Afganistan. Seems to me that poppies finance the taliban but if we destroy the poppy fields we just impoverish the farmers and earn thair antagonism. Why, I have thought, not just pay very high prices anf buy all the poppies thus depriving the Taliban and enriching the farmers? The farmers would love us and the taliban would crumble.

another poem:

Laughter spreads meaning
It encloses tenderness
Even when we reach too far
and fall.

Each day opens space for light
Driving back ignorance
Lifting the curtain
So that the play begings.

You are tenderly touching,
Reching and holding possibilities
Including warm delights and
Whispers of relief.

Oh my. Yes indeed! It's coming
te comet of traanscendence
Carrying songsof joy
the heart beat of grace.

Bill westley--Feb 19, 08