I was afraid
I might not
Get to see you
This year
And I so enjoy
Our visits
Brief as they are-
There is always
A question mark
Especially when
The weather has not
Been cooperative, but
There must have been
Just enough sunshine
These past few days
To spur you on
Because when I
Rounded the corner
Yesterday
There you stood
Waving
Surprise! Here I am!
Smiling, I replied
It’s so good to see you!
Certain seasons
Seem to turn
My World
Upside Down-
When Red Clay
Soaks its dye
Into the roots
Of a Great Oak
Transforming its crown
From green to
A vibrant shade
Of burnt orange
Right before
Leaf by leaf
The crown falls
To the ground
Afraid, yet willing
Sad, yet grateful
For purpose fulfilled-
Certain seasons
Seem to turn
My World
Upside Down-
Driving across Oklahoma, the red clay dirt catches my attention. During Fall, it creates a beautiful foundation for the changing colors.
The changing seasons remind me of personal changes. New job, sweet granddaughter, the loss of my Dad. What changes have impacted your life this year?
I wish I could see it
All at once
North, South, East, West
But I can’t, the expanse
Is too great
Plus, I’ve always
Been a bit challenged
Where directions
Are concerned-
One minute
The bright orange
Of a new day
Is waving at me
In the rearview
The next, it’s in
My periphery
As I speed past-
Of course, it’s not
Moving-I am
Right along
With this Sphere
We call home-
If only there
Was a place
I could stand
Spin around
And around
Lay down on the ground
Taking it all in
Not for understanding
Simply for the awe
Playing hide-n-seek
Among the trees
Leaves of Paintbrush Red
And Sunflower Yellow
Wave at purple grasses
Standing strong
In the red clay dirt-
Steady evergreens
Hold tight to
Their needles, while
At the same time
Coaxing those
Approaching
A season of
Visible change
To boldly share
Their transformation-
Oh, they, too
Know change
Roots grown deeper
Branches broken
And re-grown
Changes that
Bring wisdom
Wisdom that
Inspires gratitude
For each new season
When the view ahead
Seems gloomy
Look closer!
Light lives just
On the other side
Hints shine through
As silky strands
Of pale pink
Do you see them?
Playfully hiding
Among the grays
And the whites
Like a child
Secretly wishing
To be found
Sending subtle hints
Hushed giggles
And sneak peeks
Anxiously waiting
To say the words-
Here I am!
You found me!
A Heart-shaped
Opening
Graced the sky
Caught my eye
Made me smile
Strata of color
And light
Spun behind
As it shifted
Gently
With the wind
Visible for only
A moment
Yet, stamped
The Imprint
Of a soul
On the story
Of the day
Page one
Wednesday
Morning
Brushstrokes
Warm oranges
Soft pinks
Painting me
Into the day
Not pushing
Encouraging
With a graceful
Good Morning
No hint of
Hurry Up or
You’re late
One glance
Over my shoulder
Yes, still there
And though
Colors may fade
Their message is clear-
Today rolls out
In front of you
Dip your toes
Into each tint
Watch as the
Canvas
Changes
With each ripple
Hi, Dad
I could feel
Myself speaking
But the words
Were inaudible
A slight smile
At my hesitation
A glance toward
The ground
Then on to
The task at hand-
Placing new flowers
On your headstone
Peaceful purples
And deep greens
We miss you
A bright yellow
Butterfly also
Fluttered by
To say hello
Mom and I enjoyed a nice drive and a sunny day. Temps were cooler and there was a nice breeze. As Mom wisely said- I will never not miss him. But life continues and we must keep living.
I’ve been thinking about visors this week. You know, the ones in your car? On bright sunny days, they protect my eyes from the blinding sun.
But what would I miss if I left that shade in the down position indefinitely?
On a recent morning drive, I realized the sun was no longer in my eyes, and the visor was still down. A quick flip-up revealed a beautiful sky with wispy white clouds.
The next day, I started to put the visor back down. After all, the sun would be in my eyes around the next corner. But only for a moment…
I left the visor up and glanced toward the light. It was glorious!
Are there times I keep my eyes partially covered? Afraid of what I might see. Missing opportunities to take in the world around me.
Yes, sometimes the world can be overwhelming, just like the bright sun. But other times, sunshine in my eyes, warming my face, makes me smile. Reminding me that I am alive and well. ☀️💛
Perhaps if I
Thought of them
As belonging
To a waterfall
Freely rushing
Over the edge
Of a rock face
Skillfully smoothed
From the continuous
Flow of unexpected
Strength and sorrow
Knowing they will
Slow down
Once reaching
A quiet stream below-
Not losing purpose
But discovering
New resolve-
Perhaps if
I thought of them
As belonging
To a waterfall
I would let them fall
Free of fear
No concern for
Who might be
Standing at the lookout
Witnessing my life
In motion through
Each drop of rain
From the storms
Each spot of color
From the rainbows
Talking about anxiety and depression is not easy. When emotions feel out of balance, it is tempting to hide them. But putting on a happy face, though sometimes necessary, is not a permanent solution. Eventually, they will find a way out, often leading to embarrassment and exhaustion.
Well, at least that was my experience earlier this week. 😉
Thankful for friends and family who understand and keep me grounded. ❤️
