Things to Notice When the Power is Out
The steady rhythm
Of rain falling outside
Interrupted only by
Contented purring of the cat -happy
To be your only
Distraction-
The way my eyes
Notice and adjust to
The light sneaking in
Through glass windows
And doors -
An appreciation for
A simple cup of hot tea
After patiently waiting
For water to boil
On the gas stove–
The quiet peacefulness
Possible when the
Outside world is
Temporarily blocked -
Tag: nature
I Don’t Know Why
Yesterday, the clouds
Made me cry-
At least, I think it was the clouds
They do easily lend
Themselves to tears -
I wonder why?
Is it the blues, whites, and grays
Layered like slatted blinds
Covering a picture window
Showing only tiny panes
Of the beauty resting
On the other side of the glass?
Or perhaps the power
Felt from a small patch
Of shade that cools
In the heat of the day?
I don't know why
But I think
It was the clouds
That made me cry
Yesterday
Simply Sunday
Up Ahead
I see you up ahead
Peeking out from
Around a corner
Wearing a curious smile-
You used to be
Much further away
Another lifetime away
But now my sight
Is surprisingly clear
Considering the distance
My heart has already covered-
Strange, I thought it would take longer to reach you
Even the thought of it
Made me nervous
Not knowing how different
Our reflections would be
Yet, catching a glimpse
Of your curious smile
Around the corner up ahead
Assures me that it will be okay
Cause to Wonder
Present my entire life
All the years prior
And will hold its place
Long after I’m gone
Freely lending itself
To spark a child’s imagination
On a big-sky night
Look! It’s following me!
A peaceful protector
Freely lending itself
To ease a grown-up’s worries
Just be still and breathe
A picture-perfect perspective
And timely reminder
Comfort and joy
Can come from far away
Simply Sunday
Reasons to Smile
The dense morning haze
Weighed heavy on my
Foggy morning brain
Forcing sad thoughts
To the surface-
No way around
Muddling through
The middle would
Have to do
The haze gave way
To mid-morning layers
Of grays and whites
Overlapping, continually
Trading places until
Swaths of baby blue
Smiled through the gaps–
And with no hesitation
I smiled back
Sometimes we all need a reminder of our many reasons for smiling. Time with family is one of my favorite reasons. 💗
Disappearing
Seen in a simple glance
Felt in a single step
Eyes compelled
To focus on the source
And not the darkness
Attempting to sneak
Into my periphery–
Though it may try
It cannot block
The quiet promises
Of hope and warmth
Flowing from the light
Lengthening each glance
Strengthening each step
Assurance that this light
Will not be engulfed
Rather, that the darkness
Will eventually disappear
Alike and Different
Often described
Using words such as
Fluffy, whispy, thin
Their colors varying
From white to gray or blue
Even pink or red
Depending on the position of the sun-
Constantly shifting
Changing direction and shape
As they gently float past each other
That is until light disappears
Pressing them together
In the darkness
No longer able to hold their fear, anger, confusion
And it pours out in a furious storm-
Unlike us, they have no choice
In the length of their encounters
Or the strength of their stormy release
Like us, they have power
To spark imagination
And provide a moment
Of sweet relief on a
Blazing hot summer day-
They, by offering refreshing shade
Us, by giving a glass of water
And a friendly smile
On Display
Sun rays pierce
Dark clouds
Shining their light
Through the rain–
That is a typical
Description
Wouldn’t you say?
But how about this?
Sun rays shining
Over the top
Of a fluffy white cloud
Not through the middle
Somehow
Over the face
As if that cloud was
Made of cotton
Or painted
On a canvas
Hanging in a museum
Underneath the light
Of a brilliant lamp
Worth Repeating
Their design was clear
Visual perspective
Undeniable
High to low
Largest to smallest
Right in front of me
Moving in the same direction-
Of course, their presence was
Fleeting, as we were
Traveling at different speeds-
Me, driving down a
Straight-shot highway
Speed controlled by my foot
On the gas pedal
The clouds, stair-stepping
Their way from the heavens
Down toward the Earth
Speed controlled by the wind
Their design was clear
Visual perspective
Undeniable
Simply Sunday
It is sometimes difficult to slow down in our busy world. Phrases like Just Breathe and Smell the Roses are commonly shared. Easy to say. I hesitate to offer similar advice. And certainly don’t suggest missing an event by trying to capture every moment. But when something catches your eye or your heart, it’s okay to stop and take the picture. 📸
Piano Girl 