to an unknown person (on a train from koln)

he stood gazing through the glass
as you set separated staring back
your fingers reached up touched the pane
tip to tip caressing each other
together but alone, feeling only glass
the train moved, he sighed and walked away
his face softened with loving pain
he's going to miss you

A prayer

In the somber silence

I lit the candles

At first they hesitated

The flames flickered

And threatened to die

But slowly surely

They grew, they rose

Into strong steady flames

Unwilling to be extinguished

Waving to and fro

Combining with one another

Forming a bigger, stronger flame

Today, in the somber silence

I lit two candles

A prayer for each of you

Homeless Man attacks HUF Student

I was accosted by my brothers former roommate the other day. This would not be strange except I am in Italy, and I just bumped into him. Small world eh? I was going to write about it but Steven beat me to it.

An Almost Mugging

As you may or may not know, my youngest brother David is in Italy for the semester. A few days ago he was at the train station in Sienna, and he was headed to the W.C. before he got on the train. On his way to the W.C., someone grabbed him violently and started shaking him, at which point David freaked out because he thought the Gypsies were coming to kill him. Then, just when he was getting ready to fight for his life, his attacker started laughing hysterically and released him. When David turned around he was shocked to see the Ruskie. Apparently, the Ruskie's job is in a slow period so he's in Italy for a month. David is showing him around Florence today.

The River Speaks

Italy has enchanted me
the mighty Arno calls my name
gently first, but then tugging strongly
come walk on my banks, dream
cut loose your inhibitions
study, learn, write
partake in my beauty
experience the culture
cut deep into the land
carve your path
as I did mine
the Arno tugs at me
and I answer,
for Italy has enchanted me

Growth

long lines, short lines
crossed lines, coarse lines
thick lines, thin lines
darting everywhere
this way, that way
all arranged in disarray
but wait, be still
a pen moves boldly
these lines slow, mesh
disarray will go away
from within, it comes
a face gentle, young
confident and strong
born from confusion
liberated to life

Album of the Month

This is simply, the album I listened to more than any other last month. I can't get enough of this sound.

When in Rome...

Metamorphosis

Small and weak, a tree is born

Seasons change, years pass by

It develops, shifts, gathers size

Roots push deep within the earth

Anchoring firmly, forming foundation

Storms blow in, breaking limbs

It holds its ground, steadfast and resolute

Developing, growing still

Once this tree was feeble, even bare

Now it stands majestically bold

Laden with the fruit of age

david elliott baird 5.11.08