For most of my life I have taken a combative stance. I thought life was something to wrestle, to overcome, to reshape. A preacher, a teacher, a bodybuilder, a martial artist, a drug addict. Each of these selves was driven by a discontent with how things were and a compulsion to make change happen. Finally in 1991 I found myself painted into a corner. Alone and frightened I had to ask for help. It was at that point that my present journey began.
 
My poetry, for me, is a conduit out of my head into my heart. When I come from my heart I am gentle, when I come from my head I am not.
 
This poem speaks to a new vision, it suggests an alternate view. If it resonates with you I am honored, if not, let it flow by.
 
What if this planet is the only place with puppy dogs and kisses
Of hot days and cool nights, the only place with Mr. and Mrs.
What if this planet were not tainted, the physical pure and good
Would it make a difference how we treat our home,
of course it would
 
What if this planet were the reward
Heaven, Nirvana, House of the Lord
What if the touch and the smell, the fear and the love
The hate, the killing, the gentle white dove
What if all of these things, the here and the now
The streams, the forest, the mooing of cow
What if all of these things, this place was the gift
What if between heaven and hell there was no rift
 
For so goes it below, so goes it above
And if we live in fear of the Father of Love
Then our vision will be slanted, our perspective skewed
Our view of life distorted, if through this portal it is viewed
 
So throw off that vision, make clear the sky
Be angry, be happy, and don¹t forget to cry
For all of these things, the highs and the lows
Make this third planet as pure as Himalayan snows
 
The choices are mine, the decisions to make
I choose the gentle breeze, or the violent earthquake
The probabilities exist, the opportunities are there
The choices are simple... say like choosing clean air
 
What if this planet were the only place with puppy dogs and kisses
Of hot days and cool nights, the only place with Mr. and Mrs.
What if this planet were not tainted, the physical pure and good
Would it make a difference how we treat our home,
ourselves, of course it would.