The Kitchen Party

dedicated to "Great Big Sea" of Newfoundland, with special thanks to Darrell, Alan, Sean and Bob for including us Americans in the celebration of today's promise. Family not by blood, mentors without chalk or chalkboard, they talk friendship by distance made lasting. How the heart beats gladly! There is no stranger love. The common bond’s for sale on ply board displays.  Squares transparent, monogrammed shirts are wares of no cares, a future debated: navy blue or baby? hues of simple pleasures unanticipated. On waves once familiar, not of blood, but of wind,  We are mariners without compass, without fear, bemused by jigs and reels, and a voice that rings clear by distance made lasting. Were we ever a part, exiled, stranded from hope, of their reason to be, ever stumbling in shoes far from home, counting on futures unconverted, no longer debated: navy blue or baby? schooled to believe in a fish bowl of broken dreams, tabby on the outside looking in. Yet we stand clear after years bonded by the swell that propels our feet, our minds, our hearts. How the heart beats gladly proud to be a part of the wake that never ends, the clearing that never closes, the celebration of what we hold inside. There is no stranger, love. Written March 19th, 2002 © on Mar 19 2002 04:44 AM PST   0 • 8