those eyes

When I look into those eyes,

what I see is no surprise.

Those eyes can’t tell lies.

They tell me a story of love,

pain, power, sunshine, rain.

Words can’t do justice. Looking

at you gives me a chance to

stop and think about my life.

I see all the places you’ve been:

all the tight spots you’re in.

The things you have seen

reveal themselves in real time.

Those eyes know that the sun

still shines. All of your misery

will eventually become history.

Those eyes are windows into

your soul, and your soul glistens,

as my ears learn to listen. Often,

I see those eyes invite mine

to an unspoken conversation.

They talk in ways the mouth can’t.

They tell me I can overcome

any situation. Without hesitation,

those eyes show me a new world:

a world lonely, lovely, and magical.

I get lost in those eyes. They reassure

that unpredictable things will occur.

When I see those eyes, I stop. I stare.

Deep down, I see someone who cares.

Move

Hey. You! Yeah! You.
Move. Take a step.
Take a chance. Move.
Buy a new pair
of dancing shoes.
Find a different
groove. Don’t be
afraid to lose.
When you play,
pay your dues.
Move. It’s much
better when you
get to choose.
Keep on dancing
for your love is
everlasting. Move.
There is nothing
for you to prove.

Take Me

Take me home: the place I love.
Let the positive vibrations take
me away. Let the rhythm solve
my problems. Take me into
your place of refuge. Take me
to a distant place: a foreign land.
If you can, take me by the hand.
Take me, and teach me about
life, love, forgiveness, and truth.
Reggae, stay; continue to play.
Take me closer to myself –
I could use your guidance.
The waves of sound wash
away the worry: no hurry.
I can breathe and clearly see
the place you wish to take me.

The Blind Butterfly

This butterfly is blind, but he flew just fine.
Around and around, this butterfly went.
Without his vision, the butterfly listened.
The other butterflies didn’t know their
friend was blind – nonetheless – they all knew
he was blessed. His blindness helped him
hear sounds and noises close and far.
He could almost see sounds that were lost
and tossed out. The blind butterfly loved
his life and never felt the need to feel
bad for himself. He didn’t know what
he didn’t know, and luckily for him,
he didn’t know where he’s been.
He just flew, breathed, and weaved
through the air that was shared
by butterflies like himself. He liked
himself, as we all should. The blind
butterfly didn’t need to see other
butterflies to know he wasn’t alone.