May 2021 – Rivers Renewed

Memorial Day 2021

My father-in-law fought in World War II, and was there for the invasion of Normandy. Specifically he was on Omaha Beach and lived to tell about it. Later he fought in the Korean War.

My Dad was in the military too but due to his age he was in between the wars. They are both long since passed away.

It’s difficult to know sometimes what to write on days like today. It’s a solemn day, remembering all those who gave their lives fighting…..for our democracy.

For me personally, I thank God for them. I’m also grateful to come from a long line of fighting Nazis, and right wing extremism.

Wishing you peace today. Let’s remember….. to remember.

Soaring Above the Tallest Trees

When our prayers fall short failing to reach the eagle’s wings, or of reaching our highest mountains,

our visions seem lost but not forgotten. But a stronger heart has learned surrender

each river washing our eyes, clearing our hearts as our spirits begin to see,

and soar above the tallest trees. Knowing, recognizing

all is not lost.

English Breakfast Morning

Not exactly an early morning, as our bodies are lulled to rest with an early summer rain.

And as I listen at my desk to the rain dripping from the leaves, I take another sip

of English Breakfast Tea,

and start writing

of renewal.

Note: The photo is of a museum.

Listening to the Water

Listening, as I drift over the water…. my spirit knows where it was born from and yet I reach

into and across the blue, lit by the sun, free from damaged wings and what used to be

I can see so clearly now and the space has been made for blending

my wordflow shaping who I am now, with words.

The Depth of Our Peace

The depth of our peace always follows the depth of our searching

our hearts

hold the key,

if we allow ourselves

the journey.

Synthesis

When who we were blends with who we are now, a beautiful synthesis

shapes our phrases, and our wordflow forms

a new creation.

Never losing

who we truly are.

Well my attempt at simply sharing archives did not work. There were no technical problems. Yet I would look at the old poem and change it just a little.

And little more, and a little bit more…..and you get the idea. A synthesis, creating something completely new.

I guess in a way people are like that too…..always new yet not losing the core

of who we are.

We Become the River

Peace lives in that sacred space of the human heart seeking,

our dry riverbeds barren no more

we become the river, flowing

in the stillness

we did not know before.

People in My Neighborhood #2

Named for the Blessed Mother, you can still see her sitting on her front porch on warm days

a small wave, a big smile, does she remember my name? It doesn’t matter.

She also tends her flowers in the yard, even though her husband

is gone now, never alone she still holds onto God,

with her soft voice lifting prayers,

a gentle spirit,

and a cornerstone

of our community.

Even….in her nineties.

The Scent of Water and Trees

There is a warm breeze now, slowly pushing its way over the lake,

holding a scent of water and trees, coming to rest

on my face. I look up seeking the revelation of sky in my life

never ending yet within my soul, I reach

for the pen that’s filling itself once again.

I marvel at words, trying not to gasp

holding the photograph

in my mind, I begin again

to write.

People in My Neighborhood #1

That dog. He had to be the size of at least two, or even three

of her children, put together.

At least. 160 pounds,

at least.

Yet the she way she maneuvered his harness,

told me so much more,

than she had a strong shoulder,

most likely she was filled

with courage

a warrior’s heart,

running strong

within.

Note: I’m trying something new today.

Month: May 2021