Two Poems by Jim O’Brien
Neighbors
Many years ago I had
a neighbor from China
who used to say the moon
was rounder here
than at home.
We discussed this at length.
And as much as I want to believe
all things are equal
I know better.
I know there is trouble
all over the globe.
People and governments
forget how to be neighborly.
I hope he made it back
there after his studies
were done. Everyone
should have a home
to return to. A safe home
with love
and peace
and plenty of food.
A home where babies fall
asleep in their mother’s arms
and young lovers in the garden
can steal a kiss from
under the full moon at midnight
no matter how round it might be.
Dedication
The stars in the sky sparkle because of a fire that burns deep inside, like a motivation in a mother who is the light of so many lives, with one more on the way.
She is committed to many people and things, but the strongest of these, stronger than gravity, is always being the best she can be in any role or position.
This is so admirable, yet also exhausting. So it is good that this dedication comes with the wisdom to know that, unlike a star, we need to rest sometimes which is where those vacations come in useful.
To be our best, we have to be at our best, rested and ready like a tiger mom should.
香槟丛刊 