Prompt: PROCRASTINATION
~
Spring is here
no time to
procrastinate
next year's
young depend
on timely
mating rituals
no time to
fool around
soldier beetles
gather making
love....not war
Six Word Saturday Duo
~
Unveiling her
face just
before dawn
~
Predawn delight
shimmers softly
morning blessing
Prompt: PATHWAYS
~
Twice yearly they make the long arduous journey
following invisible pathways
instinct urging them to head south each autumn
far away from their Northern homes
traveling for weeks down toward milder climes
flying high overhead their calls
filter down to us as their arrows pierce
the infinite skies stretching north
on the move again traveling aerial pathways
eagerly winging their way toward home
ready to raise a new generation of travelers
***
Two
slim
cypress
embrace
Luna's
pale
face
d
a
w
n
Yesterday golden ruffles glowed
heads held high skirts spread
but on this gray rainy day
they are bowed in humble gratitude
as sheets of rain saturate
the land ensuring nourishment
for blossoms yet to grace our
gardens on sunny days to come
***
Storm finally passed
above roseate clouds
a pale morning moon
Delicate droplets
nature weeps
crystalline tears
Headed out to town
just a mundane outing
list of errands in
hand guiding our path
~
Yet how often have we
found that even
these planned trips
can hold blessings
~
Never boring these jaunts
along our rural roads
spring roundup is on
tall cowboys riding high
~
The Wild West is present
here holding on tight
this romantic view brutal
to our city slicker eyes
~
Headed north on the freeway
alongside towering trucks
brief glimpse into a valley
a herd of Bison with calves
~
Errands run truck loaded
we retrace the earlier
path taken toward town
relaxed now headed home
~
One final blessing found on
this bright spring day our
Eagles perched on their nest
feeding one gray fuzzy chick
~
Nature's magic transforms the
simple pathways of our days
unexpected wonder and joy
around every turn of the road
***
Prompt: HOW DO WE LISTEN
~
How do we listen
do we listen with
wide open hearts
and minds caring
deeply for those
who speak to us
for this is as
it should be
or do we listen
only to our own voice
chattering in our heads
while tuning out
those who want and
need to be heard
hearing only a droning
noise rather then
painful words and
confidences shared by
someone needing a friend
needing to matter
or do we judge silently
hearing about struggles
we cannot imagine
or maybe having experienced
our own troubles
and hardships along the way
can we empathize
allowing us to truly
listen letting
those who need us
know that we are
here for them always
by their side
sharing their troubles
feeling their pain
holding a hand or
speaking words of
comfort and support
maybe thus lightening
their heavy load
validating their pain
offering words of comfort
that this dark path
will once again bring
them to a clearing
where the sun shines
and birds sing and
soaring hope fills
heavy hearts once more
how we listen matters!!!
Prompt: HOW DO WE LISTEN
~
Listening to the roar
of traffic
yet focusing on this
small paradise
at the edge of a paved
parking lot
miniature world
where tiny bugs
go about their daily
lives and cheerful
flowers shine brightly
listening for
the hum of the bees
coming upon this
minute oasis
in the urban desert
most welcome break
from harried shoppers
my mind takes off
on a flight of fancy
Stepping into the garden
flooded with lush scents
subtle song as the wind
teases melodious chimes
busy chattering of birds
squabbling at the feeder
observing busy comings
sparrows followed by
pairs of cooing doves
arriving on angel wings
soon pushed aside by
arrogant jays screaming
in victory as they scatter
timid flocks at the feeder
delicate goldfinches feast
on plump rosemary seed
above it all high pitched
squeaks of the hummers
flying their aerial battles
diving battling whizzing
past our heads then scolding
angrily the feeder drained
of it's sweet nectar
hurrying inside to replenish
their syrupy banquet
then watching them settle
sweetly side by side
content once again
sharing a meal together
battles forgotten
peace returns for now
***
Azure
glowing beauty
tasty leaved herb
invites busy foraging bees
BORAGE
Prompt: IMPACT
~
Looking back over the last few years I can't help
but think of the IMPACT is has on my life when a dear
friend, known to you all, took a moment to hit the send
button, inviting me to a writing challenge. I thought
"WHAT!? What on earth will I write about?? Of course that
negative voice was immediately heard in the background,
whispering words of discouragement. You all know the one
I speak of. It's not for you, it said and I thought and
thought and decided.........WHY NOT??
Hadn't I always loved the written word, though never
having written myself? Did I know come from creative stock,
my father loving to write and doing so? It seemed someone
had faith and felt all I needed was a gentle shove to
help me soar, seeing myself in a way I had never thought of
before.
A creator of not only words strung together as poetry to be
shared, but also discovering a new joy, capturing the beauty
found in our simple, rural lives with my camera.
Once taking the plunge and accepting the challenge how often
have all of you been the wind beneath my newly found wings?
How often on sad days have your kind, caring words, your own
wonderful writings and sharing of your lives in both word
and image made dark days a little brighter?
The IMPACT this group and it's support has had on my life is
so tremendous and the fact that others feel the same way just
gives me a feeling of belonging. Of feeling understood, of being
among kindred spirits. Leaving me no longer isolated, but a part
of something bigger, something amazing, something to be treasured
always.
Scrolling through the pages of my blog which documents the journey
along the river of stones alongside new friends found, all made
possible by feeling heard and understood. Trusting myself to dabble
in paints, even finding the courage to share at times, such a wonder.
My days are filled with mindfully noticing so many things unseen or
passed over before. Now examined, made note of, pondered over and
maybe shared.
As I sit here in my Mindful Owl Studio, sharing these thoughts I am
thankful! Thankful for the support and encouragement. Thankful for
your own brave sharing thoughts and feelings most generously, good
and bad, bright and dark. And in doing so, weaving a shining tapestry
for all to enjoy, to be part of something bright and positive.
It has impacted us all, has it not???
Delicate blossoms unfurl
on gnarled venerable trees
come winter transformed
into culinary liquid gold
~
Holding tight to the jug
we're homeward bound
eager to refill the Fusti
our table again blessed
~
Drizzling golden drops to
anoint simple foods
fresh asparagus roasted
sighing in culinary bliss
***
Prompt: FRIENDSHIP
~
This space we've created
warms our collective hearts
precious friendships held dear
~
This space we've created
offers warmth and care
in our often troubled world
~
This space we've created
nourishes and comforts us
cocoons and holds us safely
~
This space we've created
our harbor when life's storms
leave us breathless and uncertain
~
This space we've created
carefully nurtured globally
this wonderful web spun together
Last year's disaster
this year's oasis
fractured Hawthorne
carefully splinted
tenderly wrapped
tears flowed freely
as I spoke words of
encouragement hoping
to save this young tree
finally first small buds
appeared delicate leaves
formed on the pruned
branches and now once
again wide open blossoms
offer up their nectar
let the gathering begin
