Late-night drive The road seems Unfamiliar In the dark Solitary-the only Travelers on this Winding route- Friendly visit Lasted longer Than expected Necessitated Driving home In darkness- Baby boy in The backseat Begins to cry Mom sings Familiar hymns Lullabies On repeat Easing the fears Of them both As an oversized Full moon Illuminating The entire sky Follows them Down the dark Unfamiliar road Until safely home
Today’s prompt: write a poem that is about, or that involves, the moon. Even now, twenty-six years later, I remember this drive as if it were yesterday. ❤
Layers Upon layers Upon layers Potatoes Carrots Onions Each must lose One of its layers To fulfill Its purpose The sweetness inside Filling the space Between our actions And our senses- Layers Upon layers Upon layers Grow over Our hearts A little harder To peel away Help is required From a trusted hand Precious insides Revealed Filling the space Between our actions And our senses Healing the heart Making us whole again
Finding our way
Thru the maze
Of today
Responsibilities
Routines
Each of us
Carrying our own
Deep down insides-
What to reveal?
What to keep hidden?
Crossing the
Finish line
Feels like a win
Even if crawling-
Kind words
Meet me on
The other side
I’m so happy for you!
You are so…
Sounds fade as
Meaning reaches
Way-down deep
Drawing out
A bucket
Full of tears
Unknowingly
Hidden in the well-
My heart sloshes
With the joy
Of being alive
Once again, I am reminded of the importance of encouraging words. I have been on the receiving end many times in recent days, and for that, I am thankful.
One thought, in particular, stood out this week-celebrate yourself! It made me think about how great it is to be alive. And the importance of not taking our time for granted. ❤
Water was rising Along with it-fear Threatening to take Control of the day As it covered first Feet, then ankles, And knees before Briefly pausing At the waist- Desperate to find A way out of the deep Before suffocation Reached the chest, I closed my eyes- Letting go of fear Hope began to flow Along with it-trust Pushing and pulling Through the currents Inch by inch until My feet stood Once again On the shore Greeted by the love That never stopped Calling my name
What am I looking for? Am I looking for anything? Looking implies intent As if something is missing- Where are my keys? Or a void needs filling- Where is my friend? If looking is not An active part of my day Does that mean I am Simply roaming Counting the minutes Until the day is done? Some days… But on those other days, I sometimes find something- Something I didn’t even know I needed
Everything a chore Getting dressed Dishes, laundry Talking, smiling Each takes an Effort beyond The necessary Every day is Not this way But today… It is my reality Trusting that Giving voice To the internal Though difficult Will bring relief And if not for me Possibly another Not yet able to Express their struggle- Finding strength In good company
This poem was an attempt to give words to a recent low period. And though I am feeling better, I accept that it will not be my last. Such is this life. I share because it is so important to know we are not alone-even at our lowest. ❤
The strangest thing happened on my way home from school yesterday. I had not driven far and was stopped at a red light. The soundtrack to “Hamilton” was blaring on my radio, and the sun was shining!
A quick glance to my right, and I noticed someone waving. The car window was rolled down, the driver smiling. His eyes looked familiar, but it took a few seconds to recognize him.
This was someone I see at work every day. But he is new to our school this year, and that meant I had never actually seen his entire face. Or, if I had, it was only for a few brief seconds.
Wow! I know we are all feeling the changes in how we connect during this time of a global pandemic. We have to work even harder at getting to know new people. Wearing masks, though necessary, makes it more difficult to speak, hear, and recognize others. And not being able to just run up and hug everyone I see…well, that is another thing altogether.
This experience was a real punch. Here I sat, realizing that this was the first time I had seen this guy’s entire face! We have been in school for over two months!
I waved and then rolled down my car window. We were both smiling. I said, “Man, it is good to actually see your smile!” He laughed and said something about wearing masks all the time. I nodded. We both drove our separate ways.
Did I mention we were both smiling?
It was like finding two puzzle pieces that fit together. That unfamiliar smile perfectly matched those familiar eyes.
I love the times when our family gets together. I wrote a poem some weeks ago about that very subject, and this evening brought it to mind.
Today was the first day for teachers to report back to school. A long day for me and my daughter, Rachel. A long day for my husband in his role with school technology.
The first day back is always tiring. The alarm goes off so early. And add to that our current health concerns with Covid-19, the stress levels are high.
Enter my brother-in-law, Martin. He is in town for a few days, doing some work around my mother-in-law’s house. And he offered to make dinner for the whole family.
Dinner on this first day of reporting back to school. And not just any dinner-ribeye steaks, asparagus, salad, and grilled peaches. What a treat!
We sat around the table laughing, enjoying the company. We felt loved. Refilled so that we can pass on that love. What a special place to be. ❤
At the Table
Family and friends On either side Faces lighting up the room Enjoying a favorite meal A warm cup of coffee Creating new memories While recalling old ones What about a stranger? A favorite meal Not yet known No memories to share Only ones to create Taking a chance Caring enough to ask About a favorite meal Offer a warm cup of coffee A timeless lesson- The people at the table Matter more than What is being served- And before anything else, Love must be given A seat at the table
The rain stopped Some drops lingered In the rich soil Beneath the tree- Resting after the Long journey On the tip Of a pine needle, One drop called out Or perhaps, up To its dear friend, Sunshine
It’s your turn! I’m waiting! Send your rays My way-So that We may have A moment of fun Can’t you see? We belong together Simply shine your Light on me And watch the branch Begin to glisten
The sun obliged Sending its rays To pierce the clouds And touch the Raindrop The two old friends Danced and played While the branch Glistened and smiled Soon, each went their way But neither said goodbye Knowing they would Meet again another day
I love playing the piano. And playing the piano in collaboration with another musician is even better. It requires a whole new level of concentration. But it also provides a whole new level of enjoyment.
Not only am I reading and listening to my part, but I am also doing the same for the other instrument. One section on its own does not make sense. But when played at the same time, harmony in motion. Almost like two characters telling the same story from their own perspective.
Even though collaborative playing is one of my favorite ways to experience music, it has not been part of my life in more recent times. Right now, my professional life is more focused on teaching. Playing is mostly for my own enjoyment.
That is ok. I am not complaining, just setting the scene.
Here we are, many months of living during a worldwide pandemic. The school year ended strangely. So many plans put on hold. And just when it seemed things were improving, our numbers are on the rise again.
There are so many questions about the future. How long will this last? What will school look like? It is easy to feel anxious.
What better way to calm anxious thoughts than some musical collaboration?
My friend, Lisa, came over and brought her oboe. Lisa and I teach music in the same district. She is also a professional musician. We have talked many times about getting together and playing music.
What better time than during the middle of a pandemic?
My music room has glass doors that open up to the main entrance. So, we opened the doors and sat a chair and music stand in the entryway. That way, we could still maintain a social distance but also have a sightline.
We played music for almost two hours! The time flew by. My fingers got a workout, but my brain was at peace. The music was beautiful! And we had the perfect audience, my miniature dachshund, Poppy.
Poppy’s bed was placed between the piano and the oboe. She was perfectly still, relaxed in her bed the entire time. I think she approved.
Playing music did not erase our questions or concerns. But it did provide some moments of contentment. Music is powerful, therapeutic. And the therapy is even sweeter when it’s a social distance duet with a friend.
The Winter’s Passed by Wayne Barlow Lisa Wagner, Oboe Kelley Morris, Piano
