Peace
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Mom’s Birthday, February 28, 2013
She would have turned 93,were she alive. Is it okay to say,"Today my mother turns 93,"or can one no longer say this,when the body is gone?In such cases,there is nothing to turn 93.A buried box of ashes?Even that likely no… Continue reading
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On Growing Old
He witnessed the aging of his bodywith detachment–as if it were happening to an uncleor a neighbor. The graying hair,the sagging in the face,the loss of mobility and strength–no, not after a lifetimeof doing it right–eating, exercising, making all the… Continue reading
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Christmas, Day 3
Nine years ago this day,mother willed herself away. Grief blinded us to this gift,which she had so carefully wrappedand presented, privately, to herself. Guilt blinded us to this tender exchangeas spirit said to soul,"Here, for you…that best of gifts,the one… Continue reading
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For Christmas Eve
At Christmastimewe strive to findsome cause for hope,some peace of mind. Is it in the giftsor carols old,or in the snowand biting cold? Do we find it inour Christmas treesor unrestrictedspending sprees? Is it there in cocoaand candy canes,in children's… Continue reading
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Christmas Reflection
Most of us have all we need;on this I'm guessing we agree. So why the harried rush to spendas if on this our peace depends? For that which causes hearts to lift is more the giver, not the gift. Be still… Continue reading
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Embracing Death
Do you believe in death?Lots of us don't–or at least live as if we don't. People glibly say,"Live each day as if it's your last,"but that's nearly impossible to do: Would you make the bed? Would you empty the dishwasher? Would you close… Continue reading
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Autumn Song
This coming coolnessintroducesan edgeof uncertainty. Autumn(my favorite season)is a time of transition. Here in Denver, nights shift from cool to cold, trees from bold to barren, the patio from flowered and fragranced to emptied and wrapped, … Continue reading
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The Dirt Devil
Here in the heart of NY's Theater District,across from my hotel,I step into St. Malachy's–"The Actor's Chapel." The massive, open doorsallow in the sound of trafficand a flow of cool, September air. Above me: stone arches, hovering angels, … Continue reading
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Election Prayer
I pray for our country,that we choose unity over division,hope over despair,poverty over wealth,surrender over dominance,humility over arrogance,peace over violence,compassion over power,the holy over the unholy. I pray for our country. Text and image © 2012 by Dirk deVries. All rights… Continue reading
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Dream 3
I dream that I am a ghost. Without any recollection of my death,I now live in my hometownin an expanded versionof my father's Victorian era office.It is somewhat of a reunion–I live here with dozens of other ghosts like me,many my… Continue reading