Days when the sun and clouds
clasp hands in such a way
It is nearly impossible to
distinguish billows from blues
Sunlight, bright and warm,
shines on, around, and
through layers of clouds,
stirring imagination-
Today was such a day
After grabbing my attention,
and coaxing a smile, my
thoughts shifted to the
reason for their beauty
The simple sharing of space-
Each taking their turn to
enlighten, offer shade,
or shine a spotlight
Days when we clasp hands
In such a way, it is nearly
Impossible to distinguish
Your heart from mine
Tag: relationships
Simply Sunday
Iris and Bee
Rolling flutters
of soft purples and
sweet floral aromas
call tiny tarsus
in for a landing—
Fortitude in frailty
for both Iris and Bee.
Wings excitedly buzz.
Precious nectar and
baskets of pollen are
carefully collected—
Valuable resources for
sharing and sustaining
a beautiful partnership.
Security in the hope
of their survival
across the flourishing
of each new rolling
purple flutter and
tiny buzzing bee.
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.
Class of 1985 reunion
Pinnacle Mountain
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
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.
Heartfelt Revisions
When the notes
Fall out of tune
Will you still listen?
When my hands
Grow stiff and slow
Will my music still
Make you smile?
When wrong notes
Become noticeable
Will you still ask me to play?
Music played in the past
Not always playable
In the future-
Notes too many
Rhythms too complicated
Tempos too fast-
But what if
I intentionally
Left out a few notes
Simplified rhythms
Relaxed tempos-
As long as the music
Remained centered
In my heart, perhaps
You would not object
To my necessary revisions
Kelley Morris, piano
Simply Sunday
Holding
My breath
Muscles tense
Heart racing
Afraid to move-
You take my hand
It’s ok-breathe
I feel my lungs
Expand
Deep breath
Fresh air
Relaxing
In your care
Unable to
Completely
Close off
My heart
As we
Breathe
In time
Together
Mending Layers
Wounds left behind
By trauma’s
Repeated strikes
Scar deep
The pain pulsing
Long after
The bruises
Disappear-
Difficult to
Comprehend
Particularly when
Exacted on the weak
And Innocent-
Layers of insecurity
Lead to repeated
Questions that
Often require
Deciphering
Repeated
Questions
Requiring
Repeated
Answers-
All the above
Requiring
Patience-
Uncomfortable
Necessary work
Sewing stitches
In hopes of mending
Child abuse is not pleasant to think about or talk about. But unpleasant conversations are necessary for positive change. Acknowledgment and patience are the beginning steps.
A recent visit with a sweet friend brought this ugly truth clearly into view. But there is hope. Even if it comes in small doses. Even if face-to-face caring tests my patience more than I wish to admit…
I remain in awe of the counselors, therapists, case workers, etc who sew these stitches every day.
No Reason
I notice you smiling
And ask why
Oh, no reason, you reply
Your answer doesn’t satisfy
But asking again
Might seem a little pushy
So, I simply keep watching
I see your smile fade
And ask why
Oh, no reason, you reply
Your answer doesn’t satisfy
This time I push
Ever so gently
And ask once again
Are you ok
I smile and say
Waiting until you
Share the reason
Behind the expression
Only then do I see
Your smile return
Then, I continue
Watching you smile
So as not to miss
Another moment
When you answer
No reason-but mean
Exactly the opposite
Connections Revisited
Back-to-school ads are everywhere. Supplies are stocked at all the local stores. As a teacher, I cannot ignore the fact that school will start soon. This realization leads to a renewed focus on connections.
I was recently speaking with some young educators preparing for upcoming New Teacher Induction. Such a stressful time with so much information. My advice to them? Focus on making connections!
The first year of teaching truly is the hardest. There are so many unknowns. Setting up a classroom, school expectations, new curriculum, etc. But one friendly, helpful colleague makes all those unknowns less scary.
Positive relationships with other teachers lead to positive relationships with students. Making time is key. Students come to school with personal stories. Stories they are eager to share. And they want to know about their teacher as well. Sharing these stories lays the foundation for learning.
Since I am transferring to a new school this year, there will be many new stories to hear. I am thankful for some familiar faces sprinkled throughout the building. Previously established connections which offer encouragement. But my students? A sea of unfamiliar faces and new names.
Some days the task feels overwhelming. Then there are days like yesterday. A much-needed visit with an encouraging mom and her two sweet kids, now former students. Laughing and talking, saying “Thank you” and “I will miss you.” I left with renewed confidence for the coming year and a reminder of the power which comes from making connections.
That first day will be here soon. I will stand at my door and greet those new faces with a smile. The music playing in the background will be the next step in creating new connections. Connections which will grow and be revisited right when they are needed.
Piano Girl 