Recess

"So what?" will be my motto--
"Who cares?"  my battle cry.
If I want, I'll tell a joke
that no one gets but I.
I won't use proper grammar.
They'll shake their heads and sigh,
"She's much too old to act this way!"
They'll try to reason why.
I'll make the neighbors wonder
when I climb into a swing,
that's meant for someone younger
and I'll sing and sing and sing!

An apology should
never
be followed by "but".
All meaning is lost.
There is no truth when
"I'm sorry" is clarified,
explained,
given a reason.
Someone is
hurting.
Simply
Be
Sorry.

Notice

Sent it and meant it.
Time to let go
of a place that seemed safe
but the danger was so                                 
hidden behind lies and misdeeds
that it was a treacherous
planting of seeds
of anger and meaness
that I lost sight of me--
not who I'd turned into
but who I could be.

Standing Reservation

Third from the front
a reserved space--
tradition made it so.
Year by year they fill the pew
with faith and hope they grow
into a family that too soon
begins to say good-bye.
They leave for jobs or school or love
or with the angels fly.
Yet good-byes aren't forever.
The bonds once formed stay true.
Children gone return again
and bring their children too.
It isn't money or prestige
that holds their place for years--
a standing reservation held by
grace and joy and tears.

Dream Catcher

You held on to amazing dreams that only you could see,
   and to a little sister you remained a mystery.
We grew up side by side it's true,
   but saw through different eyes.
You always seemed to know your path;
   life caught me by surprise.
And as the years passed quickly by,
   I learned a lot from you.
I watched your dreams unfold and bloom
   and knew that mine could too.
I hold within my memory the picture of a boy,
  who reached past ordinary
to a life of love and joy.
   I know it isn't often that I take the time to say,
you are a blessing to my life
   today and every day.

Bunk Bed Perspective

Climbing the ladder and having a sense
of deja vu and confidence
that you're alone and none will know

the place where you're about to go.
A moment of youth in a grown up day
three steps up and far away.

Family Table

Black and white world
  sepia tones
table chats
  princess phones.
LOL was a sound we heard
  not a shorthand texted word.
Skirted women
  tee shirt guys
cups of coffee
  homemade pies.
Faded polaroid memories
  clearer now than jpgs.
One moment in time
  no second chances
mixed emotions,
  stolen glances
into a world that
  belongs to those who
lived that life and
  struck that pose.

Unsung Hero

Pop bottle money
    A made up game
Rock and roll music
    Dreams of fame--
The boy you were
    Gave gifts to me
That others cannot touch or see.
    You weren't afraid
To test your wings
    To take a risk
Try crazy things.
    Your humor,creativity,
Your way of seeing what might be--
    These gifts are what
God gave to you.
    These gifts are what
You gave me too.

The Conductor

His hands move through the air
touching nothing but the heart.
The voices blend to answer as if one
and yet each part
with powerful gentility
allowed by him to shine.
His hands now plead, demand, cajole
reshape, transform,refine
this present for the muted ones
who cannot join the song but
with a sweeping motion
he invites them come along.
Their voices are not lifted up
but souls and spirits soar
The weary, hurting, lonely, lost
are given hope once more.

Garden Grace

She moves among the flowers
with a soft and gentle grace.
The fragrance of the blossoms
wrap around her in embrace.
She knows each plant
and what it needs
to live and grow and thrive.
With tender care, brings out their best
and urges them to strive
to be a source of happiness to all
who come their way
and add a touch of color to a world
that's sometimes gray.
She shares the wisdom of the flowers with
everyone she knows.
She says a prayer.
She plants the seed
and waits to see what grows.

Winter Run

Dark days of winter
leave her cold.
Her face looks tired

and sad
and old.
A warmer day
a sudden thaw--
and now the woman that you saw
replaced with one
light on her feet
who laughs with joy
runs in the street.
A few degrees
the healing sun
a magic potion
a winter run.

Sold

Got up
Felt good
Began the day
Breakfast bar, cafe au lait.
Showered
Dressed and
Out the door...

Hopeful that I'm headed for
A world that's gentle, loving, fun...
But smiles are few and kind words...none.
The time sold to the world now ends
I head back home
Where your love mends
The hurt dealt out by thoughtless drones
Who roll their eyes, talk on their phones.
You hold me close.
You make me smile
Not right away but in a while
Your warmth has driven out the cold
of yet another day I've
Sold.

New Year's Revolution

Why make a resolution

      and then break it right away?

I want to love myself 

      and you just as we are today.