http://www.steveswriting.com Some of Steve Imparl's writing published on the Web Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:51:32 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en December snow is falling on the ground; A howling wind is blowing it around. I'm in my office, safe and dry and warm Without a reason to engage the storm. At least not 'til the evening when I must Depart and walk and ride the train and bus. The little boy in me wants just to ... http://www.steveswriting.com/poems/some-thoughts-triggered-by-the-snow-on-december-3-2009/ (Originally Published in Newsweek Japan, December 4, 2002, pp. 54-55) “Beep…beep…beep…beep,” my alarm clock sounded on a sunny, clear morning in mid-October, 2001. A warm breeze blew through the open window. Birds chirped happily in the backyard. Outside, the day was starting very well. There was only one problem: I could not get out ... http://www.steveswriting.com/experience/into-the-abyss-and-back/ It has been a difficult week for me.  Fritz, my friend Mark's beloved cat, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2009, after suffering a few weeks from an illness of the liver.  Although Fritz lived with Mark, and not with me, he touched my life during the short time I ... http://www.steveswriting.com/dogs/remembering-fritz-and-other-beloved-pets/ They fall gently on the January branch. Taking their places, they recline Among their siblings, As they start their frozen slumber In the day’s last light. They remain, still and sleeping, Until the spring’s first bird Coos to rouse them From their chilly nap. Upon awakening to the sun’s gentle kiss, They drip softly to the earth And water the thirsty, ... http://www.steveswriting.com/poems/snowflakes/ She looks at the world through artistic eyes: In darkness, she sees a glimmering light; In fog, she finds the sun. Through tears, she still sees smiles That greet her warmly and welcome her. Though she has lived forever, She wears the sweet face of a maiden. Her years of pain and sadness Have not made her bitter. No, ... http://www.steveswriting.com/poems/woman-of-vision/ I was inspired to write this after reading "Credo of a Best Friend," in Ken Druck, The Secrets Men Keep (New York: Ballantine Books, 1985), pp. 135-136. This is a statement of principles by which I try to live and to honor my close male friends. ... http://www.steveswriting.com/men/a-best-friends-creed/ I've looked deeply into the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. He taught people about love, compassion, peace, righteousness, justice, and mercy. To see stuff like this article disturbs me. So much of what passes for Christianity these days seems really to be missing important points of Jesus' ... http://www.steveswriting.com/christmas/meeting-jesus-at-the-airport-some-thoughts-and-a-story-about-christmas/