I am eye to eye
with our Lady
de La Luna.
The golden orb
hovers over the city
illuminating
neighborhood boys
that whisk around corners
on dirt bikes
whooping and hollering
as church bells toll.

Tonight
I enjoy
my hanging Petunias,
Brown-eyed Susans,
Belladonnas,
Lily of the Valleys,
a Cuban cigar,
a beer,
and the happy chatter
of my family
emanating from the kitchen
as light flows out the window.

A gentle breeze,
breath from mother earth,
plays a beautiful, strange melody
on wind chimes.
What mystery does she offer,
or is it simply a lullaby
to soothe troubled hearts.

From Roberto's house
a woman giggles
as he strums a guitar
and sings a love song.
Smoke from a fire pit wafts in the air
and shadows, as if spirits of an ancient race,
dance against Don Antonio's
200 year old oak tree.

Big Bear plays in the stars
and so does brother Wolf,
and Morning Star.
Will they visit Ghost River?
Who will they see?
"If you meet father or mother,
tell them I love them,
and all is well in my life."

A spider lands on my shoulder.
Its huge abdomen, spindly legs,
and fierce eyes of death
bring no fear.
Tonight we are brothers
and exist in the moment.

This summer night
I am at peace
and in love
with the world.