Blueberries of the Sun

—Poems and Photos by James Lee Jobe, Davis, CA
 

Time hasn't slowed my heart
And so it is that I still lift my spirit
Up to the blueberries of the sun.
Even now, the light that blesses me
Is also available for you, for anyone.
Sit or stand so that you feel at ease.
Hold up your hands, your arms,
Your joy. The love that is inside of you.
Lift up the soft eggs of your eyes
And give praise. It isn’t yesterday
And it isn’t tomorrow; this is now,
Feel your heart. Feel your strength.
Feel the blueberries of the sun.
All that we have is simply enough.

Altar of my flesh, temple of my spirit.
After three seasons of a lifetime I give praise and thanks.
Mi alma es mío, como mi corazón.
Here, where my heart beats.
Here, where my soul dwells.

Lift me now from the black water,
And all of the life that is left to me
Is a consequence of that life I have already lived.
Naked and rising, the water drips from my skin.
I will be bone dry before I reach the stars.
A young child, I can't tell if it is a boy or a girl,
Holds out a hand for me to touch as I pass by,
But it is too late, I am gone,
Looking down on a smiling face.

4:06 AM. A Delta breeze. Stars. Clouds.
My Redwood trees dance just a little,
As if they wanted to sashay their skirts
Above the dance floor of Mother Earth.

Life from the air in each breath, joyful.
Life from the fire that gives warmth, joyful.
Life from the light from the sun, joyful.
Life from the water that falls and flows, joyful.
Life from the fruit of the earth, joyful.
Life from the love within us, joyful.
Let my thanks be joyful also.

Today’s LittleNip:

May I find a way to heal that which needs healing—
In myself, in others, and in the world.
May I find the courage, wisdom, and kindness to do this.

—James Lee Jobe

_____________________

Many thanks to James Lee Jobe for today’s fine celebration of poetry and photos, and a reminder that today you are invited to enter 3-5 artworks to the SPC fundraiser art show at the Sacramento Poetry Center Art Gallery entitled "Paradise Relief: An Invitational Art Show to Benefit the Camp Fire Victims", curated by Bethanie Humphreys and Heather Judy. Drop off submissions at SPC today between 12-2pm. (See www.facebook.com/events/202445027323910/?active_tab=about/ for info.) Scroll down to the blue column (under the green column at the right) for info about this and other upcoming poetry events in our area—and note that more may be added at the last minute.

—Medusa

 —Anonymous Photo
(Celebrate poetry!)

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