Sweet baby girl
Little sister
Already loved
Your big sister
is so excited
to meet you
“Around Christmas time, when it might snow!”
Somehow, I think
she knew about you
before anyone else
Big sisters have
been known to
be a bit bossy
Yes, this is a personal admission
But I have a feeling
the two of you
will be best friends
And the rest of us
will continue to watch,
to learn, and to love
Will I ever recognize its approach?
The way it works itself into
a regular day, so slowly.
By the time it was revealed,
The day had almost disappeared.
But it was not wasted.
True, it held an uncertain sadness.
Until I realized I was missing you.
Of course, grief would visit
the day before Father’s Day.
But sweet memories also arrived.
And grief quietly took its seat.
Allowing its counterpart, always
nearby, to offer comfort, hope, and joy.
Happy Father’s Day, Dads! Your job is more important than you know. I hope you feel celebrated and loved today!
Walk up the driveway
under the carport
and knock on the door
No one uses the front door
Not anyone familiar
with the family, anyway
There is no entry way
But a warm, welcoming den
where you’re invited to sit
and have a cup of coffee
A small table with two chairs
sits near the kitchen
A guide to the narrow hall
filled with memories of
a life well-lived
Oh, I almost forgot
Back by the table and chairs
You passed the entrance
to the living room
Used mostly for overflow
and the occasional nap
Its picture windows let
in warm sunlight
A front porch and a back porch
provide quiet spots for
phone calls or just a moment
to relax and enjoy the surrounding nature
Stop by sometime!
You’re always welcome!
Prompt 4-Write a poem that moves through the rooms of a home you’ve lived in; it could be a childhood home, your current home, or even a vacation home.
Their hair, now white
But their faces hold
familiarity, reassurance
Logic causes confusion
And my brain and heart
disagree over time’s passing
As they stand nearby
Smiling and talking
I feel a flicker of childhood
My reflection disagrees
But for a brief moment
I am once again carefree
What do they see when they look at me?
We listen more intently
Our hugs linger a bit longer
And I understand it took a village
Another goodbye followed by
A renewed sense of gratitude
for this familiar reassurance
Layering itself within the everyday,
grief flows between memory and
emotion through eyes, ears, heart-
Leaving me with new reasons to miss you.
Johnny Cash spinning on your
granddaughter’s turntable.
We listened to Johnny Cash
on a long drive in my car.
Your grandson wearing
one of your straw hats.
I found a picture of you
wearing said hat, smiling.
My sweet granddaughter
and her blue sky eyes.
You would have been
so excited to meet her.
Your voice in my head, fading.
How’s my little girl?
Grief flows between memory and emotion through eyes, ears, heart-
Leaving me grateful, yet
wishing you were still here.
Mom and I had a recent conversation about how we sometimes struggle to talk about the ones we miss. I get it. There’s a fear of causing tears, sadness, and increasing grief. But I’m finding that talking about my dad, remembering good times, brings peace. Yes, it may also bring tears, but tears have the power to restore. ❤️
Newly opened buds
drinking gentle
morning rain
Pines across the
way, soaking in
the afternoon sun
Downy woodpecker
perched on newly
found suet feeder
My heart seeing
Your sweet smile
through the window
My doubts fading
as other hearts
intently listen
I know the world feels heavy, but today I am choosing reasons to be thankful. Though they may seem simple, acknowledging them brings a little peace. 🩷🕊️
My eyes are closed
The sun’s intense heat
warms my face
Its rays attempt
to pierce my eyelids
Sun spots gently float
across the black
in front of my eyes
I fight the urge to sneak a
peek at my surroundings
My body needs this time-
Time enough to lose
all sense of time
Focused only on keeping
my eyes closed
While sinking deeper into
this out of the blue, but
most welcomed, warmth
Their formation takes years-
A process hidden from sight
in the depths of the heart
A heart learning to wrap
life’s difficult bits
in opalescent layers
of mercy and grace
Not ignoring the irritants,
only processing-
Some taking longer to
transform than others
Yet, each one eventually
emerges- Iridescent gifts
of hope, love, and wisdom
A delicate string of
pearls, not displayed
around the neck, but in
the affectionate smiles of
those standing the closest
The reasons are many,
both logical and emotional.
Reasons we hesitate to speak
the names of those we miss.
Concern about how
Others may respond, or
how we ourselves may react.
Yes, emotions can be unpredictable,
But it is imperative to remember.
It reminds us of the immense
capacity of our hearts
to hold love along with grief.
So, go ahead, speak their
names. Let the sound of
Memories wash over you.
The last of the Fall leaves
let go, falling to the ground
Bare branches stretch,
reaching toward the Sun
Wonders hidden in the
heart of the tree, protected
from the elements at
their most vulnerable,
now sit in plain sight
A carefully woven nest that
once held delicate eggs,
patient parents and fragile
chicks-now, its walls hold
only the echoes of life
The cracking of shells
by tiny beaks, little chirps
sweetly announcing
We have arrived!
Sleeping, eating, growing, learning to fly
Whether the leaves,
The mama bird, or
each of us-Letting go is difficult
But, oh, what wonders
wait to be revealed
May my hands always
stretch toward the Light
as my heart remains open
to that which needs protecting-
Even when only for a season
Happy Christmas Eve! ❤️💚
Piano Girl 