I'm sure I've been a toad, one time or another. With bats, weasels, worms...I rejoice in the kinship. Even the caterpillar I can love, and the various vermin.

All lovers live by longing, and endure: Summon a vision and declare it pure.

My Papa's Waltz: The whiskey on your breath Could make a small boy dizzy; But I hung on like death: Such waltzing was not easy. We romped until the pans Slid from the kitchen shelf; My mother's countenance Could not unfrown itself. The hand that held my wrist Was battered on one knuckle; At every step you missed My right ear scraped a buckle. You beat time on my head With a palm caked hard by dirt, Then waltzed me off to bed Still clinging to your shirt.

Teach as an old fishing guide takes out a beginner.

The stones were sharp, The wind came at my back; Walking along the highway, Mincing like a cat.

Love is not love until love's vulnerable.

I learn by going where I have to go.