Category: poetry

Odes To Water

~ V.J. Knutson ~ 15 Comments

My soul begs the reassurance of flow
an enchanted place along the river
a moment of solace where I can breathe

My heart glows at the sound of summer
children’s voices raised above the splash
of clear blue – refreshing memories.

(For Nancy Merrill’s A Photo A Week Challenge: water.)

To the Man-Boy Who Publicly Declares He Is Not Afraid of Death

~ V.J. Knutson ~ 11 Comments

And what will you feel
when death,
as you proclaim,
passes you by

Targets
a beloved aunt,
an elderly neighbour,
a nephew with asthma

Will you pause
to ponder your part
express regret
for misplaced pride

Or preoccupied
with your own rights
sporting chest protruding blinders
will you deny accountability?

“The president doesn’t wear a mask”
you pronounce the words as gospel
too young to recognize that choices
have consequences, irreversible

Risks, by nature, require careful consideration
recklessness an unworthy motivator
Reward is in the conquering – fear, doubt
No treasure gained when tragedy ensues.

***

Life is risk, and always there is consequence, and sometimes reward. Risk-reward has been the focus this week and I thank all for participating. My risk is putting out a challenge each week, and the reward is you!

Please check out these wonderful contributors:

Hansel & Gretel – Part 2, I Write Her
Not Yet, MMA Storytime
Memories From Afar, POETRYPALETTE
The woods are lovely dark and deep…, Heart to Heart
Tall Trees, Sgeoil
The Moth, parallax
Volunteering, THE BAG LADY
Patience, one letter UP
Presence Missed, Stuff and what if…

See you tomorrow with a new challenge!

Passing The Time

~ V.J. Knutson ~ 35 Comments

Pursuing feathered inspiration takes me to quiet rural settings. At home, I pour over images, and “picturate” as my husband calls it – altering the photos to create something new.

I spend time daily, crafting poetry, inspired by images, or dreams, or prompts. Often I combine the poems with the artistic photos:

(Photo taken on Vancouver Island, April 2018)

I’m also spending my time writing a community newsletter for our retirement community, and as a retired teacher, offering support to my grandchildren for their online learning. I’ve even created a YouTube account so that I can read to my granddaughters – posting videos for them to replay when they need a Grandma fix.

And in between, I am reliving the years of art I missed as a child, experimenting with pencil, ink, charcoal, and watercolour:

How are you passing this time, staying home?

(Submitted for Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: pastimes)

Not So Simple

~ V.J. Knutson ~ 21 Comments

So many questions cluttering my mind –
numbers and guidelines: Stay Inside!

I crave the single mindedness of a plant
whose nature tends towards sunlight

and contemplate the stillness of moss
wondering if it too feels the inquietude

And gaze on with envy as a solo flight passes
yearning to taste the freedom of escape.

Life has become so complicated, suddenly
Simplicity, we’re discovering, not so easy.

(Submitted for Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: simplicity.)

Present Distance

~ V.J. Knutson ~ 19 Comments

I’ve lived the fog of distance –
life’s highway a series of hills
destination without promise

Have learned that acceptance gains perspective
that climates change, and hope sustains
and that in the stillness dreams renew.

Now I travel quieter paths, appreciate
space, have surrendered to a slower pace –
certain that this too will change.

(For Lens-Artists Challenge: distance)

The River, My Heart

~ V.J. Knutson ~ 36 Comments

A landmark in my life, the river follows
ages, and eras, seasons measured by her flow

She acknowledges change, bears the winter
regally, swells with confidence as Spring rains

Will walk beside me in sunnier times, and
hold my secrets as Autumn catches us in her flames

She holds my heart, my faith, always knows
and at end of day, oh how she glows.

(For Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: A River Runs Through It.)