Peaches for a Pie

The thin blade of my knife

slips easily into the sweet flesh

of the peaches.

My fingers and palms

are covered in the thick slickness

as the skins and pits fall into the sink

and I slice the fruit into the curve 

of the blue glass bowl.

My hips lean into the counter

to do this quiet summer chore

and I can't help the thought of your mouth

that enters the dim light of the afternoon kitchen.

What my hands could offer

that empty fasting place

with one simple gesture

like priest to believer.

And in that moment of faith

I disappear into sugar,

flour and butter I cut so small

no one will notice

the stutter in my breath

as the shadow of awakening

slips his hands

around my waist

and whispers love 

into my ear.

Stone Placed in Palm Before Dawn

I place a smooth stone
in the center of my palm
before I walk
as a reminder of the place of love
from which I come.

The gritty surface of her cool skin
will guide her belly skillfully
onto the waiting partner
to balance and hold that sturdy structure
where sanctuary begins.

They pray together, embracing under the sun,
as their exact selves—
no pressure to be anything
but the vessel collecting wisdom
in the small spaces chipped into the hardness
like truth always manages to do.

Hard won reward
is the act of kindness they offer each other
in the quiet of this spirit place
and the eyes, naturally, stay open
to watch every moment bloom
on the alter of the soul.

The safe harbor of this beautiful garden refuge
is enough to give strength and courage
to the rest of each cacophonous day.

Gathering Hope

Watch me as I fall in love with the sky again—
that dreamy place that spills its contents of fire and heat
into these watery pools of light.

The shiny coins are hot and glowing
with the wealth of the approaching darkness.

I want to hide in these places
where anyone can gather hope
into a few honest words and glances
overflowing with reason
to live dancing in the moment of prayer
where each step toward the window
laughs with taking flight
and the companionship of wind
is expected.

Blow softly on the coals of the lowest burner
and ignite the eager kindling.
If you coax the flames
and make a ritual
of the breath and body,
only the heavens will know
how much you have given of your soul
to stand awake on the edge of the fire
and the enlightened ones
will lift your bright, beautiful celebration
into the stars to join joy with eternity
until all horizons become one final sunset.

Dream at the End of Summer

In the dream of another life
you slip beneath my skin
like my husband
late for a train

in a distant land
at dawn.
Your body tucks itself neatly
around the length of my arms

and down the backs of my legs,
the prayer silent light
that eases into the palms of my hands
like the rustle of wooden beads

and the whisper of a name
inside the words of this poem.
I gather you there,
as if you were the last bouquet of summer,

black-centered Susans stare boldly
tracing the curve of my foot
and milkweed cocoons, the springs wound tightly
around silky seeds, with her sister asters

the promise of a brilliant, peppery autumn
in the kitchen of my mind.

Forgive me for awakening
in the patterns sketched inside
the surface of your heart’s chambers,
but I have been called to be your humble servant

and to carry your tired soul
to the end of forever
if only to watch the sun set
in the closing of your eyes.

The Ocean Calls to Her Sisters in the Dark of an August Night

This air hangs down the skin of my back
like the veil of a new bride

or the gauzy covering over the face of a dancer who waits to fly
like the orange crescent that hangs in the dark of an August night.

The ocean rages against these summer shores
even as the sun shines on the face of the sky.

She is unable to contain her restless discontent
and calls out over the miles of trees and rolling hills

to the sisters she will stir to action
now that there is no reason to be silent.

Change is constant as a heartbeat in her depths
and less painful than giving birth to the tears

that erode days into years of squandered breath and broken peacemaking
with warriors who will not lay down their swords.

I make ready in these dark dunes to cross over sand and waters
to a new land where love is never rationed or reserved

but blooms in abundant beauty under the soft warmth of reason,
patience, and kindness beyond any heavenly dreaming.

A MULTI-CASE STUDY OF PRIMARY CIRCUMSTANCES AND LIFE EXPERIENCES CONTRIBUTING TO THE CAREERS OF FEMALE PRESIDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS IN NEW ENGLAND
by
Leigh C. Marthe

Abstract

Early in 2007, the American Council on Education (ACE) released the results of their 20th anniversary edition of The American College President. In this study it is identified that only 23% of all college presidents are women, up from 18% just ten years prior. Though the ACE research shares significant insights into the world of women president through statistical analysis, this study intends to inform the larger body of knowledge concerning women in uppermost leadership roles in higher education in the context of qualitative research. By understanding through qualitative research conducted through individual, face-to -face interviews with five female college and university presidents in New England, this study asked the subjects of the research to describe the life and career experiences that enhanced and/or hindered their success in achieving their leadership roles in higher educational settings. This research replicated research done by Smith (2004) in her dissertation entitled “A Multi-Case Analysis of Perceived Circumstances and Life Experiences Contributing to the Presidential Ascent of Mississippi Female College and University Presidents” in which it was recommended that future, regionally diverse studies might reveal patterns identifiable to others interested in pursuing leadership roles. In this New England study, the women interviewed offered insights into their backgrounds and education, career opportunities, and mentoring relationships, as well as refection on how self-esteem, personal and professional skills, and goals for future experiences offered opportunities to succeed. The results of the research revealed negative gender bias, lack of formal mentoring or training, and relationships on all levels of experiences impacting the smoothness of their transitions into leadership roles.

Just heard this song today for the first time in a really long time and forgot how much I love it. Had to find the lyrics and put them up here. . .Ahhh! The Cure. . .thank you for these heartfelt words.

Lovesong - The Cure

  Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am home again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am whole again

Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am young again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am fun again

However far away
I will always love you
However long I stay
I will always love you
Whatever words I say
I will always love you

I will always love you

Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am free again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am clean again

However far away
I will always love you
However long I stay
I will always love you
Whatever words I say
I will always love you

I will always love you