Rise
like the phoenix
from the ashes
the order 
from the chaos
the new 
from the old

Rise
like the relentless love 
of a parent
the endless tide
of an ocean
the persistent growth
of an old oak tree

Rise
to the top
like the cream
in the cup
of your own
creative life

It matters not
the ashes
the chaos
the old
the confusion
uncertainty
or indirection

What matters most
in this unpredictable world
is that you rise 
to the beat
of your own drum
steeped
in love
singing
the lyrics
of your own song
laughing
at your own stupid jokes
forgiving
each change in the tide
you didn’t see coming
knowing
all the way
that the only way
to ride the winds of change
is your own dam way
in your own good time

.
.
.

I’m curious
what you see
in your life
that is rising
to the top
as the tide turns
and a new world 
emerges
like the lotus
through the mud
in a pond
of liberation
offering 
profound clarity
dare you care
to steep your feet
in the rising mud
long enough
to detox
the impurities
of your past
and unfurl
into a brand new
brave and beautiful
future
.
.
.

What images
come to you
as you peruse this painting
drink your coffee
and reflect
on your own
winds of change?
.
.
.