Possibly the best compliment I've ever received

My brother texted me this today: "In training we shared our heros.  Everyone was pretty emotional.  I shared you."

When I heard her sing "I Want You" by Bob Dylan in the shower,

something changed

Thoreau

"Every spirit builds itself a house, and beyond it's house a world, and beyond it's world a heaven. Know then that the world exists for you. For you is the phenomenon perfect. What we are, that only we can see...build therefore your own world. As fast as you conform your life to the pure idea in your mind, that will unfold its great proportions."

"When any scorn your love, let them see plainly that you serve not them but another. If these bars are up, go your way to other of God's pastures."

Florence: Siete bella!

Most definitely a city of love. It's thick in the air. I can see it in the way the lovers kiss in the park without lust or violence. The way people steadily ride their bicycles. The tone in the voices of the women. Random smiles are returned. The Duomo is incredibly intricate. An architectual act of passion. No, I don't think there's anything like this in the U.S. But it's not something I can convey to you. You would just have to come here yourself.

I could get used to this very easily.

Don't be fooled by the rocks that I got, I'm still Jesus from the block

Went to the Vatican Museum today. A lot of art depicting violent battles, a sad skinny Christ and popes with smiles with everyone from paupers to kings bowing before them. Is this the essence of Catholicism? Lots of extravagance, lots of money spent here. I couldn't help but wonder where this power came from...did the Crusades have something to do with it? Possibly. Remember those fashionable lanyards from about 7 years ago: What Would Jesus Do? I think that the Catholic church should have pondered this a bit more over the years. Would Christ approve of these castle-like monuments being built in his name? I'm not denouncing Catholicism altogether. I think Mother Theresa is a great example Catholicism at it's best. Also, on the streets just outside of the Vatican City I saw a monk kneeling down and talking to a homeless youth. This is how I like to see Catholicism. And while I'm on the topic, does anyone else think Pope Benidict XVI looks evil as hell? May God bless us all.

Letter to Dublin

Dear Dublin,
I've seen your pubs, where the stout is your blood. The music of the old harp rings far and wide like your rolling green mountains. Voices howl with humility and smiles, a spirit that can't be defeated saying "We're all in it together, come what may..."
And I've seen your clubs, where you paint a mask on and sell yourself as bait and place yourself on the hook. You learn and obediently recite the songs from the falling empire. Can you not realize you're quieting your own heart? I can see this happening, don't you?
Only because you've charmed me so greatly I write this letter to you. Turn back now! Avoid the stagnant water and recognize it's effect on the fight that's born into you. Let the mandolins and flutes sing your joy and sadness.
Thanks for everything.

Jeremiah

The Italian Girl

She sank into my shoulder like red wine

Calm and desperate

As the last light of the sunset

Both children, both parents

Cradling one another

Her ancient eyes dangling

And her face was long

The room danced around us