confusion is
What confuses you?
hot air balloon
taking off under the sun
jumping over cows
…
when we see
a balloon that
was filled with cool air
instead of helium
drop to the ground
instead of floating away
on a sunny day
some things
What are you embracing today?
polaroid album
grandfather shoveling dirt
covering mole holes
…
are seen better
when we choose
to close our eyes
and open our hearts
to the opportunity
of today’s gift
we call life
face the music
How do you take responsibility?
rusted metal spots
a manual typewriter
blooming ink flowers
…
we all make mistakes
that’s the way it goes
and beyond learning from them
the true test lies in
if we are brave enough
to take responsibility
for our behavior and actions
sword and shield
Who are you becoming?
dandelion seeds
floating away from the lawn
following the wind
…
there are times
when we will be both
a fighter and protector
a parent and child
a stranger and friend
these dualities exist
because we make them
back again
Why did you return?
flickering lighthouse
the sea welcomes an old friend
to the storm again
…
our audience
should focus on
the message
we have to share
rather than the facts
of when we left
and came back
do this not that
Do you consider other’s opinions?
morning rush hour
the steaming coffee kettle
waits at the station
…
when we hear
someone’s perspective
on a topic or subject
don’t assume
it’s the only option
but that person’s suggestion
for us to consider
glow-in-the-dark
How nostalgic are you?
after the lights dim
the bedroom illuminates
with a stary night
…
sometimes it’s
seeing a discontinued product
hearing a short jingle
tasting a handmade dish
touching a landmark
that sparks our interest
and love of nostalgia
on our own
What autonomy do you have?
weaving branches
a beaver slaps it’s tail
on a masterpiece
…
figuring things out
when we are left with
only ourselves
to do the work
shows our autonomy
as well as the trust
other’s put in us
participation badge
What kind of award is important to you?
squirrels race
on the park bench
for the last peanut
…
perhaps we should start
awarding our kids
for their personal growth
instead of marking down
their self-esteem
if they make a simple mistake
as if the only point was to get a good grade
public, private, secret
What are you filling your life with?
coyote den
gone are the pups
badgers move-in
…
public lives
private lives
secret lives
we all have them
the only difference
is what we put into
each of them
taste buds
What food have you grown to love?
melting popsicle
a wooden plank dyed red
from the afternoon sun
…
our perception
of flavor and how food
and other things taste
evolves as we age
but may also indicate
underlying symptoms
we aren’t paying attention too
peace sign
What does peace mean to you?
flower festival
peace boulevard celebrates
hiroshima cries
…
making a symbol
that holds universal appeal
and spans generations
is no small undertaking
that we as the audience
can clearly see the sign’s
origin, inspiration, and design