Simple Gifts and Magical Moments

I grew up watching those dramatic TV movies with the happy ending. You know the ones, where someone is dying of a horrible disease or some catastrophe has struck. At the end of the movie there's a dramatic moment where somehow it all has meaning. The music comes up and you're left with the idea that all the hurt was part of some greater scheme and everything is now going to be alright. I understand why those movies are made and why we want to believe. The idea that there's some greater purpose to tragedy and pain allows us to deny our powerlessness. I know that life is unfair. Bad things happen without plan or purpose. Death more often brings fear and pain, then nobility. The people I admire most in the world are people who know and accept those realities and yet still have hope and the ability to inspire. People who strive to do what they believe is right, with no certainty of success. I hope that I can be like that. I don't aspire to greatness. I live my life on a ver...

Instead of woods and wilderness I walk the shores of a city park. Nature brings a thrill As the Sound is turbulent. Dark water and white froth Tussle against the shore, Energized by storm surge. As I watch the water A black and shiny back Smoothly emerges, So unexpected I stare in disbelief, Expecting it to turn into a wave. Instead it arcs back down Sliding gracefully below. Only then do I exclaim wordlessly and point Even though the moment has passed. I finally splutter out "Whale!" Disbelief churns like the water. We stare intensely And then… Spray plumes up, The whale's breath Takes away The collective breath Of human spectators. Glimpses of fins, The elusive Orcas Spout and surface Choppy waves simmer – With a stew pod of whales.