memory

I will always remember today.
Photo: Gravemarker, Featherston, New Zealand

plants in the air, in the soil

A woman I know says my hands can heal, 
through meals, massage, working the land... 
and yesterday we placed fifteen plants
in the soil. I think they heal me.
Photo: Brugmansia in H's home, New Zealand

birth and music

Today is the birthday of a sister, 
and I think of music together: dancing 
in our basement  as children, singing 
to the radio and stereo, and imagining 
a performance of all five sisters. 
For you, S. 
Photo: Two friends Poly and Orlando performing, 
Wellington, New Zealand

after Nagasaki

This camphor sapling originated from a tree 
that survived the 1945 bombing of Nagasaki.
The fence around it acts as a windbreak.
Photo: The camphor was a gift from the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, 
and I give these photographs to my sister, elin oHara slavick, 
author of After Hiroshima

trees and leaves and floating

The other day, I walked under cherry trees, and this morning, chestnut and walnut - green prickly balls falling. Later in the day, I read these words: "Paintings are like leaves falling from my tree. In this exhibition, I am sharing some of those floating leaves."
Photo: Cherry trees, Featherston, New Zealand
Quote taken from the 'Spirit Tree' exhibition, 
curated by Robert Franken, Aratoi

a warm birthday

Today is the birthday of a girl
who loves toast - the warm bread
and the warm act. 
Photo: Drinks at H's home, for L, now 14

orbit

Like a little planet
on its orbit.
Photo: In H's and B's home-in-the-making, 
Wellington, and I think of P's grandfather.

playing at the gate

Two long branches 
placed by the gate.
Photo: Wairarapa, New Zealand

here

In a little while, I will
be here: lit up 
and happy.
Photo: The home of H and B, Wellington, New Zealand
(A low-res image)

warm and open

These mushrooms are just 
the way I always want to be.
Photo: In the Wairarapa, New Zealand

one animal, another

The fabric the cat 
sleeps on is called a 'cover' 
or a blanket, for a horse:
one animal getting it nice 
and warm for another.
Photo: Our cat, New Zealand

creature

This creature that lives beside us, 
I like to touch.
Photo: Our horse, New Zealand

cherry time

Today is the wedding of two new friends. 
They are being married under cherry trees in one country and I just spent some time under a cherry tree in another.
Photo: Cherry tree, for the wedding
of M and S, Wairarapa

sometimes the rain sounds

Rain
Sounds of fate
Photo: Looking towards Hong Kong Island skyline 
(A low-res photo file)