Category Archives: Uncategorized

Life would be a mistake,the window says, as if I need reminding.Apparently, I need reminding. And standing in Ching YoungCenter in Hanalei, clouds ringing the tops of mountains behind melike moisture-laden lei, as I read the golden-arched words, I thinkof … Continue reading →

(for Dickie, with gratitude) Because the L had fallenwhen we went to the beachthis morning, because I’d watched the artistmake LOVE a couple of daysearlier, gathering the just-rightcombination of driftwood forone of his sculptures on sand, because my love and … Continue reading →

(for Dennis, Kauai driftwood sculptor) As I walk onto the sandthe day after it was created,I don’t expect to see it stillupright, given the trafficof the two- and four-footed—not to mention a high tide. But there it standson Tunnels Beach—LOVE, … Continue reading →

Most mornings, when he can findthe right kind of driftwood,Dennis builds two sculptures to love. One, farther south on the point, readsALOHA. Today, as I begin my walk, I see himlooking around on sand washed cleanby the night tide for … Continue reading →

We awaken on a Monday to find thatthe power in our little hut near the seahas vanished. This happens, we know,having been here many times. But,awake early for me, I pull on my suitand flip flops and head to the … Continue reading →

(for Mom and Donna from Jan on Kauai) ••• Deep peace of the running wave to youDeep peace of the flowing air to youDeep peace of the quiet earth to youDeep peace of the shining stars to youDeep peace of … Continue reading →

Sometimes we must sacrifea few letters for love, especially when we declare itso publicly, as if, by withholding a vowel and an oh-so-importantconsonant, we have made it clear to the world—if not our beloved—that we have given up, renounced, something, … Continue reading →

Another shitty dayOn JanJan’s vacay. —Dick Schmidt ••• In case you can’t tell, he’s kidding… We’ve just finished a terrific first week on Kauai and are now on the lovely north shore, which feels like home to us. (Mahalo, Toni … Continue reading →

First, resist the urge for light. Step from memory across the grassto the henhouse where the girls sleepon their perches as if they’ve downeda few strawberry margaritas. Tiptoe as you move close to a snoring hen.Pin her wings gently to … Continue reading →

He’s 30 feet up, a spikeon the bottom of each bootplunged into the slendertrunk curving toward the ocean, a yellow umbilicalcord around his middlebinding him to thiselder statesman. A slender U, the treetrimmer bends like a bow,intently studying, like anygood … Continue reading →