A sweet aroma calls
But no one is allowed
In the kitchen
Until it’s time-
Mind focused
Hands steady
Intentionally reaching
For each ingredient
Knowing the use
Of certain seasonings
Expresses feelings
Difficult to put into words-
Dinner’s ready! Come fix your plate!
Tired, satisfied, he sits
Watching, listening
Waiting to see if the flavor
Conveys the richness
Of the love with which
The meal was prepared-
Ah! Sweet silence
Do you have someone in your life who loves to cook? Not just for the sake of cooking, but as a sign of love for those receiving. I’m beginning to understand, as a recipient, the meaning behind the words-Everyone out! 😉❤️
Sawdust
I see your light
Seems impossible
You are no longer here-
I cannot hear your voice
Or hold your hand
Hands rough from years
Of hard work-carpentry
I see your light
As surely as the
Smell of sawdust
From freshly cut wood
Carries me back to
My childhood and you
Just getting home from work
I see your light
In everything you built
A tiny birdhouse
Your grandson’s toybox
Our family home
Churches near and far
I see your light
Reflected in all those
You loved so dearly-
How I wish
I could see your face
How I miss my sweet Dad! There are tears some days. But there are precious memories everyday. ❤️
I wrote this poem in a recent poetry circle. Thankful for such a beautiful, safe space that allows me to be me.
Simply Sunday
Which Question
After my arrival
Before my passing
How many seeds will I sew?
Whether scattered haphazardly
In knee-jerk reactions
To daily irritations or
Carefully sewn in love
With the intent to encourage
Both have the power to grow-
Seeds of frustration
Burrow deep
Expanding the crevices
In despairing hearts
Seeds of kindness
Take hold
Increasing hope
For healing hearts-
Truthfully, the results
Are not mine to know
Only my intent realized
Right before or right after
The seeds leave my hands-
After my arrival
Before my passing
What type of seeds will I sew?
Necessary Companions
Though its comings and goings
Are fairly gradual
It sometimes seems
To disappear in a snap
Leaving us to wonder
How it gave in so quickly
To its counterpart-
Not sure they are friends
Light and dark
But their cooperation
Is necessary
For our survival
One allowing us to rest
And sleep, and dream
Freeing space
In our hearts and minds
To notice a beautiful
Brushstroke of the other
As it paints pink across
Smiling sunrise clouds
Simply Sunday
Rocks and Trees
A highway lined
With Aspen groves
Their golden leaves
Smiling golden smiles
Covering me with affection
A winding road lined
With massive boulders
In their current state
Of stacked strength
Covering me with shade-
Different, yet each
Conveys the feeling
Of being snuggly wrapped
In my favorite blanket-
Warmth and security
Sometimes come from
The most surprising places
Two Different Things
Facing my fears-
Does that mean the same
As overcoming them?
I don’t think so
It doesn’t feel that way
In the moment
Perhaps they’re two
Different things-
Understanding fear’s roots
Proves helpful
And yet, the feelings
Do not simply vanish
Anxious, irrational fears
Of once again being
Out of control
Suddenly flood
Every part of my body-
Time to stop
Take a breath
Sit down
Look directly ahead
Or, if necessary
Close my eyes
Allow tears to fall
And that is ok-
It is helpful to have
Someone next to me
Someone I trust
Who will say
You are safe
It’s ok to close your eyes
You can open your eyes now
And when I step out
Of my comfort zone
Even just a little says
I’m so proud of you!
Fade to Blur
A beautiful blue design
On a soft white backdrop
Graced the morning sky-
Like a cherished dish
Whose intricate pattern has
Grown dull over time
From years spent
Holding tasty treats
Before being gently washed
Then carefully put away-
Though the design has faded to blur
The memories held
Remain clear and strong-
It may seem impossible
After so much time has passed
But certain recollections
Plant themselves deeply-
Like visiting Grandma
For a cup of coffee and a piece
Of her chocolate cake
Baked with a secret ingredient
What was that secret ingredient?
Well, that’s my memory
Simply Sunday
We celebrated our girl with a beautiful bridal shower this weekend! Her Aunt Paula transformed our home into boho sunflower magic! And her Aunt Andrea and Cousin Hannah made sure we had lots of tasty treats. The coffee punch was especially yummy!
Watching my daughter open gifts, and listening to sweet conversations was surreal. Impossible to take it all in. Another reminder of the joyful steps on this journey.
The image in my mind is clear
Not even this misty morning
Can push it away-
You are standing
In the living room
Wearing your new
Purpley-pink cape
A crown and plastic heels-
Your precious curls
And sweet smile
Posing for a picture
But I see more than a picture
I’m suddenly back in time
Sitting on the couch
Smiling back at my sweet girl-
Another shift, and I am
Once again seated
Watching you in amazement
Precious curls and a sweet smile
No longer wearing dress-up clothes
Now, standing in your wedding dress
A beautiful bride, always my sweet girl
Toward Home
Brave steps
Only a few
Before glancing
Back toward home-
Home, that place
Of security
Holding and pushing
A beautiful ebb and flow-
You are seeking
Freedom
Independence
While she watches
Searching for the balance
Between protecting
And letting go
It’s not an easy trek
But wrapped in love
The path will show itself-
Your head tilts slightly
Curiosity taking its
Rightful Place
In your thoughts
She smiles curiously
Joy taking its
Rightful Place
In her heart
Simply Sunday
Mountain Lessons
Majestic, monumental
Mysterious, picturesque
Even these words feel
Inadequate when describing
The view of the mountain while sitting in the valley-
Both are beautiful
In their own respect
And I would imagine reactions vary
Depending on the one searching-
For me, the valley is peaceful
Colorful meadows, waving
Mountain lakes, reflecting
Three-hundred-sixty-degree views
Even before my eyes move
Upward toward the peaks-
Standing on the pinnacle
Peering downward
Into the valley
I am reverent, respectful, fearful
The magnitude and elevation
Melding into a wave of emotions
I cannot explain-
Only the truth of my smallness
In our beautiful and broken world
Piano Girl 