Friends . . . they surround me with inspiration and affirm my life.

Friends are our chosen gifts in life. Some have been with us since childhood or school days. Some came into our lives during times of spiritual growth or life changing events. We find ourselves attracted to certain people as our lives unfold and we seem to choose friends who support who we are and how we see ourselves. We choose them also, because we feel love and connection in their presence. There are those who even replace our scattered families and perhaps there will be one at our deathbed holding our hand. Friendships are a vital part of being human. Without them, life could never be the same.

I met my friend Patricia during a spiritual renewal years ago, a time of life that invigorated both us and our spouses as well as the new community we formed. Her essence has never changed, yet she continues to grow in age and grace. No stranger to strife nor suffering, she has transformed her wounds into healing hands and shamanic gifts for the benefit of so many.

Perhaps you'll feel her spirit here in my poem for her:

Patricia Fair of Heart


I have seen you enter
that space reserved for few,
silent, protected by the Light.

On your palms, the stars rest
a token mark that claims you
for the good of all.

You have journeyed with the cross
mountains high and rivers deep
furrowed places in your heart.

Echoes of the goddess song
are resonating deep within waiting
to unravel your spirit ribbons.


Can you see now?
The time is near, the season has arrived
for blessings of the Holy One.

Long enough this walk on stone
long enough the yearning to be free
and light as the heron . . .

Muse bird of the gods
the long legged one who slices water
unannounced with mystic dance.

So for you, the gift of healing
for you, the gift of light
for you, this song on heron's wings.


Joanne Cucinello © 2007

Moving On

This road
is the one
you should take ~
he said.

And I looked
far down
to its bend
around the trees
not knowing
what
my eyes would find.

The silent oaks stood
tall and strong
their branches
dropping graceful
leaves along the path
beckoning ~

my soft foot
to take a chance
and follow
the unknowing curve
that mirrored
my life.


Joanne Cucinello


Every time I find a winding road, I think of how different my life would be if I chose not to walk the path I did. The unknowing is really a blessing if you trust the spirit within . . . if you learn to recognize the voice of God and how that voice speaks to you. It's different for everyone . . . but it's always there.

The Breath of God

I've often wondered what my life would be, had I never followed the wind that blew through my soul. Somehow I learned very early that something else existed within me, something undeniably real yet intangeable. I believe it to be my spirit, my spirit . . . which is one of many, a seed of God.

My life took many turns and roads appeared, forked always, along the way. Decisions, that would change me forever, the yes's and no's that opened and closed the doors before me . . . were prompted by this spirit and so made my life. The breath of God keeps me alive to do what I was born for, and that is . . . to share my words, my light and my love. I am just one, one of many lights, many loves and many words . . . but I am Me.

And so Spirit, move me . . .

Stand there
at the mirror
try it at dawn
try it fresh rolled out
of covers' warmth.
Get past the outer shell
that like the sun
rises with a new light daily.
Get past the drool
that's stuck to your morning lip.
Get past it all!
Go to the eyes,
deep into them.
You'll find what never changes . . .
those eyes, reflecting your soul.

Joanne Cucinello 2008