squealed and
hasty
horns honked
“breathe, breathe
breathe”
I chanted
from the center
of my silent
slow space
today
as we walk
along the beach
two invalids
from our time spent
in slow motion
I smile
but wonder if
I will ever
again
pick up the pace
or instead
live forever
in the knowledge
of the slender thread
that holds life
to earth and
consequently
move more slowly
through
this sacred space
