Go Ahead, Reminisce


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.

Fingerprints

From our very first reach,
we leave lasting imprints
Tiny fingers, tiny toes
unaware of the enduring
impact engraved on
all who hold us close

Choice eventually becomes
part of the equation-
Deciding if what we leave behind
is positive, helpful, encouraging,
or cynical, hurtful, disheartening

Each imprint is personal
an identifying set of
lines and ridges
creating a pattern-
Sacred responsibility
held in every touch

I saw such a fingerprint
in the afternoon clouds-
Lines and ridges
creating a pattern
belonging to the one
who holds the sky

Feathers

Yes, I am aware.
Some details are missing.
Try to see the bigger picture.

That sounds logical, at first.
As if acceptance makes it easier
to continue down my path.
But then I notice the
smallest of wonders.
From the edges of a nest,
straw is poking out where two wooden
beams are nailed together.
A mother bird is sitting quietly on her eggs.
Seeing the big picture is impossible
without consistently returning
to the small moments.
The fuzzy head of a nestling
is barely seen from the ground.
The nest is crowded with fledglings
almost ready to fly.
Each tiny step in nature, somehow,
a reflection of my life.
I don’t want to miss even the tiniest feather.

Simply Sunday

After Careful Consideration…

I study the image, moving
past flashy first impressions
to the combination of
smooth surfaces and fine lines.
Flecks of light reflecting
from the deepest crevices.
Curious about what events
heightened these characteristics.
Both the expected natural
occurrences and
the unavoidable extremes.
Relief in a cool breeze.
Peace glistening in the snow.
Heartbreak felt in a flash flood.
A grief-induced drought.
Passion flowing from a waterfall.
It’s curious how the
careful consideration
of an unusual pillar of rock,
sitting peacefully
in the middle of rushing water,
gently nudged me to consider my reflection more carefully.

Riverfront Park-Spokane, Washington

Considering Blue


Have you considered
how many shades of blue
grace the sky in a single day?
Some are so deep and mysterious,
my eyes can hardly look away.
Reminds me of the truth
that there is always
another storm somewhere
in the distance.
And then there is a blue
so soft and pale, it must be
the reflection of a blanket
gently wrapped around
a brand new baby.
I can’t forget the bright
patches of clear-sky-blue.
Like pages from a storybook,
transporting me to childhood memories
of running and playing outside.
I’m beginning to understand
why blue is my favorite color.

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

When the Glass Breaks is a collection of poems divided into four sections: Living, Breaking, Mending, and Reflecting. Today’s poem is from the final section, Reflecting. I hope these last few weeks have provided insight into my writing style and this collection. Thanks for listening! ❤️

Childhood Whispers- Written and read by Kelley Morris

Available at: Amazon Barnes & Noble and Lulu

Perfectly Flawed

Standing at the water’s edge
No hint of a breeze
It is hard to tell where the water ends
And the sky begins-
A reflection so clear
Trees, clouds, and sky
The perfect mirror image
But perfection is never a reality
And my contemplation rapidly changes from
Crystal-clear-painted-on-plate-glass
To soft-blurry-impressionist-canvas-
Fluctuations caused by the slightest breeze
Or the gentlest toss of a pebble-
Enough motion, and the image completely disappears-
No wonder my own reflection causes confusion-
Rarely do I stand perfectly still, staring into the mirror
Without random thoughts breezing through my head
Or someone gently tapping my shoulder- Oh well,
If I spend too much time in front of the mirror,
I will miss the treasures only visible
Standing at the water’s edge

Personal Preference

Which do I prefer?

Remaining on the inside
Hiding, peeking out-
Seeing, imagining
Yet, in a way,
Falsely protected-
-Or-
Stepping outside myself
Away from the walls
Originally placed
To keep out pain
And uncertainty-

Hiding may sound
Like a safer choice
Stepping out, a bit scary-

In which frame of reference
Do I see myself as an integral
Part of the world?
Not simply a bystander
But one ready to explore
Or at least willing to invite you
To climb over the walls-

I think I know the answer

Interlaced

We hesitate to say
It is so good to see you!
When the circumstances
Bringing us together
Are times of sadness
Yet, those are the times
Seeing you is most needed-
A knowing smile
Through the tears
A quick but strong
Grasp of the hand
A sweet, simple hug
The truth that one person’s life
Has the power to influence so many
On display in real-time with real people
Gathered in an honest attempt
To provide loving support-
Go ahead and say it
It is so good to see you!
Connections interlaced
With grace and
Gratefulness

While seated at a funeral yesterday, we noticed many familiar faces. Memories of my father-in-law’s service eight years ago immediately came flooding back. Many of the same faces were in attendance that day.

Eight years ago, we were the family sitting up front. Yesterday, we were part of the support. Connections across years of life’s experiences.