Tribute to a Lost Friend: Honoring Cynthia Young

In the face of emotional suffering, physical pain or infirmity and the loss of loved ones, I keep trying to make sense of living. One way I attempt to do this is through writing. If I can bring some solace to others by something I have written, then I have helped give life some meaning … Continue reading Tribute to a Lost Friend: Honoring Cynthia Young →

Inconsolable Loss

(Especially for Israeli and Palestinian mothers grieving the loss of their children right now. ) I didn’t know the right thing to say I remained speechless Touching her To show support I was there A silent witness to Her pain Her tears Her loss What words Could possibly console A mother Who loses A child?

The Twelfth of Never

I miss my old life The one from before When I had a mother and father Who loved me Paid attention to me Encouraged me Accepted me Without conditions They are gone now I am an orphan Do other adults Miss their parents As much as I do? Every day I think of them And … Continue reading The Twelfth of Never →

For The Moroccans

I originally wrote this poem for Syrians and Turks who suffered under a devastating earthquake. Now Morocco is facing a similar fate. Photo by Umit Bektas/Reuters Seizing Shaking Crying Dying God in Heaven Is this what you envisioned for us? Pain Suffering Loss Death How do we go on? Sometimes We'd rather not Admiring, perhaps, … Continue reading For The Moroccans →

Living on Borrowed Time

Droughts, fires, unbearable heat Doesn't it feel like we are living on borrowed time? Is it only me who feels like the end is near for the human race? Reading the news is so scary these days Makes me want to reach for another anti-anxiety pill Is it best to ignore our frightful plight? Just … Continue reading Living on Borrowed Time →

Not Yet

When will I see my children again? I miss them so. Not yet, says the pandemic. When will I travel home again? I want to see my siblings and reconnect with family. Not yet, says the pandemic. When can I go into public places without wearing a mask? It's uncomfortable and hard to breathe freely. Not … Continue reading Not Yet →

Still Standing

I almost died when a wasp stung me at 20 I was dumped by a man I thought I loved at 30 My heart was broken by the suicide of a special friend at 60 But I am still standing Many years ago, my parents died, and it bothers me still This year I broke … Continue reading Still Standing →

For the Three Million and for Those Who Remain

“More than three million people have died from Covid-19 since the first cases surfaced more than 14 months ago and upended life for people across the globe.” —NY Times The silent killer continues its work. First it stalked the old and infirm and people with underlying conditions. Now it has come on strong to snatch … Continue reading For the Three Million and for Those Who Remain →

Dear Source of All, Help Us Cope!

Hello God, I am writing on behalf of 6 billion people here on Earth who are wondering when our suffering will end. If we promise to be more grateful in the future when we get to kiss or hug a loved one again, will that help bring about the end of the pandemic? Lord, I … Continue reading Dear Source of All, Help Us Cope! →

Thought for the Day

"There is not a single adult who has not suffered loss or felt despair about living or wondered how to find the strength to go on. If we truly understand this, we might find compassion for others as well as ourselves, for each of us is fragile and in need of solace." From Awakening the … Continue reading Thought for the Day →