Rape of a Rose
An allegory of one of my failed romantic relationships
The day was dark and I was lonely.
The nip of fall chilled my heart.
Hidden in a corner of the garden
I discovered a rose bud,
perhaps the last one of the year.
What a welcome surprise!
Will I see the colors of summer today
and fill my nostrils with the romantic scent of spring?
I gazed, dreamily, at the unopened flower,
wondering what it would look like, anxious
to enjoy the comfort it would bring to this cold, autumn day.
I caressed it with my fingers. I breathed
my warm breath upon it encouraging it to open.
It would not.
“Time,” I said, “it will take time.”
But no, I pried and pulled at its delicate,
tightly rolled pedals.
Soon, I held in my hands a bruised and torn rose.
A bitterness hit my nose.
I cried.
—Jim Briones, January 28, 1991
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I like to live in the …
… knowing — I am free!
There are no
“have to”s, “must”s, “can’t”s.
No need to worry or fear.
In every cell, my body moves
doing its own “thing.”
And, though singular, contributing to
the whole community I call “me.”
It is said DNA determines who I am.
To know this program is my desire.
To let it be is my privilege and Joy.
The struggle of fear and love —
which will win.
I am free to chose …
… if I like.
—Jim Briones
Rejuvenation Retreat, April 2010?
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“You are as graceful as an elephant!”
–A Thai compliment
Elephant walk
She’s graceful–
Not clumsy at all.
Foot sure and strong;
Angel dancing on
flower tops.
Strange? You bet’cha,
This seeming paradox.
Large, a “land whale,”
small whip of a tail.
Jungle Ballerina!
--Jim Briones, March 19, 2004
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Thanksgiving
Hey! Let us take time right now to think of all we have–
Lives that bless each other and Creator as we laugh!
Let’s give thanks for family, friends, for love, and great food to share.
For life with hope and wonder, and our good God’s tender care.
And as we look around us may the joy of Family
Fill our being with thanks giving for everyone we see.
We look into each other’s eyes and feel the warmth that’s there.
Each unique and beautiful; all have gifts to share.
We come together here to get away from work and strife.
And also turn our hearts to God, the one who gives us life.
We’re grateful for this food, God; give us health and strength to live.
Sustain us with unchanging love and all that’s positive.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Amen!
--James Briones, Thanksgiving 2000
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Ballerina in Glass
I leap forever caught like a fly in a web.
Or maybe I am the web—lace of placid grace.
What I would give to be free, to walk off
this stage of glass and into the world of flesh.
Where is my prince with the kiss that would
quicken my heart and bring color to my cheeks?
Here, there is no pain—and no pleasure.
For me no hope, only illusion.
Yet one seeing me may wonder at my poise
and find joy in my chance reminder:
Life’s a dance, not a race.
--Jim Briones, December 9, 2006
Only Joy!
Rejuvenation Retreat, January 28, 2005
See me, friend, know me—
for I am more than you perceive.
My universe breathes—
in, out—expanding, contracting.
Small, now—in boxes in the dark,
it wants to unpack, one box at a time,
filling space full of light.
To tell me of your love is not enough.
Help me to be all that I am.
For this I would be very grateful.
Thank you.
<<< >>>
If I were to sit in the dirt, digging.
If I shunned the palace,
preferring the garden.
If I speak to the beggar, love the worm,
hold close to my heart the untouchable—
I dare
I care
I do
I will
I will to live. I will embrace life. I will see
in the tiny, shriveled seed the mighty oak.
I will recognize the worm as my friend,
the beggar as me.
I will touch and be touched.
For this is life—true, fulfilling, joyous life!
<<< >>>
I dip my cupped hands
in the mighty stream of life,
bringing to my lip
that which truly satisfies,
drinking in the power just to be.
Now I am the stream,
and all beings who drink are, too.
Together we flow endlessly,
joyously on our journey—home.
<<< >>>
When someone deeply listens to me
I know I am important,
that I have value—
that someone cares.
When someone listens deeply to me
I want to return the gift,
I mean— share the rare treasure
by deeply listening, too.
I long to see a world peopled with
deep listeners.
There would be no more
war,
pain,
sorrow—
only joy!
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Out of sorrow. Into Joy!
Following Christ. A trail with trials.
Smitten and smiling. With tears and crying
for peace.
In a dark cave. Then out in the light.
Red eyes adjusting. Seeing.
Hopelessness turning bright.
Fear of a wrong step. Each one leading.
Trust. One walked here before.
Yes! One who was there. Is here!
Wishing you hope this “Good” Friday,
A Joyful Sunday
And a Life rich in love,
--Jim Briones, April 10, Holy Week, 2009
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In me is the Universe
In me is the universe
Of all kinds of beings
Without whom I would not be.
Beyond all my pride
I honor each “lowly” creature.
To them I ask:
Do you need me? Like I need you?
But,
I know the answer—Oh—Yes!
Amen!
50 trillion individuals in community am I.
All unique and with the same DNA.
Fractals—The whole seen in the part
Hallelujah!
And who is God?
Dare I admit—me?
Again—Yes!
For it is my will that decides destiny for all.
<<< >>>
I See You
I see you in the mirror
Backward
I struggle to right you
Can not. Why?
I am trying too hard?
I am in the dream?
I can only see the surface?
Not in the mirror—
In my heart.
--Jim Briones, Oct 24, 2008, Rejuvenation Retreat