Burnt orange and ochre --
color de cafe --
pineapple, lime, red pajaritos...
land of mananas, grace in mantillas...
balanced canastas, ojos expresivos.
Sunshine and heat, fiesta y corrida,
salt and tortilla, pride and tequila.
Frijol and machismo and chile con queso.
Adobe, caliche, sweet agua fria...
Mexico, te amo mucho, y su gente amable!

What childishness is it that while there’s a breath of life

in our bodies, we are determined to rush

to see the sun half way around the world?

Or, the tiniest green hummingbird in the world?...

Must we dream our dreams

and have them, too?

Talking of beauty, you enter my mind.

No single soul reveals more pleasure than you.

All imperfection washes away from you.

You remain a symbol of hope, grace and  serenity.

Giving is different than giving up;
     in giving we gain ourselves.

We spread ourselves outward,
     like the plant from its roots.

The plant giving flowers and seeds;
     not giving up roots, not giving up
           its own place in the dark sun.

Giving without giving up,
     a giving illuminated heart.

Boundaries moving in,
     moving out.

Letting love in,
     letting love out.