BIO
David Martin is the founder and managing editor of Fine Lines, a non-profit quarterly journal that has published creative writing by “young authors of all ages” since 1992. All writers are welcome to submit their poetry, prose, photography, and artwork. This publication has printed work by authors from all fifty states and forty-three other countries. The website (www.finelines.org) has more information about submission guidelines and a sample journal to view. He has published two books of essays and poetry (Facing the Blank Page and Little Birds with Broken Wings), which may be found at Boutique of Quality Books.
Where I Stand
No longer a bibliophile
I leave my cloister
to rejoice in different lands
and imagine my dreams becoming real
where no problem is too tough
no greed
no pain
no sadness
my pusillanimous nature left behind
warmth and happiness abound
no longer you and me
only us
the chutzpa and ethos of rugged individualism evaporates
as sore muscles accomplish worthwhile goals
believing what I see
seeing what I believe
with precious sweat
and long hours
the pain of now
becomes tomorrow’s bliss
forgiveness and compassion turn into oxygen
the adult reclaims the child
the journey becomes the reward
each day an adventurous smorgasbord
to work at one’s passion turns sweat into prayer
as the universe continues to expand
into endless dawns and bountiful harvests
accepting existence in all of its grace
called to each diurnal task
my voice
speaks truth
not offending — not offended
mental pabulum turns into kaleidoscopic colors
creating beauty
and simple wisdom
in my heart’s burning chalice
translated it says
“Come in.
What is your story?
How may I help?”
living what I believe every day
with a sumptuous flood of energy
in a web of good
This is where I stand
This Moment
I am a little bird
with broken wings, afraid of the future.
My cracked dreams flutter, lack direction,
and refuse to take flight.
When I struggle to find purpose,
it is not necessary to travel 4,000 miles for a perfect photograph
or seek answers in barbaric places where crisis rules.
Destiny will take care of itself.
It only takes 39 digits of pi
to calculate the circumference of the universe
to an accuracy the size of a hydrogen atom,
yet, I spend little time measuring the boundary of my heart.
When the community counts and respect for truth rules,
where people meet to find the best among them is holy ground.
The urgent must not displace the important,
and there is no substitution for amputated spirits.
Not yesterday. Not tomorrow.
Not history. Not mystery
Today is the focus.
I am grateful, now.
I didn’t come this far to go somewhere else,
and my little corner of the world brightens.
In the trying, the healing happens.
This moment is the answer.
*****
