Tag: Memories

A Kind Hello

On By Piano girl2 Comments

As I stepped out of my car,
the sound of ocean waves
filled my head-Effortless,
sea swells flowed in and out

I could almost smell
the salt water

A sudden realization-
I’m in the middle of
Oklahoma-No ocean here

But the sound was distinct
Was my mind playing tricks?
Or was it a memory trying
to make its way home

The breeze gently laughed
as it wound its way through
a nearby avenue of pines

Branches gracefully swayed
back and forth-Their greeting,
a perfect likeness to ocean waves

I suppose a kind Hello!
holds joy no matter the
language or the messenger

Simply Sunday

On By Piano girl4 Comments

The reasons are many,
both logical and emotional.
Reasons we hesitate to speak
the names of those we miss.

Concern about how
Others may respond, or
how we ourselves may react.

Yes, emotions can be unpredictable,
But it is imperative to remember.

It reminds us of the immense
capacity of our hearts
to hold love along with grief.

So, go ahead, speak their
names. Let the sound of
Memories wash over you.

Echoes of a Season

On By Piano girl10 Comments

The last of the Fall leaves
let go, falling to the ground
Bare branches stretch,
reaching toward the Sun

Wonders hidden in the
heart of the tree, protected
from the elements at
their most vulnerable,
now sit in plain sight

A carefully woven nest that
once held delicate eggs,
patient parents and fragile
chicks-now, its walls hold
only the echoes of life

The cracking of shells
by tiny beaks, little chirps
sweetly announcing
We have arrived!
Sleeping, eating, growing, learning to fly

Whether the leaves,
The mama bird, or
each of us-Letting go is difficult
But, oh, what wonders
wait to be revealed

May my hands always
stretch toward the Light
as my heart remains open
to that which needs protecting-
Even when only for a season

Happy Christmas Eve! ❤️💚

Simply Sunday

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Photo by Paul Porter

Always a welcome guest
Your brightness,
not to be ignored

As you gently alight
on the fence
I catch my breath

You seem to smile as
Snowflakes land on
your scarlet feathers-
A perfect contrast

Perhaps that is why
You so often shake
me out of my grief

Taken back by your beauty,
I sweetly reminisce
And for just a moment,
See the faces of those I miss

My Favorite You

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If I were to write a thankful list,
It would be a list of names.
Names of those who,
through the years,
planted seeds in my heart.

My only fear is forgetting.
Though forgetting your name
would certainly not negate
any seed you planted. You are
so much more than a name.

You are shared smiles and tears.
Strong hands, reaching, so arms
can fiercely wrap around hurts
in a comforting embrace.
You are kind words,
encouraging high-fives,
and celebrating victories.

You are faces, memories
of hope, present on
the darkest of days.
You are one soul seeing
the beauty and purpose in another.
And I am thankful to have
sometimes been that other.

I am thankful for all the yous
written on the list carried in my heart.

Go Ahead, Reminisce

On By Piano girl2 Comments


We were so young then.
And now? Young at heart?

Photographs and nametags
temporarily transport us
back in time to the
start of our journeys.

We had no idea
where circumstances
and choices would take us.

Reuniting, we share memories.
But more importantly,
losses, loves, mistakes, and grace.
Seeing each other as individuals.
Connecting with more than just a memory.

So go ahead, reminisce,
just for a moment.
Let the images, old and
new, meld into a sweet
recollection before saying,
Goodbye, it was so good to see you.

Joe T. Robinson
Class of 1985 reunion
My leaving town picture 🧡
Pinnacle Mountain

Documenting

On By Piano girl3 Comments

Gathering
Some carried flags
Others held carefully crafted
signs clearly expressing their purpose

People from all walks of life
Chants steady and strong
No troops, no ICE
No troops, no ICE

The message filling
every ounce of space
between the buildings
that lined the city streets

A continuing steady march
toward freedom for all
No troops, no ICE
No troops, no ICE

Weaving our way through
the crowd, there was no
fear- only strength and unity,
magnetic and memorable

Gathering
The words continue ringing
Faces captured in my mind’s eye
A grateful observer documenting truth

We were guests, visitors to the city. And though not participants in Chicago’s No Kings rally and march, we stood in agreement, willing observers.

Understanding the importance and power held within peaceful protests. And it was peaceful. And it was powerful.

Thank you, Chicago, for allowing us to take in your beauty, character, food, and history. ❤️

Simply Sunday

On By Piano girl1 Comment

Yesterday, we visited Johnstone’s Kiddie Park in Bartlesville, OK. We took our oldest son there when he was little, and now it was his daughter’s turn. 

Some things had changed, mostly cosmetically. However, the idea of a fun and inexpensive family outing (tickets are 75 cents) remains. 

Watching our granddaughter brought back sweet memories of her dad at that age. And now we have more to add to that precious file of good days. 

Simply Sunday

On By Piano girl6 Comments

Around Here


Welcome! Have you visited the park before?

Oh, yes. I grew up around here.

Well, welcome back!

Kind words, friendly smiles.
Surrounded by nature.
Glass walls for viewing.
Birds flitting from tree to tree.
Squirrels scurrying across rocks.
Giant pines swaying, drawing eyes
toward slabs of slate lining the mountain.
I remember the views from above.
The world below seemed smaller
and bigger at the same time.
Perhaps I need to experience
that view again. An observer,
with added wisdom?
But for today, I’ll simply
enjoy the memory of
growing up around here.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park 💚

Fourth of July

On By Piano girl10 Comments

I decided to revisit a poem I wrote several years ago. Made a few changes, but the story remains the same. It just felt like the right one to share this year.

Grandpa

Grandpa worked hard
his entire life.
He married young.
He and Grandma
raised nine kids
in the country.

Strong and stubborn,
but loved to laugh.
Mellowed over time.
Without a doubt,
dealt with struggles
I never knew.

I can see him
wearing overalls
after a long day.
Promising to dance
at my wedding, if
I’d fetch what he needed.

Liked to argue.
Loved his family.
He was always ready to
welcome them home.
Looking forward to a
Family gathering that very day.

But in the morning,
while everyone slept,
He woke early.
Put the coffee on.
Then sat down in
his favorite chair.

At the young age of sixty-seven,
Grandpa died.
It was the Fourth of July.