Amputated Moon

Does the wave

yearn for the

place it was

only seconds ago?

Before the trough steepens

Before the crest curls forward

Before the arc tips toward land

Do you wish

the pull toward change

 toward difference

wasn’t so irresistible?

Or do you simply

move and change

rise up and lie down

 because it is your nature?

Do you long for what was

For what will be

Or are you at peace with what is?

one lone tree

against a mango-sky

branches defining a dark relief

one line becomes many ways

forming a map that shows

the way to night

Pam Olson, 2/7/08

Photograph courtesy of Anthony McCune.

My roots lie deep beneath the land,

an anchor-line time cannot slay;

they hold against the shifting sand.

I cling to place with my right hand;

minutes and seconds go astray.

My roots lie deep beneath the land.

So stop all motion by command,

and brace against the windy sway;

hold, hold against the shifting sand.

Loose grains of sand flowing uplanned,

while restless thoughts are kept at bay;

my roots lie deep beneath the land.

Force my gypsy-dreams to disband

and keep me fast from time’s decay;

just hold—against the shifting sand.

Bind me up with deep soil’s firm band.

Cause my heart to still—and pray;

for roots lie deep beneath the land,

and hold against the shifting sand.

Pamela Olson

Watching the dogs sleep

one to each couch

Sunday afternoon nap

beyond the pouring rain

the shepherd is curled into an “O”

positioned for rapid rise

half-alert for her call to work

her head is on the pillow

feet, ears and muzzle

twitch in time to dreams

the mutt lies prone

spread out and twisted

her head hangs off the sofa’s edge

rib cage and paws rise and fall

she will struggle to get upright

if I persuade her to wake

Pamela Olson, 2/4/08

Lose your watch,

the seconds and minutes ticking by

will not help the rhythm

You must have a comfortable chair

soft enough to slip the dream-thoughts

from darkness into daylight

Drink coffee, or lots of tea

when your hand trembles, the words

fall more easily from pen to page

A large supply of chocolate is good

especially dark—the combination of sweet

and bitter provide flavor to the lines

Wear layers:

you never know where you may be traveling

along the black and white road

 Pamela Olson, 2/2/08