​They sail along, like jeweled boats,
On gently rocking waves,
A fleet to treat all watching eyes,
That scan the pond for faves.

This stately line of feathered kind
A silent mystery streams
As grace and beauty on parade
Surpass the best of dreams.

Abundant though the Canada Geese,
A special charm they bear;
The whitish scarf tied high and proud
Is flag to life we share.

While countries sit in boundaries drawn
Of places and their names,
These birds remind a greater truth:
Pervasive soul remains.

​Apparently, the correct usage of neither nor and either or can be tricky in some cases, and applying the rule of having the verb match the closest noun may feel uncomfortable. Here’s another way of thinking about it, bearing in mind that the exception proves the rule.


When "either or" and "neither nor”
Meet subjects who implore,
The second subject through the door
Is given favor more.

“Since Jack and Jill live near the hill,
They climb together still;
But neither Jack nor friends of Jill
Are sure that she is real.”

“If either they or he inquires,
Proceed as if through briars,
For neither you nor Jill aspires
To swell the ranks of liars.”

​Like flattened orbs of perfect orange,
They sit atop a platter,
With skirted stems beneath and hidden,
As smooth as globes of butter.

Of tempting size for hands that pocket,
They charm us all to sample,
Delight in flesh divinely flavored,
With tastes of heaven ample.

Persimmons there so very favored
Have non-astringent nature.
Their type is Fuyu, ever beauteous;
Great appetites they cater.

In various forms of fair consumption, 
From freshly crisp to softened
Or leathery dried or semi-frozen,
These fruit have much enlivened.

So now we raise a toast in honor
And cheer the merry berry,
Persimmon wine on this occasion
Outshining any sherry.

​The music of the universe
Is played by hands unseen,
And rather than for ears to hear
Is felt by souls most keen.

Suspend the senses one by one;
Be confident in heart;
Then breathe as if to life inhale,
From naught to stay apart.

The quiet tells of peacefulness,
Melodious in its truth;
The stillness and sedated sight,
Of harmony to soothe.

To live in tune, to resonate,
Allow yourself to flow;
The music of the universe 
Has meaning you will know.

​The spirit lifts in gratitude
With every step outside;
The heart expands in harmony,
With breaths now deep and wide.

The eyes alight on every sight,
With views reflecting will.
Olfactory senses come online,
And ears responsive thrill.

With each advance, the pulse of Earth
Reminds of greater life,
And gentle breezes rush to tease
With tastes of nature rife.