“Concentrate on what you want to say to yourself and your friends. Follow your inner moonlight; don’t hide the madness. You say what you want to say when you don’t care who’s listening.” Allen Ginsberg
Follow your inner moonlight! I like this from Ginsberg. Sharing it because Campbell’s “follow your bliss” is getting a bit tired and madness and moonlight have a certain perverse appeal … meanwhile …
You’ll note in the photo above that it’s raining here (storming actually), too heavy in some parts (flooding) and yet not enough in others. Having said that, it looks like we will actually get some relief from our years of drought. Maybe this summer won’t as hot and dry as the last few.

DROUGHT-FULL
it’s “drought-full” she says,
my japanese friend –
as though it were “dreadful”
which it is, dreadful
the five-year drought
i hunger for rain
drought-full, she says again
pensive, as we stroll B Street
in search of a café, a mojito
sugar, mint, caffeine, ice!
a black gentleman passes
with a nod at her he says
. . . . .Nǐ Hǎo
shizuko keeps walking,
. . . . .says nothing
the man looks puzzled, a bit hurt
he’d meant a courtesy,
greeting her in chinese,
i stop, rest my hand on his arm
“she’s japanese,” i say
by way of explanation,
he smiles then, and
on we walk, shizuko and me
on this hot drought-full day
seeking relief in a mojito
© 2015, poem and photograph, Jamie Dedes, All rights reserved
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This reminded me of an animated show that Mira and I watch sometimes, called “Ni Hao, Kai-lan.” She and I are learning a little Chinese…yeye is the word for grandfather! 🙂 I hope your part of the country gets all the rain it needs to eliminate the bad drought-full conditions, Jamie. And Happy New Year, my friend! xo
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That’s sweet. She’s a darling. Happy New Year, Gayle to you and yours. Wish you every good thing in 2017. xo
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Thank you, Jamie. Wishing the same for you in 2017. xo
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Lovely, Jamie. I like “droughtful”! And I love that you took a moment to explain your friend to the stranger, fostering good will.
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Thanks, Linda! Have been thinking of you and wondering how you are doing in this rain. Will call.
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What a beautiful poem, Jamie. My heart is hanging onto it – I think I’ll go back for one more read.
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What a beautiful kind thing to say, Pat. I don’t know if I wished you happy 2017 yet … but I do. Be well.
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Thank you, Jamie. So far I have been able to turn off the TV and find a lot of happiness. Together we can work to find joy and good-body-days during this very unsettling year.
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Yes! We just have to stick together and hold to our ideals. We can turn this around. I have to believe that. Thanks for your good sweet energy, Pat.
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