Wonders (Complete)

holding my new

daughter – bright

morning star

to Nina,

twenty five now

March – April 2013

Part 1

the birds

call for days – but

I don’t hear

dawns

never

seen

tonight a

bird sleeps that flew

in the day

my skin

welcomes the sun

far from home

the sun

rises for such a

long time

a bird

landing surely

on water

water bird

returning

to water

a sheet

of sunlight drawn across

a hill

red flower

in a bush –

shining

earthquake –

the chimney was

dancing

we are few

compared to the sea

said the sand

one bird

on an ocean of

bird calls

white trunk

witness to sunshine

and cloud

dark crow

addressing the sun

and sky

grey clouds

bring softness to an

afternoon

a glowing

horizon – a day

that has passed

shining –

another

day

a line of white gums –

their branches another

geometry

silent crane

circling birds

her face

breaks into sunshine

overhead

a swift bird

disappears

the sun

above the clouds

supreme

a gum tree’s

leaves – tipped

in blue

among the

gum tree’s leaves –

pools of blue

another

world – between a

gum tree’s leaves

a view of

green through a window

hovering

each leaf

each branch each flower –

light’s witness

all that we see

has disappeared –

nightfall

the features

of day have

disappeared

afternoon

light – through an

open door

the sky is full

of snow –

winter stars

city lights –

silting up

night’s river

the rising moon –

my head sinks

in a pillow

day’s beauty

turns to night –

moonrise

forgotten

flowers – the moon

in bloom

night garden –

a moon in bloom

emptiness –

the moon

at night

one candle

lifted –

moonrise

waves crashing

in the night

unseen

sea coast –

where can I

find silence

is that my breath

or the waves

a thousand years –

the cliff remains

one sky

but we are

so many

one sky

so many

people

how high

how lonely –

the sky

I could fall

through you forever –

sky

I remain –

you defuse

forever

you remain

we disappear –

blue sky

clouds sail

no port in sight

the light

inspects the leaf

from each side

who feels it more –

when leaf and light

are parted

clouds pass over

and the angel

of death

the sky

does not begin

as we

the circumference

cannot be

the centre

many arrows

find their mark

traffic

night and day –

the sky

restless –

sun and moon

stars and clouds

many

pomegranates –

unpicked

a crow

in flight –

beneath

we have

but little say

in conception

we have

a tiny say

in conception

a fence

is not a barrier

to a bird

his kingdom

here as sky

a dream –

set adrift

by day

sleep –

dreams’

garden

awaking –

the earth

becomes cloud

music

of air –

birds

suddenly –

kindling

alights

bread

was beaten

before

cloud city –

there

above the trees

a sash of

pink cloud – among

the grey

black river –

bats at sunset

a river

following a river –

bats at sunset

a ticking

clock – in darkness

the lights go out

except for the stars

falling asleep –

after practising

in my chair

always

so much blue

above

there is no

fixed point

in the sky

rarely

we look at

the sun

free in the air

their anchors

trees

a crow

pecking among stones

of a railway

tall grass

in yellow rows

by the road

wherever I go

the sky has reached there

before me

the sun is suited

to the day – they share

a cheerful mood

who wipes

the tears that fall

some days

a beautiful bird

singing –

doesn’t it know

unseasonable

the leaves hang

from the trees

a bookshelf

weathered by the light

of afternoons

patiently

the light remains

upon each thing

a bird’s song

enters the window

with the light

speeding east

from a departing

sun

pale sky –

accustomed to

this time

calm sea

beneath a

curved sky

smoke in the

air – an

autumn day

patches of

night sky on a

rain soaked road

autumn day –

a magpie waits

on the grass

autumn day –

the full moon

watches the sun

a bowl of warm

porridge – early light

a line of light –

early sun on

a rooftop

filtering through

the leaves – another

morning

the turtle dove

is calling to its mate –

autumn day

a butterfly –

does it know the

time of year

the leaves

are so responsive

to the air

the air is cooler

as we draw away

the shadow

of a tree – left

on the road

empty park –

where shadows play

the house falls

silent – the fruit falls

from the tree

the tree has not moved –

it is still by my window

after all these years

the gum tree

wears a crown today –

of sunshine

leaves so green –

wistful in the

autumn breeze

the shadow

of a fence – the sun

sets free

a wall of

red bricks – soaked in

sunshine

bending for

so many years – this

white gum

hearing Mozart –

my old piano teacher

visits again

delicate

waterfall – white

under fingers

where have you

been – butterfly on

a flower

silent witnesses

of day – books in rows beside

a northern window

white clouds –

never to pass this

way again

red petals –

on the grass and

the tree

is it the

ocean or traffic

in the breeze

a bride –

the curtain veils

the day

yellow fruit

in a bowl – sunshine

at hand

a patch of light

on the wall – ten million

miles from home

a patch of light –

making its way

across a wall

who wins the race –

the light

or the snail

enough to

make you giddy – suspended

on nothing

I have no

answer – is there

a question

it is –

the flower in

spring

birds

begin and end

each day

where does it hide –

the universe

throughout the day

quickly

forgotten – night’s

expanse

if the wind

could speak – could we

understand

the wind

finds a way across

the world

wind’s call –

dropped to

a whisper

sweet river –

does it still rain

on the mountain

only sleep

closes ears

to hearing

the grass’s

home –

the earth

a stone

knows where

to rest

does the light

have a home

my breath –

my breath

so briefly

two eyes

look at the world

together

glorious –

a face in

sunshine

many fruits

hang from the

tree of life

a river

finds another life –

waterfall

storm cloud

coming in banks –

like the sea

the stars

travel past us

as we sleep

I woke

before the

first bird

silently

they circle us –

the stars

can man enter

the womb a

second time – night

bright moon

watching the

silent trees

the sky

became infinite

tonight

before dawn –

a lonely crow

between trees

before dawn –

a plane crossing

a continent

prayer robe

at dawn – the firmament

encloses

the light

is gentle

when it comes

one tree after

another catches fire –

bird song

Pesach –

a full moon

at your death

light in

the east – traffic

begins

birds

welcome –

and farewell

I pull up

the blind – light is

here

already

forgotten –

the stars

how different –

our garden

by day

light is

already streaking

the field

bearers

of light – cockatoo

wings

this blade of

grass appreciates

the sun

how real

the shadows look

today

its easier

not to walk a dog –

I miss it

sudden light –

a flock

of cockatoos

white breast

towards the sun

chaos

in trees –

cockatoos

the light

reveals each colour –

gum leaves

each leaf –

an individual

in the breeze

snow on

autumn days –

cockatoos

children

in the park –

so early

the light –

cascading from a

mountain

wide open day

the sun

embraces all

the day

day and night

haiku appear

from nowhere

what is light

made of – the same

as shadows

bird song

crosses nothing

to reach us

weightless –

the bird song

reaches me

light’s song

in the air

sunrise –

I turn my face

to the wall

already

the day is moving

towards night

a featureless sea –

the sky

no waves

to be seen –

the sky

coolness

where there was heat –

autumn

a different bird

is singing now

a dandelion

in a rising breeze

the light came

so beautifully – the humans

in cars

the shadow

is a good friend

to the tree

shadows mock –

they dance around

then disappear

morning

speaks – rustling

leaves

this path

of tiny stones –

a river’s once

another’s land –

ants

walking here

a pumpkin

on a wall – maturing

in the sun

a great drama –

a tree under

open sky

sentient

beings – society

of ants

ant society –

by Himalayas

of trees

to ants

the sun is

mighty

some birds’

conversation continues

all day

the shadow

will find us – if we wait

long enough

light on the wall –

freshly painted

each day

shadows

in the breeze – life’s

fragmentation

no shadow

when the sun departs –

nor clarity

such a line –

a magpie’s

aural beauty

who asked

to be here – who

asks to stay

music

has its own story –

life’s shadow

a beautiful

sea to travel on –

this music

music

knows the way

home

the silences

are beautiful – because

of the sounds

far below –

its image on

the lake

bird descending –

to join its image

on the lake

we reach

to touch our face

in music

a great arc

from dawn to dusk –

above darkness

who can explain

what is

but is unsaid

a lamp by

my table – galaxies

outside

autumn night –

stars in the

breeze

we’ve circled

the sun –

we’re here

the day’s gone –

I’m sure

I was there

the image

gone – only the bird

on water

magpie call –

a stream from far

mountains

such wisdom –

if only I could

understand

rain clouds –

the magpie’s

ancient call

neighbour

I came to hear you –

magpie

beautiful

and very strange –

magpie’s song

old rituals –

the breeze has filled the

verdant trees

I sleep –

the magpie

sings

a tree –

pulsating

gentle life

paintbrush

of sky –

a tree

tree on a hill –

painting delicate

whites and blues

the faintest

gold – on the wall

and the grass

without weight –

sun leaves its being

everywhere

a glance –

then the insect

disappears

are you cold

on your branch –

maple leaves

the bird flies

in a perfect arc –

as the sun

plenty to eat

on the path

wonders

when we

wonder

Christmas lights –

seeds hanging

from a tree

an ocean –

a breeze in the

afternoon

siren –

lost in the sound

of sea

old tennis

ball – among the

dead leaves

presence

present

I hear

a gull –

so far

who can map

the movement of a

blade of grass

grass –

how it moves

in the breeze

the sun

in pools

on the floor

a pool

in the clouds

another

perfect cloud

a tinge of green

above the trees –

autumn afternoon

life taps

at my window –

morning

each bird

has its place

in the sky

lovers

singing –

the birds

the air

has room –

morning

verdant

tree – how could we

cut you down

another

home gone – the

verdant tree

birds – familiar

with each element

except fire

who crafted

your ceiling of green –

cedar tree

grey on a

blue morning – what

life brings

red leaves

on trees –

autumn fires

sky –

so still

white moon

half swallowed

by sky

moon

becoming

sky

gentle erosion –

moon in the sky

entering

nirvana –

autumn sky

white moon –

outlived her

children

the moon

alone – her children

have left

shy moon –

retiring before

we notice

before I realize –

someone has painted

the sky white

before I realize –

the sky

become white

shimmering

water –

transforming sky

each in their place –

tall palms

overlooking water

white boats –

reflections

of clouds

breath filled

sunlight and shade –

tree tops

clouds

traveling –

always

swaying

mast – once

a tree

clouds

follow each

other

easily

persuaded – a sky

full of cloud

the same harbour –

sky ever changing

this sky –

sea is near

see it

in the sky –

the nearby sea

visiting home –

the tender sun

on each leaf

the rose

is weeping – late

afternoon

crickets’ song –

how can I leave here

the open

flower – holding up

the sky

what does it mean –

the sun returning

to these hills

wide bay –

hosting

the sky

can the

sun reach the roots of

the trees

the sun

is oblivious to

sorrow

time is a

circle – yet we

find its end

a band of light

on the wall – photos of

six generations

so much

change –

as I

open door –

almost

twenty years

closer

than the

sun

evening –

the bay has become

a mirror

first star –

welcomed

by frogs

the candle

fades –

night’s birth

daylight –

forget those

bad dreams

the birds

are out in front –

we rub our eyes

light

helps us

see

grey pumpkin –

waiting on a wall

for the sun

how great is day –

stretching over

these hills

the moon

sinks slowly

into sky

swallows

high –

in chaos

dieback

beside the road –

Anthropocene

a street light –

and the far off

stars

no moon tonight –

a lonely plane

among stars

for many hours

it cannot be found –

the sun

concealing light

within and without –

a curtain

a bedspread

covered with flowers –

a field of dreams

four walls –

a palace

bed time –

open the curtains

to the stars

a face

of sandstone –

a face

where they begin

is far

from here

white sheet –

a coating

of mist

passing

through headlands

out to sea

passing

through the heads –

the open sea

morning –

the tree is the colour

of clouds

grey sky

over

red roofs

this day

will be followed

by night

without rain

grey sky

dampens

flying where –

back and forth

all day

insect

climbing high

on window

the world

is just the

right size

waving to me

by a window –

a branch

someone

will be there

to sing

how did you

see this world

I see

the sky

the colour

of the railroad

world

in cloud –

steady rain

bedraggled

grass –

enduring rain

green demarks

harmony of

earth and sky

high in the

canopy –

hidden birds

if only

you had been

here

hard to

see –

through tears

life

clings to

life

at this time –

afternoon tea

with Nana

greenery

and graffiti

adorned

clouds

lit by inner

light

forests

of houses –

then trees

the day

forsakes me –

then the night

what is

as soft as a hill

of grass

power lines

attached to the

horizon

train rides

are much the same

in India

so many

windows –

houses

gaze threads –

attaching

souls

cloud music

in the

leaves

a beautiful sun

in a garden

surrounded by green

trembling

leaves – afraid

of the wind

the litter

of trees – unswept

on a roadside

concrete

greys –

like sky

people

evolve – a phone

on an ear

bedded

for the night – green

leaves

in the

darkness

a well

dark

flame – inner

fire

light

under control –

a lamp

shadow

box – in each living

room

time

on our hands – like

blood

days –

lifting

dew

water

falling

dreams –

gates to

day

rare –

to enter daylight

unchanged

sleep –

a mind’s

rebirth

sleep –

roots of

day

fallen

we rise

faces

speak and are

silent

changing

weather –

a face

the wind

behind them –

the years

slow –

the walk

to the grave

who

counts the sand

in the glass

sweet recognition –

birds

and the dawn

some will

remember

this day

has been sweet

to some

we cannot see

the arrow’s flight

shifting

light – on the

arrow shaft

bird song

in rain

in darkness

I awake –

the sound

of rain

birds sing –

in the rain

and the sun

autumn rain –

yet the road

is shining

chirping and

chirping – I’m sure they have

good reason

the ants’ world

continues – despite

our house

look –

the shadows

no longer hide

doors open

and close in a

family house

the rain

is not

choosy

rivers –

rain’s

overflow

love grows

with each

child

rain

concentrates

the mind

confluence

of streams –

empathy

words –

voices of

things

rain

is beautiful

outside

tadpole –

you have a small experience

of the world

human –

I see the same

sun

the sky

takes

and gives

spiders

leave ruins

under eves

a wooden floor

extends

through many doors

rain settles in

light leaves –

late afternoon

the sky

is miserable

once started

it can’t stop –

rain

wind is

unstoppable – until

it stops

sky river –

flowing

for days

oblivious

to us – night

continues

dreams go

when we awake

rain

poised on leaf tips –

glistening

you return

and touch my hand –

sun

ridge of gums

brushed by cloud

a puddle –

cool sky

and water

autumn –

longer nights

without trying

air speaks

in different dialects

through the year

the sun chases

the moon – and catches it

sometimes

do stars

exist when it

is day

black sky

has no secrets –

only stars

sound

the alarm – death

is certain

one little

bird – torrents

of song

beyond

the curtains –

vista of day

if I wait

it will pass –

daylight

the birds

pass the time

with each other

I must

tell the others –

daylight’s here

listen –

they seem to be

telling us something

the colour

of the sky is not

a constant

dawn

is a great

encouragement

so wonderfully –

seasons

change

today –

cold water

for my face

the grass

has come

to the grave

an unfamiliar

bird – in

autumn sky

is that

the sound

of autumn sky

graceful

dance

of leaves

the dew

is still in

the shadows

our grass

rarely achieves

its potential

noisy minor –

noisy again

this tree was small

when our children

were young

a fruit

in a pool

of shadow

I’ll go

I cannot

find what you

have said

here

and there –

a breeze

it needs

a sweep again –

all those leaves

I wonder

what I think

where

does it flow –

that river

birds

foraging – in our

herb garden

hey bird –

I will not eat

the likes of you

a silent

piano

tell me

again –

little bird

how quickly

my lungs

fill with air

the dust

gathers

the wind

disturbs the

brown leaves

usually

trees are so

straight

goodbye –

dear day

both black –

night

and soil

shadows

defer

to night

I speak

of what

I see

tired –

afternoon

will do

things

are rarely straight

in nature

my childhood

passed – while you

grew old

a prison

with two

windows

don’t wait

for change

like seasons

forgive me –

I did not think

some things

are best

unsaid

I thought they said the wind

was coming from the south

life sometimes

finds a home

in memory

a habit

likes

our company

how good

of him – the

rooster

a reflection –

eye sees eye

words

are mirrors –

unclouded

wide river –

telling the sea

of the mountains

bright clouds –

always another

to cheer us

what do birds do

in the middle of day

sun –

can’t you go

any higher

the books

are in rows – waiting

to sing

words –

have I

hurt your feelings

is nothing

there – like

the air

we breathe

and breathe – there’s

always more

the day

is attentive

to me

the day

doesn’t mind

my attention

a spider –

sailing on

breeze

so many

things

talk

the sky

is not shy

give me the day

and I will

give you the night

daylight stretches

to the clouds – its

origin beyond

the future

is –

undecided

a river bares

the marks

of where it came

a river

and is not

what was

will be – what is

will not

what will be

will not be

a leaf

suspended

in the air

I know the

day will end

before it ends

how many I’s

before this I

I do not

know my ancestors –

nor they me

a single star

is perhaps

a galaxy

a shirt

hangs on a rack –

waiting

each personality

leaves its mark

on the human canvas

if we had not

been here – the sea

would be lower

the ocean

moves

the sand

light enters

where the

wind cannot

those walking

will eventually

return

the butterfly

has all

the day

pelicans

sleep under

their wings

at peace

on earth and sand

and sky

children

are the heirs

of children

to see

what is

to see

echoes

of passing

clouds

one

wonders

once

each

have to wait

to be born

what is

as solid

as a cloud

birds are restless

as the light

fades

humanity is

my family – and birds

my relatives

I know

of no other

home

night

expands – and

closes in

the night

is in

my lungs

moving

without moving –

the clock

most

people do not

know us

one sun

to warm

so many

eyes are

looking

everywhere

what can

we give

the future

lacks what is

no more

limitation

liberates

greed

leaves life

bereft

none

are worth their weight

in gold

our

footprint –

in the sky

nature bends

before a lifestyle

the innocent –

and we

not innocent

our lives

are sheltered from

their eyes

the past escapes

the future’s censure

the coal trains

stretch

into the distance

sunlight

seeks us

even the

cockroach

suffers

what hand

is pure

of blood

listen –

the cricket’s

soliloquy

perhaps

we should be

more friendly

even

spiders’ webs are

beautiful

from mountains

one can barely

make out people

where is

the one who

formed me

from darkness

to darkness

look at that sky –

it’s not here

long

sleep

is good

practice

why do

we harm

help us

be helpful

animals run

away – but plants

are bending

justice is

the answer to

injustice

who

weighs the scales

of sadness

more seas

than land –

the same with tears

who

directs the

birds

the world

has many mouths

to feed

what luxury –

to think and think

and think

what do I pay –

to rent this

body

a sail

is the most beautiful

way to move

can I do

good

the sun

knows where

to shine

to play

with children

is hard work

sweetness

sweetens

bitterness

creation

was a favourite

of God

reflections

on glass – light

in the air

daylight

takes each thing

as it is

across

nothingness –

the light

halfway –

a mirror

is that the face

I saw before

God weighs

what is

unweighable

words name

but never

immortalise

the dusk

enfolds

what is

perhaps

immortal – that which lasts

till morning

western sky –

sun’s end

flees leap –

unexpected

thunder –

something

is there

thunder

replies to

the birds

do you

know me –

speaking world

something

sings –

inside

the house

is dark – till light

appears

in darkness

life

is quieter

night

softens the edges

of day

each night

seems

similar

night –

alone with its

thoughts

the sea

washes up

strange things

at night

the mind

journeys

still water

reflects

the stars

there is plenty

of room for a new

human being

a personality

doesn’t

take up space

listen –

a person

in bud

dreams

speak in

dreams

another

life – behind

closed eyes

perception’s

overflow –

a dream

night

makes sense of

day

what I am –

night

understands

the first thing

to do –

to open your eyes

light arrives

before

we see

the origin

looks out

blue sky

so present –

so far

to be right

is small

comfort

a life

can be

contagious

many suns

have set

behind these eyes

the dawn

we wait for

waits for us

it takes time

to see

our eyes

are suited

to light

flies see

both past

and future

children

trust while

trust lasts

truth

is not a

luxury

this is

where life

began

life is

everywhere

briefly

good

sometimes

lasts

I hear

them sing – my

door open

a magpie

sings

to all

worms

live

safely

the worm explains –

eyes are so

unnecessary

an ant

is better

in a team

better

or worse –

after me

words’

use-by date

is after ours

are they birds –

they live in air

words nest

on paper

or screens

words are about

something else

a lizard

hides –

noon

leaves

fall – the

tree lives

is that the

same butterfly

as yesterday

minds play

while

bodies work

it is

isn’t it

we each have

a little

world

the sun

is so

undependable

vacant sky –

no-one’s

home

this autumn has

not understood

this is autumn

I cannot

recreate

myself

which ant decides

the place to nest

the wind

is blown

by wind

a rock’s home

was once

another place

the wind

rarely sticks to its

decisions

if there was

no world – what

would we do

whiteness –

overtaking

blue

shadows

belong

I am

therefore

I think

not to be

to be

no thyself

all things –

our measure

I am

that

I am

that

here

I am

Part 2

the clouds

slip away

from us

black crow –

swooping from

a tree

sky curves

into infinity

tiny white

flowers – early spring

on a hedge

people

are so

interesting

flocks

on a

station

a pretty face

among

pretty faces

a card

game – royalty

under thumb

gleaming

train – light

carrier

the light holds

the tree

so tenderly

enough

weight to be

there – clouds

farewell

says the light – without

saying a word

the sun

takes a

last bow

is our life

worth more

than the butterflies

what balance

weighs life

eternity

breaths

we begin

from other

beginnings

stars

silently

watching

the sun

accompanies us

on our journeys

white ibis

prospecting

for worms

how well

blue goes with

green

a sleeping

workman – nestled

into a tree

bubbling brook –

two in

conversation

shadow –

a tree’s

kindness

without end –

the beauty

of things

how terrible –

what humans

faces

map

journeys

why does sky

visit this

little piece of earth

I’ve grown used

to my

inability to fly

clouds pass

by us –

thoughtless

how warm –

the vacant

seat

gracious –

day defers

to night

window –

full of

fading day

an insect

swarm –

night’s ascent

suddenly

you are

not there

unfamiliar –

familiar

things

birds –

aural

dawn

night

is nowhere

to be seen

the sun

is always

alone

today –

never as

pictured

sunlight

visiting

a wall

light

travels

light

blue

window –

to the

world

faithful

bird – by the

window

flying past

somewhere

home

overhead

eyes closed –

day is still day

music –

moving air

and spirit

darkness

falls

and lifts

light

leaps through

air

light

lingers

a given –

light

air is

adaptable – to light

and darkness

the sky

is beautiful – day

and night

incomparably –

light is

light

cannot

help it

last time

I looked – the world

was there

life

continues – life

by life

our time

intersects with

many times

the sun

about its

business

feet

keep us

connected

thoughts –

so thoughtless

afterwards –

you can’t

tell me

day – so

grand for such a

little thing

days

continue –

surely

I thought

that they would

never end

daylight

do you recognize

a window –

the world

passes through

anchored

consciousness

do you see

what I see

life

is what

we share

how slowly

clouds all

disappear

the sky

is no

bluer

empty sky

after us

what other world

is there to see

God came here

and went away

life

disappears

where

what was

light

returns

do words

remember

what we see

a window –

afternoon

words

await

wonder

immeasurable –

what began

at birth

words

for us

life

rare

why and

where to – horizons

of is

only

here –

life

a continuum –

life

on earth

life

feels

life

lives – one

by one

talismans

of consciousness –

the stars

does

a ripple

end

life – an

image of

the sky

a feather –

fallen

glistening –

rustling

leaves

a circle

of sky –

alight

each

has

identity

this

but not

that

what is

the same

what is

one

origin –

original

a jewel

is hard

to find

one of

a kind

of ones

can you

forget

a child

infinity

is made of

many ones

today

remembers

yesterday

the past –

weathered

todays

present

and past

enrich

I am not

what I was

no longer

perhaps

the world

is here to stay

rivers fail –

but oh

the sea

sunlight

too can climb

a tree

the sun

keeps on course – despite

the weather

without delay –

appointments

with eternity

the sun

so tiny far

from home

sleep comes

unannounced

we live in one place –

the mind

in many worlds

minds

inhabit the

same world

we fiddle

Rome

burns

sun crowns

the tree

again

the sun rests

content –

on a cushion

turtle doves

coo in bliss –

kind sun

paper

is as flimsy

as words

arm in

arm – a daughter

and a mother

dear heart –

do you grow

tired

round and

round and round

the sun

the leaves

are active

this afternoon

a sentence

is enough –

but

the stars

are waiting –

I’m sure

they’ve

come from

so far

we don’t

even know

their names

the sun

demands

attention

outwarmed

its welcome –

the sun

words take

us to the

never seen

I hope

you do not mind

my liberty

these eyes

see

as you

these eyes

sometimes

see

these eyes

long

to see

these eyes

lonely

see

I share

my eyes

with you

and you –

what do

you see

alone –

to see

as you

to see

as you

to be

today

is going to be hot

they say

today

is going

like the rest

bless me

says

the world

hunger

comes in many

forms

nobody

knows what

I have seen

all

know – all

see

rain

never falls

alone

so soothing –

the sound

of rain

rain falls

and falls

rain outside –

and we

feel happy

this morning

brings with it

the rain

it falls alone –

joins

in pools

your life

fell

like rain

sad sweetness –

listen

to the rain

smoke rising

silent rain

clearing rain

a magpie calls

grey sky

grey earth

ant trail –

scribbled life

a song

inspired by –

the same

row of trees

billowing clouds

rain

a sameness

world –

changing

as we breathe

something

train ride –

sky speeding

on the tracks

one sky

surrounds

night

brings an

emptiness

clouds

do not

belong here

living

leads

to you

animals

fellowship with us

on earth

good night

consciousness

the light is

as it was – but we

have changed

the boats float

so effortlessly

white boats

between

two blues

it comforts

us – to look

at things

shadows

stroking

the hills

cloud

image

crossing

the harbour –

blue

and grey

I look

like this – more

or less

our actions –

such little meaning

and so much

the stone

sinks – but

the ripples

is it nothing –

that we

were here

it’s still

out turn

to change

prayer

demands more

than answers

will someone

if I

will not

life uncovers

what to

live for

a lost art –

listening

night

is here

reminding

love

leads to

many things

its lonely

here

on earth

puffs of

cloud –

brief too

trees pointing –

with the clouds

the sky

is so

encouraging

the earth

is not bereft

of spirit

the road

leads – I

yellow grasses

dead

but alive

the wind

enters

unseen

no need

to see

the unseen

it was

here

all along

here

before I am

here

welcome

here

one drop

infinity

wind –

we hear before

we feel

the trees

bend

to nothing

to notice

the

unnoticed

swiftly

it comes

the sound

disappears

who

worships

the air

my mind

crashed

into mind

mind

your step

mind

first light –

the sea

transfigured

warmth

unbroken

by wind

I know

now

I know

the dark trees

have stood there

many years

earth

turns towards

winter

expressionless –

the face

of clouds

cold creeps

into

bones

freeway lights –

terrestrial

galaxy

the moon

where once

was sea

the sky

asleep

night

pours in

my window

white sky –

two birds sheltering

from rain

to be

then not

to be

I am –

it is

rain falls

I disappear

behind

a cloud –

sky

a spark –

distant

fires

life –

the constancy

of rain

sunlit

surfaces

after rain

white flocks –

horizon to

horizon

seldom

we see

ourselves

what can

we do –

what we can

it is not

predetermined –

yet

put up

your hand –

the answer

the leaves

so beautiful

after rain

this day

has never been

before

the light sinks

into the earth

a child

cannot conceive

a year

piano

fragments – a bird

inside

silence

reverberates

a patch of

light on grass –

so still

song – the tide

comes in

to words

harm came –

when we

meant for good

the moon

can turn

the sea

birds

know

time

the tern

surveys from

pole to pole

some birds

have summer and

winter homes

feet for earth

wings for air

time stops

each night

we loose a

part of day

I dropped

yesterday

one time

matters – and it

has been

a river is

its beginning

and end

far far

away – who we

will be

a fire

makes a cold night

warm

we offer up

the future –

I offer now

failing men

cast long shadows

white moon

among

the clouds

the earth

endures –

what of us

the last

sunlight

for a time

our world so busy –

changing our world

the rich

so busy – changing

the poor

the infinite

looks

on one

once

I felt you

in the air

spacious sky

made for

the sun

two birds

on a wire – watching

the sunset

days end –

the moon begins

to brighten

white greyhound

beneath

the moon

more than

can be borne – to change

the earth

the light

of ancient trees

illuminates the city

the dead should

not be disturbed –

coal

age comes

with rising suns

with life

comes obligation

to life

tonight the stars

are busy outside

my life is

forfeit

for yours

is this

the reason

I was born

my line

continues

into darkness

what was

no more

offer gentleness –

to earth’s

offence

evil

must be slain

within

bright sails

catch wind

and sun

a woman sits

alone – a garden

late afternoon

earth – eternally

strange –

how words connect us

with things

to name the bird

helps me

to see

a tree

standing

in sunshine

flashing

shadows – a flock

of birds

light filters

through curtains –

day is here

words say

what is

birds are not

unoccupied

this time of day

words

give us a

distance

somehow

we die to the world

through words

words are

our gift

to life

a silent morning –

the sun shines

in peace

they appear

and disappear

as we listen

attention –

we are there

and not

time

passes without

passing

mechanical

orbits – the clock

on a wall

everything

is moving – even

the rocks

circumference

and centre

need each other

living things

are here –

don’t forget

how blue –

how many eyes

see you

eyes

in sea on land

in air

noisy

minors – major

noise

the light

has touched

the table

a magpie’s song

the leaves so green

in sunlight

overhead

a plane spills

CO2

what is right

comes with a cost to

what is wrong

what is right

comes with a cost to

what is right

what change

comes

without a fee

the weed

is deep in

human soil

we seldom

look in

other’s eyes

imagination –

another looking

through these eyes

the cattle

on a thousand hills –

Macdonald’s

what kind

eats

its neighbour

he gave

himself to life –

it forgave

we do not

enter blue –

it enters us

all I

have

is given

I give

what is not

mine

the water

passes through

the river

to belong to –

to go with

living things

deserve a chance

at living

so many

mouths to feed –

this earth

this summer

of ten thousand

years

living

is a mixed bag

on the whole

it’s better

to be whole

a sunrise

a sunset – and

it is worse

the present

poisoning

the future

pull the reins

on a billion

horses

burning ancient trees

brings back

ancient weather

ethics

haunting

beauty

watchmen

sleep in

daylight

autumn –

the leaves

remain

the crown

traverses

the sky

the bricks

stand in formation

day after day

wisdom arcs

from children

to the aged

to be

as a child

aged

your eyes

see

the day

remains – its light

remembered

light

lingers then

leaves

see –

the last of the

sun

cold

has now no

remedy

the world

beyond – beyond

eventually

he will

explain

thinking

keeps

us warm

we have

so much in common

with life

humanity

helps me

to see

look

at nature

looking

words

have homes

to go to

today’s

injustice

tomorrow’s

darkness

has

its time

even waves

have a

master

souls bend

to darkness

or light

the living

need the voice of

the living

a heart

can warm

another

night –

coldest

before dawn

the sky –

what we

shall be

hearts

are meant for

travel

poverty –

our little

world

a cause –

better than

because

water knows

when it

should boil

injustice –

justice

half done

the stars

are content

to shine

stars

meditate on

darkness

night –

lonely despite

a crowd

it’s true –

we can change

the world

enough

to curse us

underground

a crime –

to steal

tomorrow

man –

the species

executor

folly –

war with

descendants

luxury –

oppressing

the future

prophets

speak to the

preoccupied

today

tomorrow became

poorer

sink under

responsibility

dawning

on our age –

the truth

the rich

oppress – even from

a distance

our lifestyle –

a sentence

of death

its wrong

to disturb

old graves

coal

needs no

resurrection

who can bear

what we have been

a million sands

before the sea –

unmoved

steam rising –

dissatisfied

dawn

breaks through

birdsong

the sun’s

high tide –

sunset

I blinked –

a day

has passed

did the

world improve

today

the birds

are calling –

to account

four walls

are tidier – than

horizons

when we

dream it’s wise

to listen

so rich –

the darkness

all around

stars are from

another time –

as dreams

at night

surrounding us –

the past

night –

the sky

deeper

nomadic –

the moon

the moon –

emerging behind

a paper fan

moon –

where is your

twin eye

stars –

the more you look

the more there are

humble sun –

giving others

a turn

clouds

enter darkness

unperturbed

the sun

deserves

a rest

thoughts

form

in pools

I look back

towards

the world

life’s spring –

beneath

the surface

rock pool –

terrestrial life

the seeking

sometimes lose

themselves

from dust

to dust – the sky

between

I see

and so

do you

a birthday –

milestone on a

one way road

birthday –

but that was

long ago

a picture

on the wall – far

from home

mouth to

mouth – language

from ancestors

the wind

endures

in words

a commons

of the air –

our words

they speak

to hold

sunshine –

a poem

meaning

comes – and

goes

we hover

over

certainty

someone

knew this

before

I am original –

said a blade

of grass

how glad

to be me

for once

the sun

is searching

for a friend

God

has never been

alone

with myself –

still alone

thoughts

travel far – without

leaving home

thoughts –

you never now

where they’ve been

undetected

thoughts cross

borders

for now –

our history

unwritten

this time

is the most

silent

the trees

wait for

dawn

the walls

alike – painted

with darkness

the light

is due

to visit us

my life –

a river

without end

I’ve heard it –

the first bird

fish live

beneath

the surface

I am not

there – but

it is here

the world

I’ve seen –

within

consciousness –

our simple

home

morning –

rooms fill

with the risen

morning

affirms

the world

I share

this day

with you

a shadow –

dropped

by a bird

time –

on our

hands

the oldest songs –

the birds’

the sun travels

a well worn path

we’re here –

now what

all day

the shadows

lie sleeping

needing nothing –

sky’s

blank canvass

words

make things

shine

open sky –

the bay

deep blue

balcony –

air tinged

with blue

a magpie

foraging – with

its shadow

sails full

of light – late

afternoon

my country –

for just

fifty years

houses

nestled into hills

and shadow

siting on

balconies – the

world in sight

we share

the sun –

little else

is it fine for

you – I know and

am ashamed

shadows on

stone –

which epoch

long shadows –

harbinger

of night

day’s end –

the harbour

mirrors sky

houses have

nobility – facing

each direction

so lofty

yet it shares with all –

the sun

daily

it comes down

upon the hills

birds give up

their food

for their young

birds look out

for one another

sunshine graces

many things – light

is there for all

we can

walk in each

direction

the sky

is simpler than

the earth

a free

but ordered life –

a bird’s

it wanes

and waxes – a

shadow’s life

things remain –

whatever happens

in the sky

the clouds

are nowhere

to be seen

what is

as pure

as sky

each day

we are examined

by light

light

never turns

its eye

a privilege –

to sit

in the sun

my breathe

departs – for

the sky

we share our

breathe with each

terrestrial thing

time

weathers

all

the world returns

to where it was –

after many days

I cannot

stop

the sun

we move

unknowing

in time

a silent

river

when did

I start

my decent

mesmerized –

passing days

I am

the

same

a seed

the tree

a tree –

witness

a forest

speaks louder than

a tree

can tower –

once a seed

we begin –

we become

a tree

falls within

a forest

finally

there is no

finally

Part 3

surely

the moon is there

somewhere

it’s easier

said

than done

much

remains –

unsaid

that’s it –

in a

nutshell

truth

is difficult

to chew

night is

almost empty

of light

time’s

river comes

to us

it’s gone –

as quickly

as it came

the present

is beautiful –

but brief

day is

infinitely longer –

than now

to catch

the wave –

of now

it matters

what is said

the sky

blushes at

nightfall

friends

last longer –

sometimes

human

bonds

liberate

a cathedral

window –

transfiguring

cathedrals –

interior

and exterior

the window –

a waterfall

of light

faith

turns the world

to gold

a heart

is lighter than

a feather

childlike –

each day

who cares

like a child

day sunk

to the sea floor –

midnight

branches

spread in all

directions

flowers

give themselves –

unashamed

the sky

is witness to a

flower’s love

spirit

of love –

a bee

no matchmaker

is like the sun

light’s

tenderness is

universal

days become

more agile

as we age

death

erupts

in life

life

disappears

does my life

add to

other’s suffering

a boat

drifts slowly

from the shore

things are

while

things are

wind

clear sky

one law

to love

people

are important to

people

trees

are attracted

to sky

trees

find it hard

to let go

talking

about things

can help

life

comes from

life

life continues –

it doesn’t

begin

life has

forbidden

glories

eyes

burn holes

in things

a servant

sees

limitation

liberates

we do not

tell

everything

the moon –

a pale

reflection

light –

passed on

long forgotten

sunlight –

best forgotten

we all

do things

for others

life

outpoured

brings more

people

everywhere and

still alone

everything

that breathes

is here

poignant –

what we

have seen

earthlings –

much

in common

earthlings –

much

to share

almost

anything – better

than death

a life

departs –

for where

airport –

greetings

and farewells

graceful –

a bird

on water

a shadow

falls from such

a height

a bird

swoops – and drops

a shadow

we say

goodnight – and

cease

even the sun

surrenders

clouds

have more stamina

than birds

clouds

rarely

land

lives –

marks left on

a page

darkness

often grips

the world

no one

deserves to be

forgotten

who can

count

the faces

the future

looks out on us –

one day

we see –

they cannot

they see –

we cannot

above us

and below –

the stars

johncarrollpoems

John Carroll Poems

Wonders (Complete)

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