August 25, 2012:   Today's painting is in
honor of Christopher Lane.

I did not choose this image. It chose me.

It kept tapping my shoulder from the moment
I heard the news of Christopher's unexpected
passing earlier this week...perhaps, partly due
to all the 'bird stories' Chris and I would swap.

Or perhaps it was because, in many cultures,
Crow is symbolic of spiritual strength and is the
keeper and messenger of the sacred. Crow is
also one of the most intelligent birds – very
mindful, with a complex language and the
ability to translate the mysteries of creation...
the unformed, into form. Crow understands its
mission in life, and reminds us to look for the
magic that is around us at all times...alive and
available, for us to manifest into creation.

Christopher embodied all of those qualities and
more. He brought much light into the world
through his generous spirit and boundless
energy. Thousands of lives have been
transformed through projects he created to
demonstrate the healing power of poetry
(NORAZ Poets, Young Voices Be Heard,
Alzheimer's Project, Poetry Out Loud, Poetry
Slams, etc.).

'Poetry is Necessary' is one of the messages
Chris brought forth. His bright spirit will live on
through his family, his poetry and the many
hearts he touched along the way.