Expressions

May 6, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Countenance displays trutha smiling pant conveys contentment A ready smile invites a visitspreads a familial warmth A furrowed brow suggests concerna child’s uncertainty during lockdown. Words can offer intentbut expression speaks so much more. (For Cee’s Black & White Photo challenge: Heads or facial features.)

VJ’s Weekly Challenge #95: What a Child Knows

May 4, 2020.Reading time 3 minutes.

I am five. Chronologically, I am five. Inside, I feel as old as I’ll ever be. I am free of the burdens and distractions that surround me, and often, alone. I have a sense of something I can’t quite articulate – purpose, mingled with wisdom; trust, and a connection larger than me. I do not […]

Oh, For a Good Story

May 3, 2020.Reading time 2 minutes.

Fishermen are notoriously good storytellers. Who can resist the suspense of the catch, and the disappointment of the one who got away? As a teacher, my favourite class was the one where we put the desks in a circle and told stories. After all, oral traditions are where stories begin. My grandchildren naturally prod for […]

At Home

May 1, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

A perch to greet the world a corner to keep my books(could use some sorting) A pot of home made soup on the stove(Chicken tortilla – our favourite) This is home. (For Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: at home)

V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #94: wild card

April 27, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

I welcome your response to the Dalai Lama’s words. No specific word for this challenge, so you are open to be creative. Create a post on your own blog and link back here. Poetry, prose, photography, music – any form of creativity welcome. Looking forward to your responses!

Laughter Lingers in Memory

April 26, 2020.Reading time 3 minutes.

The days fold one into another, and the daily phone calls with Mom tend towards reminiscence – not much happening in the present. We talk about my aunt, her sister-in-law, a colourful figure who lived her life alone – lesbian in a time when homosexuality was considered criminal, and later, a mental illness. Dee, as […]

Ingredients for Peace

April 22, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

A willow in Springtime Light at the end of the day Stillness in the moment Ingredients for peace. (For Nancy Merrill’s A Photo a Week Challenge: peaceful place.)

V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #93: remember

April 20, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Contributions to the weekly newsletter I create for our community often contain nostalgic memes. Remembering past times, especially joys, is a good way to ease tension. This week, I invite you to remember and share. Create a post on your own blog, and link back here or leave a url in the comments. Photos, prose, […]

Body Count

April 19, 2020.Reading time 2 minutes.

Behind the restlessness behind the shortened fusebehind this continual gut achelies a wall of grief. First four cousinsthen anothera grandmothera favourite uncle the ongoing knowledgethat at any point my sisterwould slip away, disappear in that great abyss But first, another cousina childhood frienda suicide an accident As promised, I held her handas sister succumbed to […]

V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #92: behind

April 13, 2020.Reading time 1 minute.

“Behind every criticism is a wish.”– Esther Perel The quotation comes from Esther Perel’s podcast “Where Should We Begin?” which currently features couples in lockdown. Something about the words resonates with me, although I’m not immediately able to explain why. I have witnessed how anger masks disappointment, frustration, or even grief, but criticism. I hadn’t […]

Fatal Fury

Really wasn’t your faultthis fury that overcame –Words evoked onslaught,a raging river of pain. Didn’t mean to push you,miscalculated my aim,swimming in swamp watersnot a recommended game. You floundered, gurgled,cursed me by name –our love story, now viralbrought an alligator fame. (Image my own. Tale is totally fictional, I promise.)

Still Alive (haiku)

Shoo, Pity!

A kidney stone, coupled with an infection has set me back five days – two trying to soldier through the pain, and three pursuing medical answers. Anyway, I’m on the mend, tired already of this foray into self-pity. Tomorrow, I keep telling myself, is a new day. (Image my own)