May 4, 2024

High Shelter people, 

Here’s something new I’m working on.

Wishing you all new rivers, and loving arms around you.

Yours,

JR

—

Coffee from a Saucer
by J. Ross / April 4,2024

I have sung
To the darkness
early
Over and over

I can imagine
a new river
and loving arms
around me

I buried my uniforms
when I could not
recognize myself
any longer

Tomorrow jumped out
from the sunlight
Now it’s my job to keep
things moving along

I drink my coffee
from a saucer
I’ve learned to savor
brighter, smaller things

Haven’t I changed?
Haven’t I changed before?
It feels like all I ever do.

I recognized that I was numb
and raised to be embarrassed

When I was younger I was dumb
I was too careful to let love in

The wind is still carrying a sermon
that is asking for everything
in return

But I all I hear
are the shoreless sweet songs
Carrying our souls across the water

I drink my coffee
from a saucer
I’ve learned to savor
smaller, brighter things

Haven’t I changed?
Haven’t I changed before?
Feels like all I ever do

I was asleep
but did not know it
I had grown into the pose
in the lost country
of youth and yesterday

You always ask
me your questions
at the perfect time
about what it means to be alive

Never twice the same river
You smile, as the answer shivers

Never twice the same river
You smile, as the answer shivers

You are destroying me
but it’s good for me
I’m changing again