Fear and Hope

The Unknown

Thought of with excitement,
or overwhelming fear.
For me, the fear part usually
rises in the middle of the night.
Like waking up from a dream
with a sudden Gasp!
Except, this kind of fear is not a dream.
Dream or no dream, I have
no control over the outcome.
And worrying about all that remains unseen,
does nothing to enhance my state of being.
Not to say it is easy to push the fear away, but I keep trying…
Breathe.
Look out the window.
Find that glimmer of hope
calling to your soul, ready and waiting
to swallow up your fears.

Her Song

I know her song,
though it changes often.
Depends on the day’s path.
Does she choose her own?
I wonder.
When traveling through
A grove of Aspens,
her melody is gentle and sweet.
Each glistening leaf
adds a note of color.
When coursing over rough rocks
on the shoreline, her melody
grows stronger, driving forward
with each pulse of the current.
Both melodies, both paths,
inspire awe and wonder.
Listen. What is she singing for you today?

Poems from the poetry circle. ❤️

Simply Sunday

I didn’t write the following poem for Father’s Day. However, as I continued to read and edit, the themes of kindness and sharing kept reminding me of Dad. I am grateful for the example he set. Oh, how I miss him.

Second-Hand Rain

When long-standing trees
On two sides of a road
Meet in the middle
A canopy of peaceful shade
Calls travelers to pass underneath

On rainy days, water filters
Through the layers
Of branches and leaves-
They drink only what is needed
Before sharing what remains

Leftover droplets, somehow
Bigger than the originals,
Land on all who
Travel underneath
The welcoming canopy

Leaves wave and smile
Happy to share
What they received-
Understanding the rain
Was never theirs alone

Knowing the rainfall
Would only be able
To quench the most
Parched hearts
Once freely shared

Happy Father’s Day!

Simply Sunday

When you are two
The whole world
Is yours-
And you know it!
You hear your name
Over and over
Understanding
It belongs to you-
Once you can say it
The word my
Quickly follows-
My Mama
My Dada
My toy
My everything!
Sass and confidence
In such small packages-
As it should be
When you are two

Remembering how fast time passes…learning to celebrate the small moments.

Simply Sunday



If only I could remember
What it was like
Being two-
Then perhaps I would know
What you’re thinking
When you look at me
With those curious blue eyes-
Oh, sometimes it’s obvious-
Sit here, Gigi!
Come on, Gigi!
No, Gigi!

It’s those other times
In your own little world
Playing, pretending
Quietly talking-
I wish I knew-
I’m sure the day will come
When you tell me exactly
What you’re thinking-
And I will listen because
I still have a lot to learn



Marriage

I can’t say there’s
A set recipe
For thirty-two years-
Only that laughter
Eases many tensions
Creating lasting memories-
Patience and understanding
Cover a multitude of
Life’s challenges-
And commitment is
A bond that carries
Far beyond feelings-
All of these ingredients
Leave me with a grateful heart
Looking back and looking ahead

Simply Sunday

I have been living with this poem for weeks, questioning my words. Are they too sentimental, too emotional, or too serious? Finally, I decided they were not too anything. They are my thoughts. Maybe some of you can relate. 🩷

A Mom’s Thoughts

-For my children

Should the time come
That our roles reverse
And my need for care from you
Outweighs my ability to care for you-
Know that I love you
I will always love you
More than I have ever been able
To completely and fully express –
From the day you were born
No-from the moment I knew you existed
I loved you-
Looking back and looking forward
Must only be done in small amounts
While standing firmly in the present-
I know this is true-
Giving yourself to each day
As each day gives itself to you
Is the wiser of choices-
So, I will not linger on the thought of that day-
Only to say this- I am thankful
We are pieces of the same puzzle

Happy Mother’s Day! 💐

Simply Sunday

Sunday Dinner

Eyes focused, hands steady
Intentionally reaching
For each ingredient
Knowing the careful
Choice of seasoning
Expresses feelings
Difficult to put into words-
No one is allowed
In the kitchen until
“It’s ready! Come fix your plate!”
Tired, satisfied, he sits-
Watching, listening, waiting
To see if the flavor
Conveys the richness of love
With which it was prepared

Hide-n-Seek

You attempted to hide
From me this morning
But I saw you-
Your light is not
One so easily dimmed-
Like the morning sun
Resting behind the clouds-
Look closely
And you will find
Its presence visible
In pale pink streaks
All across the sky-
And once you see
Those pale pink streaks
You’ll be reminded
That even the tiniest
Reflections of your light
Offer encouragement to those
Fortunate enough to cross your path-
Even when you attempt to hide

Simply Sunday

I find myself more
And more often
Marvelling at the tiny things-
A singular whispy cloud
The feet of a bird
The way the wind echoes
While making its way
Through the row of pines
Across the street-
Even now, the gentle tap
Of raindrops on the roof-
Sometimes I feel silly
Talking about such things
Especially during times of heartache and confusion-
But I cannot ignore them-
I think maybe it’s these tiny things
That are holding me up
Pulling me through
Reminding me to see the hope
In my granddaughter’s eyes

Happy Easter! ✝️🕊️💜

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭2‬ ‭

Moment of Hope

For more than a week
The words felt stuck-
Like tears caught
In the back of my throat
Unable to complete their journey
From the heart to the eyes-
Perhaps there were too many of them
Perhaps they needed to learn
To share space
To slow down-
Taking extra care to flow freely
Only once able to provide
A moment of hope
In a world heavy with fear
Only once able to speak the words
I see you
I love you

This morning, I participated in a writing circle facilitated by Ali Grimshaw. https://flashlightbatteries.blog/ It was just what my heart needed. 🩷