Hard to believe I ever spent time Digging In the dirt But I remember… So much fun Imaginations Running wild In the dirt Seems silly now The things once Thought possible In a little girl’s plans… Sometimes the dirt Was not forgiving Washing it away Required extra Scrubbing-But, oh The sweet smell Of playing In the dirt Right before The rain Perhaps, it is time To get my hands dirty Do a little more Digging Wake that old Imagination From its dirt-free Slumber and not Worry so much About looking clean
I continue to be amazed and grateful for the connections created through poetry circles facilitated by Ali Grimshaw. ❤️ https://flashlightbatteries.blog/
I hadn’t given Much thought To the difference Between Spring Showers and Autumn rains Until today’s Much needed Precipitation I could smell Its approach Last evening In the cool air Preparing for A steady fall All-day, gently Drawing attention To the hues Of the season Giving a final burst Of color to leaves Before they fall A sweet reminiscence From the very beginning When Spring showers Soaked the ground Giving life to The seed waiting Ready to grow Having no idea What a beautiful Life it would live
I sensed Its approach One morning Leaving for work In the dark Not like an Impending Sense of doom Just a weightiness Not present The day before Changing seasons Can feel that way Filled with both Beauty and angst Watching leaves fall After Stunning Transformations Mourning their loss While clinging To the hope Of new buds In the Spring Relishing falling Temperatures Cooling my skin Mourning the Consequent Dwindling Of sunshine While clinging To the hope Of new light Following the cold Dark days of winter Believing once again This heaviness will lift
The longer I look The clearer I see- Those shining Brightest Are always First in view And though Initially Outshining Their neighbors All are worth Exploring Even when Taking a Closer look Requires a Unique lens One that will Magnify light while Decreasing distance- Whether gazing Up at the stars Or into Surrounding Souls The resulting Phenomenon Is the same- Increasing light Increasing love Increasing hope
Experiencing Darkness is Universal As is the hope For a light To ease Our gloom We are not Intended To live alone On an island No contact With another Living soul Each of us Will have Opportunity To be the hand Reaching Thru the fog Or the one Grateful To be pulled Out of the murk Weightless In the arms Of our brother
I first met the birthday girl a little over thirty years ago. She was kind and accepting even then. It is hard to believe she was my age when we met. Maybe a little younger. A mom and grandma, it seemed her life was already complete. At least, that was my perspective.
Here we are, thirty years later. It seems a lot more life has happened in that time. More grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the death of a spouse after fifty-plus years of marriage.
So now, as we celebrate her, I try to imagine her perspective. Those thirty years, though eventful, only represent a portion of her life. She did a lot of living prior.
She speaks lovingly of her parents. Just yesterday, about how her dad played the piano. Talks regularly to her siblings who are still living. Keeps up with distant relatives and old friends.
Has a love of horses that began as a child. She recalls fondly walking with her girlfriend to the stables. Pretending to gallop as they walked, then riding horses before returning home. She even bought two horses in her lifetime!
Her second horse was sold before she moved from California to New York. A job as a flight attendant at American Airlines called. And that move, that job, lead to meeting her husband. The rest is history, as they say.
So, how would such a girl celebrate her 80th birthday? Surrounded by daughters, granddaughters, great-granddaughters, daughter-in-law, granddaughter-in-law…you get the picture. Eating, laughing, remembering, and enjoying time together. And, of course, attending a horse show.
This birthday girl wears her crown of white with pride. As well as her life experiences. Sharing what we are willing to hear. Continuing to move forward, making new memories.
Sweet little girl About to cry Every morning Quietly, not a fit Simply hesitant I walk her To the door You are going To have The best day I love you Slight head nod She goes inside Afternoon, time for music Quietly enters the room And then I hear Her voice Not recognizing At first… Mrs. Morris, I love you Sweet little girl
Modest changes In the leaves Coolness In the breeze Calmness In my heart- Each one A dot On the landscape Of this life But interwoven They are stories Lessons Heartaches All leading To a beautiful Transformation Long awaited Colors of Fall
Piano Girl 