True moments of clarity
Are far too rare.
More often, we struggle to meet our schedules.
The kids are off to school,
And the lunches have yet to be packed.
The boss has asked for an early meeting,
On a day which is already full.
Tonight, there are scouts, and soccer, and band,
And somewhere, we will all share a meal.

There have been moments in my life
When it seems that time has actually stopped.
I have stood in the Redwood forest
And had to struggle to take a breath,
So overcome was I by the beauty,
That one moment now stands out
As it rests against all others.

I have breathed the cleanest air
On the greenest of mountainsides,
And I have gazed deeply
Into the bluest of the ocean's waters.
I have been totally stricken
By light shows in the darkened skies,
And I have considered for the briefest of moments,
What is important in this life.

It is difficult for me to understand
How a false reality can be embraced.
I cannot accept a web of lies,
Nurtured,
Cultivated,
Defended.

Without honesty,
The beauty of this world is desecrated.
Without truthfulness,
There is nothing of import.
If not forthright,
Then the playing field is tilted,
No contest is fair,
And no battle should be worth being fought...
Nothing matters.

Deceit brings nothing
But hollow victories.
And greater than this,
It brings disdain from those who would be deceived.
Yes, they know,
And how could they not?
And how could you hold them
In such small regard?

Intermezzo, a time to make account,
And a prayer to save your soul.
Stand tall and ask forgiveness,
From those who would gladly give it.
Continue in the deception,
And perish...
For the walls of your life are false,
But the people in it,
Are real,
And you have disrespected them,
One and all.

This life is but once,
And we care.
Face us and share what is true ;
The air is clear on the green mountainsides,
And the ocean waters are blue.
The Northern Lights
Swirl in the night sky,
And our loving arms
Are open to you.
Redeem your painful reflection.