John Enright Larkspur, California

I have been fortunate to have three lives in my 70 years. Life #1: Psychologist, Practical Philosopher, Teacher; This life produced a book H.O.P.E. - Help Other People Effectively.Life #2: Passionate environmental speaker and author; this life produced the book IN OUR FACE: Impolite Essays on Humanity's War Against Our Children and The Earth. Life #3: A late-blooming poet of the Earth and the Self. This life found me my life-companion in Japan - Kyoko - and produced the book of poetry Growing Up at 64. If any of these books attract you, you can order them from me.

A Date With History The date palm grows in very rough terrain. With sandstorms, biting wind and lack of rain Hanging on survival's edge for much Of its long life. And that length of life May be its greatest problem! Four-score years Lie between the seed and the ripe fruit. So who would bother planting such a root? There seems to be no profit there for me! So consider what self-concept must there be In she who takes such trouble; when such a one Says "I," who must that "I" include? Her children and their children, and still more Must all be present, there in that great self. To plant a date-palm is an act of faith That 80 years from now there'll be an Earth, And it will be worth saving. This is the stand Toward life we all must take if we'd survive And prosper; well, how 'bout it, mates; Won't you come and help me plant some dates?

To Publish, Not to Publish Get thee behind me, Satan; Cease temptation! My mind is sprouting thoughts of publication Like poisonous mushrooms on the forest floor To put these poems out would open wide the door To a nasty bit of self-manipulation (I can almost taste my ego's jubilation) To turn this poetry into a whore; Seducing people, hoping they'll adore My cleverness and skill at smooth oration, And give my ego a stand-up ovation. I think I will indulge these thoughts no more. I only seek my soul's integration, And to contribute to Earth's Transformation, In fame and fortune, I'm happy to stay poor.

The Needle I know that, in the clutter called my life, In the tumbled haystack of my mind, There is a space of total innocence - Pristine, untouched, and fresh - original - Where I am one with you, and all-that-is. I can't live there - I rarely even get to visit. At times my certainty that it exists grows dim. But, small and secret though it is, I am sustained. The View From 65 How precious few the days that now remain. Should I complain that I woke up so late? Or thank you, God, that I woke up at all! With time still left to love, time to create. I'm living my life backward, so it seems. Most folk retire when it gets this late. But here I am, still chasing after dreams, And trying to make a difference in our fate.

John Enright welcomes e-mail.
All poems Copyright © 1996 John Enright. All rights reserved.