An Open Invitation

It begins with only one-
Centered and steady
A series of tones, each
bleeding into the next

An open invitation
for others to join

A new timbre, mellow and 
low, compliments the 
original with its own-
The invitation grows

Others continue to join 
Adding new registers, 
patterns, and tones-
Each is beautiful on its own

But together-together
They create a harmony 
that tugs at my heart

Its slow crescendo draws
My breath in before gently 
releasing me in a slow exhale

A peace felt only in unity 
Recognizing the true gift- 
Each one of us, together

Prompt 6 Listen to the following song and write a poem. The Poetry Marathon

Max Richter-The Poetry of Earth

Hold My Hand

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

Simply Sunday

Photo by Paul Porter

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.

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
Secret of Life-James Taylor
Kelley Morris, piano

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

From Me to You by John Lennon and Paul McCartney