Eric Barr
ERIC BARR taught acting and directing and was the Chairman of the UCR Theatre Department. He created UCR’s MFA in creative writing and writing for the performing arts. He was the Artistic Director of the Porthouse Theatre and taught at the Stella Adler Conservatory, and worked as an acting coach with the National Theatre of the Deaf. Since surviving a series of strokes, Barr has written a one-man show about his surgeries, hospitalizations, and rehab. His podcasts on stroke recovery can be found at http/www.apieceofmymind.net
BIRDS FLY ROCKS FALL
October 14, 2023
Sometimes while chasing
a luscious bug to eat
Or blinded by the reflection of the sun
A bird will accidentally fly into the
Living room picture window
It floats to the porch
Unconscious
Or dead
With a delicate thud.
How many times have I
Been stopped cold
Chasing something
I want right now
Blinded by beauty, by the flesh
Only to crash into an invisible force
Right in front of me
And my fall is loud
As elbows, knees, and head bounce on the
Ground
I still have the bruises
Who among us has not run into
unforeseen consequences
Or a rock-solid conscience
During a pursuit
When blinded by a Promise,
Blinded by desires, hopes, or dreams.
I Know that pursuing my desires can be dangerous.
But never pursuing anything
Would break my spirit.
