In our world of media, this is a Poem that represents the collision between narcism, needing validation and our cultural addiction to connection, leading to our increasing social isolation. The Eyes of Medusa Who has seen the eyes of Medusa? Ugliness so profound it turns your human shell to stone The same ugliness rooted in self-hate A paradox to behold when vanity infects your vision of the world Who has lead your soul to the reflective pond? A “selfie”, “facebook post”, “instagram”; imagery to be worshiped Who is the nemesis that draws us toward this curse? So strong is the pull, the internal death is slow and insidious A cruel irony; insatiable hunger for validation An eternally empty bowl A world moves on without us the lure pulls you towards the waters edge like an invisible rope around our neck Transfixed by our very own insecurities Time shows itself soon enough Once stunning and youthful The ultimate paradox Staring at your reflection to realize you are looking into the eyes of Medusa Carl Meadows February …

There are many times in life where there is something emotional and visceral going on within ourselves and the perception of events supersede the reality; This is where fear and possibility meet~Life’s great intersection. The Spiders Lair As I stood on the precipice and opened my wings My heart began to dance and my soul to sing With boundless possibilities and an open sky I stepped out from the ledge, and closed my eyes The wind pulled me up and the current gave me a lift Who would have thought the winds, would suddenly shift? What seemed like a lifetime, would abruptly stop Suddenly peering into haunting eyes, stuck in one spot Shards of color canvas resting in unfamiliar bundles Night seemed like day, and day seemed like night Waiting in fear of the terrible bite Time became endless and glaring became normal Would I die in this place, or realize my dreams of tomorrow Would these eyes even care to see my possibility and hope Or would it focus on spinning me with the …

Here is the story of a man who said yes (Jim Deva) to my request in 2001 to go door-to-door collecting funds for the Aaron Webster Reward Fund. We eventually collected 12,000 and had the Police Board match the donations. Prior to this, the Vancouver City Police were not allies of the gay community. The work with the Vancouver City Police, Jim Deva and myself was the epicentre for the Community Policing Offices, and the GLBT Liaison Position with the Police. At his memorial service I realized how much the world changed. His-story I heard his-story fall on the floor today I scrambled to put the memories in sequence Those early days when we didn’t understand the magnitude of our calling Standing in the fierce wind of resistance We were not alone The vision was transforming in front of our eyes I heard history fall on the floor today and cried with joy The world changed and we forgot to thank her Today was one thousand thank-yous Carl Meadows September 27, 2014

This is a Poem about friendship and letting go. Sometimes we have Friendships that last a lifetime and some are there for just a moment or two. Its about learning to live and enjoy the moments. Here is a poem that speaks to wanting to feel like we belong, yet knowing fate has its own course to take. Petal The glistening sun on your vibrant cluster of beauty made your petals seem like forever The fragrance, the colour, the magnificence The wind seemed unrelenting in its force When the storm had passed, I saw half of what was, remaining Scrambling to pick up the petals, I knew it was only time As I held you in my hands, I knew I had no moisture to save you The salt from my body would burn your tender skin No antidotes left Your edges started to turn inward, and I knew then, you needed to go I closed my eyes and remembered what was so beautiful and complete And I needed to let you go where there …

This is a poem about the Journey of Confidence. Most of us can relate to second guessing yourself, even if your life is full of validation and what others see as success. Its about our own journeys of transformation and learning that beauty is an internal light. Mr. Confidence I met Mr. Confidence the other day, I looked at his reflection and walked away I left behind the handsome face Hoping the image would stay that way As I walked through the door, he disappeared Leaving me breathless, filled with fear What if they see the man that I am? Vulnerable, wise, a fool Who was I, that Mr. Confidence showed his face? I’m just an average guy, with average ways Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; Only if the beholder holds their own beauty What will I need to have my cup filled up; a stare, an advance, an unwavering glance? Will he show up, when I need him the most Or will he disappear when I’m on my own How will …