The birds, for a moment, are still and silent,
Dark against the sky this summer morning,
While she places her hand against my cheek,
Soft and gentle, welcoming me to her place.
After decades as an expatriate in Europe, Rick Kuenning lives in western North Carolina. His work reflects a keen interest in nature, art, culture, and religious studies. It also draws on a long career in international relations and national policy. His creativity is often sparked by dialogue with other poems. He is awed by nature, angered by injustice, and moved by the stories of those whose voices are not heard.