Clearly in charge, she strides in the door, and down the hall

demanding attention and cat nip treats.

She doesn’t tolerate indifference to her need for attention,

or for her treats.

However, when she’s had enough, she insists on her

right to once again go outside and back to her kingdom.

Satisfied for now that her place is understood by all.

 

She enters day-  warmth soaked in golden light.

Enters in anticipation of being soothed as if by a warm bath.

Expecting perfection from numbing agony and sterile indifference-

Wresting each moment of relief from humid surroundings.

Soaks it all in, then rises from the mist tightly clutching

warmth to her body and soul to carry

her through another day and night.

 

Old friends remind us who we were-

the fun we had, the memories we made, and what was important.

Old friends are our touchstone-

they remind us that life was once simple.

Old friends ground us-

Keep us in touch with what is important.

Old friends are comfortable-

They accept us as we are

and as we were.

 

 

 

Music feeds our souls-

comfort food – warm, familiar, filling.

coffee – hot awakening jolt!

ice water – cold, shocking, thirst quenching.

ice cream – sweet and creamy.

All delicious – necessary soul food.

Pencil grinding on and on

It will haunt me when I’m gone.

Let’s get started so we get through

Since we’ve got so much to do.

Fill in bubbles after you read-

Please don’t tell me what you need.

Endless bubbles on the test

Don’t stop now – no time to rest.

Bubble onward – you can do it

Keep on moving – you’ll get through it.

Make your marks heavy and dark

Keep on going – it’s a lark!

I need to go – I cannot stay

But, I’ll be back another day!

We all wear them day by day,

and, they show more than what we say.

Am I a lover of art, and things of beauty?

Or, today am I bound to do my duty?

Am I wife, teacher, mother, grandmother, poet?

Watch what I do, and I will show it.

You can recognize me if you pay attention,

and you’ll see I’m all  I mention.

Am I gardener, kayaker, nature lover, reader?

Am I on the river, or in my garden as seeder?

Am I with my grandkids on their farm?

Am I in their creek, or in their barn?

Am I at school trying to help kids learn?

Am I trying to help a life to turn?

Am I at home where I long to be?

Or, am I out for the world to see?

We wear our masks to keep us safe-

To fit in when life might chafe.

Whatever mask I don today, and whether I go or whether I stay,

I hope I’m making the world better,

As I’m all of these things right down to the letter.

I’m all of these things and so much more.

So remember-

Life is rich and life is beautiful, and sometimes you pour

your heart into something, and need even more.

Keep moving forward, but look back at times,

and you’ll find a life as rich as mine.

So, when I put on that final mask, I hope that others can say-

She made the world a better place each and every day.

I stand in awe as velvet canvas shines with bright points of starlight.

Full moon soon becomes shrouded until all that remains is super blood

wolf moon total eclipse – glowing crimson in dark sky.

Clicking and moaning of pines – the only sounds in frigid night.

 

 

 

Time spent with family reflects the best parts of me.

The unending curiosity that fills my life,

the dimples that caress my checks,

The green-gray eyes with which I see the world,

the humor that makes me laugh,

and the love that fills my heart to overflowing.

Thank you for reminding me of the ties that bind,

And, offering a reflection of my best parts.

 

 

I top the rise, and once again I see mountains-

Welcoming me home with ridges to hold me close.

Hills echoing one another in unending undulations.

Their perfect shapes silhouetted against gray sky

reminding me why I cherish them so.