Currently
The tiniest
Of us all
Not helpless
Yet, in need of
Assistance
Not a bother
On the contrary—
Your arrival
Single-handedly
Drew joy from
Deep within
Even those of us
Learning to live
With grief-
We knew
You were on your way
Still, your arrival
Caught us by
Surprise
Or maybe
The surprise
Was the love
Suddenly spilling out
When you opened
Your newborn eyes
I am learning
There are many ways
To express my grief
Tears, laughter
Listening
Remembering
But also through words
Not always sad
Many times sweet
No matter which way
I choose in any
Given moment
The healing happens
In the expressing
Simple recipe
Words on a card
Pat of butter
Two cups of flour
Ice cold water
The comforting smell
Of pie crust baking
Warm milk
Cocoa powder
Sugar, of course
Touch of vanilla
Continuous stirring
Required
For perfectly
Smooth filling
I can almost
Taste it now-
Watching my sweet Dad
Wearing his apron on
Thanksgiving morning
Remembering
With gratefulness
His smile
As I tasted
The leftover filling-
The simplest of
Ingredients
Transformed
Into so much joy
Yesterday’s poetry circle with Ali Grimshaw https://flashlightbatteries.blog/ was a precious gift. I am grateful for both the words I wrote and the ones I was blessed to hear. ❤️
Stuffy nose
Tiny cough
Little rattles
Lacing
Your breath
Fussy cry
Flushed cheeks
Finally asleep
Mom and Dad
Cautiously
Creep across
The floor
Standing
Perfectly still
Holding
Their breath
Until seeing
The rise
And fall
Of yours-
Feel better
Little one
I will never forget watching my babies sleep, especially if they were sick. Seeing my son and daughter-in-law care for Emi brings those memories rushing back. This week, she is not feeling well. And, of course, they are taking great care of her. It is hard work deciphering signals from a sick baby.
Certain seasons
Seem to turn
My World
Upside Down-
When Red Clay
Soaks its dye
Into the roots
Of a Great Oak
Transforming its crown
From green to
A vibrant shade
Of burnt orange
Right before
Leaf by leaf
The crown falls
To the ground
Afraid, yet willing
Sad, yet grateful
For purpose fulfilled-
Certain seasons
Seem to turn
My World
Upside Down-
Driving across Oklahoma, the red clay dirt catches my attention. During Fall, it creates a beautiful foundation for the changing colors.
The changing seasons remind me of personal changes. New job, sweet granddaughter, the loss of my Dad. What changes have impacted your life this year?
Term of endearment
With many versions
Each one chosen
For any variety
Of reasons
Each one spoken
For any variety
Of emotions
No matter the age
Sometimes
A girl needs
To see her Mom
Once we became
Acquainted
Hiding was futile
I could either attempt
To ignore you or
Make the best of it
And accept you
For who you are-
The initial shock
Of your rough exterior
Made me want
To runaway
Thankfully, I stayed
Not to say
We are friends
That would be a stretch
But the possibility exists
I sensed it while
Hugging you tight enough
To see into the
Center of your soul
Where sweet memories
Are kept, treasured
So as never
To be forgotten
Grief is not something to get over. Once we know it, it becomes part of us. However, our capacity to live with it grows over time. At least, that’s what I’m choosing to believe. Especially as we prepare to celebrate the approaching holidays. ❤️
Kind words
I didn’t know
I needed to hear
You look so pretty
So grounded
From someone
Who has not seen me
In almost a year-
Heartfelt words
Offering
Reassurance
That time
Paired with
Effort and grace
Carries restoration
Twice this week, I ran into friends who are former colleagues. Smiles, hugs, and kind words filled the space we occupied. The visits were brief but left me feeling encouraged.
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24
I wish I could see it
All at once
North, South, East, West
But I can’t, the expanse
Is too great
Plus, I’ve always
Been a bit challenged
Where directions
Are concerned-
One minute
The bright orange
Of a new day
Is waving at me
In the rearview
The next, it’s in
My periphery
As I speed past-
Of course, it’s not
Moving-I am
Right along
With this Sphere
We call home-
If only there
Was a place
I could stand
Spin around
And around
Lay down on the ground
Taking it all in
Not for understanding
Simply for the awe
Playing hide-n-seek
Among the trees
Leaves of Paintbrush Red
And Sunflower Yellow
Wave at purple grasses
Standing strong
In the red clay dirt-
Steady evergreens
Hold tight to
Their needles, while
At the same time
Coaxing those
Approaching
A season of
Visible change
To boldly share
Their transformation-
Oh, they, too
Know change
Roots grown deeper
Branches broken
And re-grown
Changes that
Bring wisdom
Wisdom that
Inspires gratitude
For each new season
Little hands
Being held
Little hands
Holding on
Pulling, stretching
Twisting, turning
Muscles growing stronger
Until…Suddenly
She lets go!
Finding herself
In a new position
With a new perspective
Her world
Growing bigger
With each turn
Each smile
Each Way to go!
And We love you!
Keep rolling
Baby girl
We are watching
You probably guessed already, but sweet Emi rolled over! We just happened to be on a video chat at that very moment. What a fun celebration! Roll, Emi, roll! ❤️
I am sure time has passed exponentially faster since I became a Gigi…
Piano Girl 