All the fading bits
detract – I am still alive
passion asserting.
(A quick check in. I am recovering well; still needing lots of rest. Thanks for all the good wishes. Image from my collection.)
In the Aftermath
Category: poetry
Brown-eyed
Our August
Augustine was the name chosen
should this new arrival be a girl
but as her mother laboured
she knew, with certainty
there would be no “ine”
She is August, born in May
esteemed and venerable
a name fit for a leader –
I can attest to her ability
to run the show –
definitely rules my heart.
(For Eugi’s Causerie Weekly Prompt: August.)
Appreciation
Flowers greet the rain
face up appreciation –
nourishment’s glow.
(For Cee’s Flower of the Day.)
Of Winter
Where does the river go
when snow, blinding
claims the flow?
Houses nestled in wooded groves
shudder at the exposure of leafless days
brace against the chills of early eves.
How quickly we rejoice
at first thaw, eager to embrace
change – emotion often premature.
(For Lens-artists Photo Challenge: Winter)
Spring Serves As Reminder
Even the old flower –
this appearance of decrepitude
merely camouflage
for the soul is eternal
reaches for renewal
and at every opportunity
blossoms….
(For Lens-Artist’s Photo Challenge: Spring.)
Odes To Water
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
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
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:
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)
Time For Reflection and Courage
Time stands still; we wait
the noise of speculation stark contrast
to the reality that confronts us
Where do we go from here
and what authority to trust
and in this imposed solitude
can we find the strength
of reflection, the courage
to follow an inner lead?
Be safe out there all. Inspired by the promptings of Eugi’s Causerie: courage; and Nancy Merrill’s Photo a Week: glass.
