voices of elders

step up and share, but be
prepared to bare (and bleed)
the whole skein of yarn

in colors of burnt sienna, cordovan
golden corn, and boysenberry
unraveled into a shifting scarred, &
hurting earth

distinguishing between
the tired sad truth,
and the ugly tortuous lies--

flies court disaster
in the simplicity
of rotting meat and sour milk

the sand sticks to the bottom
of our feet as we flee,
as nothing
gets away with murder

how the truth shouts
from a resounding sea wall
protecting us from the sea

keeping US from flooding
more lies, couched in lullabyes

what is the takeaway
in a world of "big
bucks come first," & then
the environment"--
after we are gone

"out dark candle" bless us with
a new set of candle sticks
(magic tricks yet to learn)
whose candles stay lit
in the most powerful storm

a message from our elders
who have passed on into
the ethers of sandy dune,
infinite salty waters,
one waxing moon

recognizing their sons
and daughters---
reminding each one-

to praise this glorious earth
to take long mindful walks,
& simply study the breath (less talk)
beneath our radiant sun

words/photo~kate lamberg (c) '18