To a Raucous Spring

Gloria DeGaetanoThought-Poems

Walking fast to the post office, I automatically adjust as I approach the cherry trees with their pregnant pink blossoms. Their fresh, dewy vibrancy demands “slow down, notice me.”  My pace now becomes one of a pilgrim paying homage to the sacred. I make sure I return this way. Spring … Read More

Questionnaire: One Powerful Poem

Gloria DeGaetanoThought-Poems

I came across Questionnaire by Wendell Berry the other day and it shook me to my core. Berry, known for his outspoken, prophetic voice, brilliantly and boldly sends a message here.  I felt compelled to share it with you, dear readers, because the poem gave me great pause to re-consider … Read More

Ash Wednesday

Gloria DeGaetanoThought-Poems

It was Ash Wednesday. I was 8 years old. In our local church that seemed as majestic then as any cathedral, I waited my turn to kneel before the white-robed priest. My heart beat loudly. I didn’t want these ashes on my forehead. I hated their smell. I remembered from … Read More

Mining the Depths

Gloria DeGaetanoThought-Poems

You left on a 12. A mathematician, you referred to 12 as a completion. With this numerical flourish you finalized your human form. Even at your end, giving me something to think about. 12 months in a year prompted you to prompt me to make our PCI program 12 months—just … Read More

Dear Vast Human…

Gloria DeGaetanoThought-Poems

When we gaze the stars, awed by their place in the vastness, let’s remember the multitudes within us. We, too, hold a significant place in this vastness. May a chance encounter with a stranger who just happened to help unlock a current conundrum, remind us that non-local knowledge resides within … Read More

Gift Exchange

Gloria DeGaetanoThought-Poems

I buy honey—golden and light from busy bees down the block—to gift my friends for the holidays and support a local business—while China negotiates with Saudi Arabia to weaken the US dollar and the Fed announces yet another interest hike. I gift my husband with a warm—all organic, fair trade—cozy … Read More

Your Energy

Gloria DeGaetanoThought-Poems

Your energy, or inner chi—if you prefer—makes everything possible. All completions and beginnings depend on it.  Energy renewed means a vibrant living; energy not restored leads to a slow decaying. Dissuaded, defeated, we succumb more quickly to any little annoyance or long-term pain that passes our way.  Without the necessary … Read More

I Met a Witch on My Walk Today

Gloria DeGaetanoThought-Poems

I met a witch on my walk today. Not in costume—the real thing. Her long, gray hair glinted in the sun. I noticed the grooves on her face as she came closer. “What is that stone? It’s a new one on me.” She demanded, seemingly mad at herself for not … Read More

What is Your Path to a Higher Purpose?

Gloria DeGaetanoThought-Poems, Uncategorized

stillness path

First of all…What is a Higher Purpose? Is it a determination to help out, whether it’s walking your neighbor’s dog when he broke his leg—your neighbor, not the dog…or something grand like crusading on behalf of the homeless and securing shelter for each and every one in your city? Is … Read More