Happy Mother’s Day


The Space Between Clouds






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. ❤️
They offer the sweetest Good Morning.
A gentle wave, almost imperceptible
when the wind is calm.
I noticed them yesterday.
I noticed them today.
They will not be here forever.
Truth is, neither will I.
Truth is, neither will you.
So, how do our Good Mornings compare?
Some mornings, the words
croak through scratchy cords
as hands rub grit from sleepy eyes.
Even on those days,
I see you smiling over
your first cup of coffee.
And I smile back-
Maybe not quite as sweet
as the Pink Bubblegum Petunias.
Their name alone makes
competing a challenge-
Though it offers a worthy goal.
Sweet Good Mornings
Conceding the temporary
Leaning into the enduring

Happy Earth Day! 🌎🌸
Do you feel it?
The growing weight
A blanket sewn of fear
and hate cast over
everyone in its path
Another layer added
with each news story,
unsolicited opinion,
misguided answer
Like being wrapped in
a down comforter on
the hottest day of summer
And I am suffocating
But no amount of worry
will ease the weight
Or change this season
Do we burrow deeper?
Do we kick off the cover?
What if I reach for your hand,
and you reach for mine-
Then together, together
Like brilliant sun rays
piercing storm clouds
We poke pin holes
in the fabric
Each aperture releasing
a breath, a smile, a memory-
Droplets of hope
Rising in solidarity
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. 🩷🕊️
A constellation of water droplets
clings tightly to my window
Tiny spheres sparkling bright
as the brightest stars
shining in the darkest dark
So close, separated only
by a single pane of glass
not millions of light-years
My hands can touch neither
the droplets nor the stars-
Yet, each embraces me
Heart, mind, and soul-
Assuredly the most
endearing enfolding
Like the quiet twinkle
in your eyes, a welcome
endless embrace

A perfectly posed pair
Painted in ombre shades
of tan, brown, and white
Their rounded beaks
poised, ready to speak
in sweet solidarity
Their audience of
captivated cattails,
ready to listen
Something tells me
It won’t be a long speech
A lesson in commitment
and contentment, perhaps
Thankful for each other
and their current view
If I were a kite
I’d lean against
My favorite oak tree
Enjoying the shade
and the company
Waiting for a breeze
to lift me high
So I could fly
above the trees
Arms flung open wide
Gliding and giggling
Taking in the beauty
below, offering patches
of shade for the tree
before floating over to you
You, standing straight
and tall in the middle
of a flowery meadow,
holding steady to the handle
If I were a kite
You’d be my lifeline
I saw a hand
in the sky today
Powerful and strong
Open and inviting
Formed from clouds
while holding clouds
Its blue-gray edges
Lined in bright sunlight
I imagine sitting
safe in its palm
Reclining, at least
for a moment
No worries of
Hatred or war
Sickness or death-
Not ignoring
Only briefly resting
Cradled in the hand
I cannot fully understand
Believing it is there, reaching
A poem and a few songs for you, dear friends. Much love-Kelley ❤️
