When my mind
Grows frantic
Unable to
Separate
One thought
From another
Enduring
A constant
Bombardment
Of words
Images
Sounds
An unexpected
Gentle breeze
Quiet song
Safe hug
Causes me
To be still
And pray
Hem me in
Simple words
Bringing rest
To the mind
And soul
The whole
Of me held
Together
Bordered
By a love
Unmistakable
And secure
“You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”
Psalm 139:5
Searching
For a smile
Through fog
And darkness
Although
Not yet visible
Trusting
It is there
Waiting for
Just the right
Moment
To appear
Glance to one side
And then the other
Still no smile
Stepping out
Of the car
Deep sigh
One more glance…
There it is!
A single strand
Of pink light
Between
The bluish grays-
I breathe deep
Smile back
Stood outside
In the rain
Today
Don’t do that
Often enough
Drops dampened
My dress
Frizzed
My hair
Cooled
My skin
The beginning
Farewell
Of Summer
Blurring with
The beginning
Hello
Of Fall
Not that
I would
Recommend
Standing
In the rain
Every day
Only every
Now and then
To wash away
What needs
Washing away
Rain began to fall right as school ended today. This made for a damp dismissal. I had a few moments of irritation but then thought of this common phrase; a little rain never hurt anyone.
It certainly did not hurt me today. And it reminded me how quickly the seasons pass.
Sharing two poems I wrote in a recent poetry circle facilitated by Ali Grimshaw https://flashlightbatteries.blog/. I continued to be amazed at the beautiful connections made across many miles over computer screens. ❤️
It is difficult
To remember
The me who
Once was seven
Do you find
The same
To be true?
Oh, there are
Glimpses
Flashes of
Childhood
Aided by
Photographs
The reciting
Of stories at
Family gatherings
I believe at seven
Happy outweighed sad
And freedom came
When swinging
To the sky
Then bravely
Jumping out
It is difficult
To remember
The me who
Once was seven
But I am grateful
For her spirit
Continuing
To reside in me
Even when
I’m afraid
To jump out
Of the swing
Hours spent
Together
Make me want
To remember
Not just the present
But every visit past-
Each block of time
Long or short
Places another box
Inside my heart
Tiny boxes
Full of surprises
To open when
Days are long
Mind-wandering
Tiny boxes
Fighting battles
Threatening
To take away
Focus, purpose, joy
Tiny boxes
Filled with
Memories
Of loving and
Being loved
Unable to see it directly
As I drive toward the east
Only a quick glance
In the rearview
Assures its
Appearance
Eyes back on the road
Lavenders
And pinks
Soon fill the sky
In my periphery
Both to the north
And to the south
Gradually blending
With the darkening
Indigo up ahead
Although unable
To see it directly
For a few moments
Sunset surrounds me
Sharing its splendor
Carrying me
Into the night
Leaving me ready
For peaceful rest
Sole of
My foot
Pressing
Against
Warm concrete
Rocking chair
Gently
Moving me
Back and forth
As I watch
Pines dance
Across the way
Strong-yet,
Graceful
One leaning
Into the next
And the next
Then back again
Their inspiration
Originating from
The same
Cool breeze
That graces
My face
I am alive
And although
There are no
Instruments
No melody
There is music
All the same
This song may not match the sentiments of this poem exactly. However, there is one line that stood out to me today. A line I had not given much thought to when I was younger. It really is the simple things.
“…and all your money won’t another minute buy.”
As the sky
Blends
Pink with
Bluish gray
And daylight
Begins to fade
A chorus of
Creatures
Greets the
Approaching
Darkness-
Frogs croak
Birds whistle
Crickets chirp
The whir of cicadas
Although hidden
From view
Their songs
Surround me
An audience of one-
The moment
I consider
Closing
My eyes
To listen
Closely
A gaggle
Of geese
Appears
Overhead
In perfect
Formation
Their voices
A final chorus
In this evening
Serenade
I wrote this poem a couple of weeks ago. It was one of those rare cool summer evenings. Tonight brings cooler temperatures once again, and along with it, the first hints of Fall. I wonder what those creatures think of that? 😉
How far is too far?
To travel
For one
Conversation
Over a meal
Or a cup of coffee
For one hug
Combining
Both greeting
And goodbye
Considering time
As the crucial
Measurement
These may
Seem minor
Unimportant
Except for years
Of living
That reveal
In certain times
With certain
Loved ones
That one conversation
Over a meal
Or a cup of coffee
That one hug
Combining
Both greeting
And goodbye
May hold the key
To a treasure trove
Of memories
Enough to
Last a lifetime
Face to face
Heart to heart
No thought
Given to
Time
Distance
Or the drive
There and back
Writing helps me process feelings. During one of my classes today, I decided to put that truth into practice. It wasn’t a terrible class, just loud. Lots of yelling at each other, mostly playing but foiling my attempts to teach songs/play instruments.
I could feel myself getting frustrated. So, I decided to try something different. I started a short music video, and I began to write. Some noticed, curious. And when the video ended, I explained what I had done.
I explained how writing helps me process my feelings. And that I was feeling frustrated. Then I read to them my words.
I love my job. But there are some moments. Especially the crazy ones that follow the awesome ones. The awesome ones are filled with music and laughter. So worth the energy.
I want each class to have that experience with me. To see the me that loves music. The me that loves life. The me that loves them. Not the me constantly saying, Sit down! Listen! Please don’t hit each other with the rhythm sticks or lick the dots on the floor. Maybe next time…
It was suddenly quiet. I had kept myself from overreacting. They were listening.
Reflecting back on the day, it was mostly the fun kind of exhausting. This was only one small piece. A piece I felt was worth sharing. Because perfection is never the goal. The goal is learning. Life-long learning. And sometimes the lesson is for the teacher. ❤
Both familiar
And strange
How can this be?
Blonde hair
Streaks of gray
Blue eyes
Edged with lines
Same smile
Pretty much
My reflection
Is not all
I wish it was
Certain changes
Cause that
Familiar smile
To shrink
Until I look
Intently
Beyond
Temporary
Revealing
What resides
Within
Beauty
And ashes
Alike
Evidence
Of life’s
Experiences
Accumulated-
You are
More than
The reflection
Staring back at you
Two instances led to this reflection. The first one, a photograph. One in which I did not like the way I looked. At least, certain parts of me. The second, a comment from a student. I answered the question, What year were you born? 1967. The response-Then how in the world are you still alive?
That made me laugh. And then it made me smile. There is so much more to this life than how I look on any given day. And though I need to take better care of myself, the unseen will always be more important than the seen. So, in case you have any doubts-You are more! ❤️
Piano Girl 