I don’t want to leave.
But leaving is
part of living.
A visit to my
childhood home,
means leaving my
current home.
Not a permanent
leaving, only a
temporary absence.
But that visit,
sweet as it may be,
adds to my collection
of memories.
An album already full
to overflowing.
That’s the beauty
and the heartache.
A lingering hug
that says Stay awhile–
No way of knowing when
we will have another.
Tag: childhood
Interesting Companions
We walk down the sidewalk.
Our shadows lead the way.
This time, we walk with our shoes on.
Not my preference,
But the cement is hot
from the midday sun.
It would surely burn
your little feet.
Strange, how your shadow
makes you look older-
Mine only makes me look taller.
Interesting companions, our shadows.
They seem to listen as you chatter.
Your sweet voice echoes against
the neighbor’s fence.
Do you see your shadow? I ask.
But you keep walking
and chattering and laughing.
Oh, to be innocent again,
paying no attention to those shadows.
Your only concern?
Walking, chattering, and laughing
in the bright summer sun.
Highly Recommend
Circus-like music follows
a brief safety announcement.
Like magic, the ride begins to spin.
Music fades as laughter grows.
Waiting in line, I notice
Intricately carved horses,
ornate benches, a tiger,
even a whimsical giraffe!
This rider is not a child.
But for a few minutes, a child at heart.
Temporarily transported to childlike days.
Days when playful innocence
served as a protective shield
against the weight of the world.
If you happen to pass by
a carousel, hop on!
And if it happens to have
your favorite animal,
no other choice will do!
When researching things to do in Spokane, Washington, the Looff Carousel caught my eye. Dating back to 1909, its beautiful wood-carved animals stand in a perfect circle. Patiently waiting for their next rider.
When the opportunity arrived, I hesitated. Would I feel silly riding a carousel by myself? Maybe a little, but it was worth it! And by the way, the giraffe is my favorite animal. 😉🦒
Simply Sunday
Around Here
Welcome! Have you visited the park before?
Oh, yes. I grew up around here.
Well, welcome back!
Kind words, friendly smiles.
Surrounded by nature.
Glass walls for viewing.
Birds flitting from tree to tree.
Squirrels scurrying across rocks.
Giant pines swaying, drawing eyes
toward slabs of slate lining the mountain.
I remember the views from above.
The world below seemed smaller
and bigger at the same time.
Perhaps I need to experience
that view again. An observer,
with added wisdom?
But for today, I’ll simply
enjoy the memory of
growing up around here.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park 💚
Considering Blue
Have you considered
how many shades of blue
grace the sky in a single day?
Some are so deep and mysterious,
my eyes can hardly look away.
Reminds me of the truth
that there is always
another storm somewhere
in the distance.
And then there is a blue
so soft and pale, it must be
the reflection of a blanket
gently wrapped around
a brand new baby.
I can’t forget the bright
patches of clear-sky-blue.
Like pages from a storybook,
transporting me to childhood memories
of running and playing outside.
I’m beginning to understand
why blue is my favorite color.
Simply Sunday
When the Glass Breaks is a collection of poems divided into four sections: Living, Breaking, Mending, and Reflecting. Today’s poem is from the final section, Reflecting. I hope these last few weeks have provided insight into my writing style and this collection. Thanks for listening! ❤️
Available at: Amazon Barnes & Noble and Lulu
Magic
I love the way it stops
Us in our tracks
Forces everything to
Slow down-even time
At least, that’s how it feels –
Pausing while walking
Past a window
Watching as it gracefully
Flutters to the ground-
Slowly trapesing outside
Feet sinking under
A white, fluffy blanket-
Not only are we forced
To slow down, but
Also magically transported-
Allowing me to see the world
Through the eyes of a child
One moment, my childhood memories
Soon followed by those of my children
Until returning to the present
Where I watch
As my granddaughter steps
For the first time
Into the magic of a snowy day
Cause to Wonder
Present my entire life
All the years prior
And will hold its place
Long after I’m gone
Freely lending itself
To spark a child’s imagination
On a big-sky night
Look! It’s following me!
A peaceful protector
Freely lending itself
To ease a grown-up’s worries
Just be still and breathe
A picture-perfect perspective
And timely reminder
Comfort and joy
Can come from far away
What is the Point?
I am looking forward to spending this long holiday weekend with Mom. I am certain we will go out for lunch and to Starbucks. Oh, and probably eat ice cream. 😉 Where we go and what we do isn’t the point though. The point is spending time.
Being back where I grew up allows me time for reflecting. And in those reflections, new memories are added. With that in mind, I decided to re-share two poems I wrote several years ago.
Happy Independence Day!
Safety Net
Grandma and Grandpa
Lived next door
Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins
Numbering in double digits
Big kids played
With little kids
Running and laughing
Growing stronger
And bigger with
Each passing year
An unspoken truth
That no matter
How far I fell
Someone would catch me-
Like a little child
Bouncing on a knee
Ride a little horsey
Don’t fall down-
A truth that remains
Despite passing time
And increasing distance-
A living safety net
Interwoven from one
Generation to the next
Fourth of July
He worked hard
His entire life
Married young
Raised nine kids
In the country
Strong and stubborn
Loved to laugh
Mellowed over time-
Without a doubt
Dealt with struggles
That I never knew-
I still see him
On the porch
In his overalls
After a long day
Promising to dance
At my wedding
If I will check the mail-
Liked to argue
Loved his family
Was always ready
To welcome them home-
Looking forward to
Family gathering later
That very day-
But in the morning
While everyone slept
After waking early
And making the coffee
He sat down in his
Favorite chair
At the young age of sixty-seven
Grandpa died on the Fourth of July
Gravel Roads
Looking at me now
You might not guess
Where I come from
Sometimes, I even forget
But today, I choose
To remember
I come from
Climbing trees
Digging in the dirt
Making mud pies
Walking down the
Tree-lined gravel road
Leading away from home
While hearing
Don’t go past the red clay hill!
I choose to remember
Loving this place
That held my life
In love and security
Loving this place so much
When the time came to leave
I was ready to go
Not to run away
But to continue
Walking down the
Tree-lined gravel road
This time, hearing
Come back soon!
As I passed the
Red Clay Hill
Taking home
Along with me
For the journey
Sharing one of the poems I wrote in a recent poetry circle. Many thanks to Ali Grimshaw https://flashlightbatteries.blog/ for sharing her heart and creating such a beautiful space. ❤️
Piano Girl 