NOVEMBER 2016

Dripping beauty

such glorious colors

autumn delight

First bare branches
herald winter
still quietly waiting
in the wings for now
sunset chill enfolds us

Early morning dew
gathered delicately
strung like fairy jewels
simple beauty found twinkling
enchanting the dog yard this morn

On a slight breeze
one by one they twirl down gracefully
languid golden dance
ballerinas could not perform
dance of the leaves with more elegance

***

Writing Prompt:  Belonging

***

Belonging......such an elusive feeling
Belonging..........always just out of reach
Belonging......here one moment gone the next
Belonging.........will I ever truly belong anywhere
Belonging..........deep longing for just that every day
Belonging......embraced by nature filling the deep void
Belonging........nature the place where I feel I  truly belong

Hope shines brightly
pushing aside all fears
this moment of peace

L  uminous
         U  tterly beautiful
                 N  atural mends hearts
                              A  lways illuminating the dark

 R   ight now
      I   nner turmoil
     S   ettles at last
      I    nner unease
         N  early forgotten
                               G   iving us hope again          
         

***

The word WELTSCHMERZ is special to me
because right now it perfectly describes
for me that heavy feeling that deep ache
knowing that many are walking that path
many are hurting and worried along with us
it is an ache deep in the heart and bone
it is a sense of melancholy leaving us
tired and adrift our world in such chaos
with too much war too much suffering
with too much division too much want
with too much hate too much of too much
there is indeed a collective world pain
shared together as many of us are aching
hoping for peace hoping for human kindness
frantically searching for the silver lining
in the ever growing darkness of a world gone mad....

***

The word HOPE is special to me
for is it not hope keeping us sane
do we not carry it deep in our hearts
knowing we will need it on the road ahead
is it not hope giving us much needed strength
for shining our light into the gathering darkness??

Be in this moment of beauty
this moment of utter peace
inhaling such sweet fragrance
listening to the hum of life...

***

Shining a light into the darkness
some days the light grows dim
barely illuminating the shadows
threatening all we hold dear
seeking understanding as to why
not easily finding the answers
yet there are light bearers
together we search out evil
together we unite against wrong
together we support one another
together we keep on hoping
together we shall conquer fear
together we keep on fighting
together we shall win this battle
together we shall cast our light
so very very bright there will
be no place to hide no place
to undo all the good done already
not turning back moving forward
shining a light into the darkness
lest it gather strength and settle
on this great blessed land of ours

Fearing for our future
darkness settles
hot tears leave trails

And though some days we might feel
as if we've been plunged into darkness
still we must reach up toward the light
for we cannot will not dwell in darkness
we must find hope to carry on to thrive
we know the light is there even though
worry causes it to flicker to grow dim
let us be each other's light bearers
together let us carry the torch of hope
let us shine our collective light
finding our way out of the darkness...

Pale green beauty
sumptuous lushness
jeweled droplets tremble
even at the cusp of winter
you shine bravely against the dark

Near the end of the day
twilight reveals
majestic avian trinity
calmly they sit en famille
proud symbol of unity and strength

Illuminating life
slender sliver glows
lunar grace note

***

First of December
cold north wind
flurries of
tumbling
leaves
winter
is
c
   o
 m
   i
 n
   g

Knitting a cap
brilliant warm colors
so toasty

North wind teases

warm cap put to the test

toasty ears smile

OCTOBER 2016

Now they bid each other a tender farewell

having embraced all throughout the year

Plumbago still in the prime of her life

Virginia Creeper starting to color brightly

before dropping scarlet leaves one by one

in all of life there is a season the wheel turns

changes come our way whether we wish it or not.....

First Breath of Season's Wheel turning
delicately breathing moist life
into sleeping moss atop the tiny roof

Above smoldering autumn fire
high repetitive fluting
song sparrow's sweet evensong

Overshadowing world's troubles
nature once again
my daily muse and saving grace

Tiny friend barely two inches
bright eyed he watches
I am watering his whole world

Sometimes finding your joy
can so very difficult
life's challenges the state
of our world can all weigh
us down until we wonder
if joy even still exists
thankfully sometimes it
just pops out at you
when you least expect it
you look up and suddenly
there's a sign in the sky
reminder that even in
our darkest moments
not unlike the dark of
the moon it's been there
all along merely hiding
out of sight for now
so please don't lose heart
from a tiny spark hidden
deep inside joy can burst
back into life once more
if only we are patient
allowing the darkness to pass...

Fierce jaws open wide
revealing hidden splendor
autumn's starry gift

Late autumn gifts
slowly unfurl
this moment of joy

Once again the wind
roared loudly
tearing and tugging
at branches
trees waved wildly
bowed heads
suddenly high above
subtle glow
spread in the sky
she appeared
triumphant once more
most unexpected
she cast her silver light
illuminating brightly
this stormy autumn night
we watched
shivering in the breeze
rising higher
she climbed often her face
nearly obscured
but she looked serene
glowing peacefully
tranquil eye in the storm

***

Against all odds
fairy tale moon
oak leaf adorned
spreading her lunar magic
on this stormy autumn night

Screaming in fear
humans are near
chainsaws in hand
is this the end??

Prompt: Personal Treasures
~
My personal treasure
are they not my eyes
for how else would one
find exquisite beauty
nature's bountiful gift
offered freely all around us
focusing very carefully
can we not momentarily
forget world's dark side
lurking in the shadows
breathing heavily attempting
to steal hope for a bright
future yet here they are
these vibrant shining faces
riding out the storm drinking
deeply of welcome autumn rain
gifting us with a brief moment
of respite of renewed hope that
we too will ride out our storms

Just the other morning
waking to a miracle
hours before the storm
a brilliant rainbow
formed in the morning sky
even today the beauty
still lingers in my mind
echo of rich color
warming this cool rainy day

***

Chosen word: PEACE
Random words: hartal and reflex
***
As peace seems to be ever elusive
on our chaotic greedy planet
my reflex is to run and hide
yet I know action must be taken
we cannot blind ourselves to
happenings and wrongdoing
we must seek ways to be proactive
but how do we go about it
when so many turn away pretend
they cannot see the wrong
yet together we could practice
hartal ceasing to take part in
corporate greed and avarice
standing together against wrong
by forcing the very hand who
is rapidly destroying our planet
one country after the next stumbles
tumbling down the black hole
of no return yet I strongly feel
it's never too late there is still
time as awareness and light slowly
illuminate more and more souls
seeking  inner peace then radiating
that peace shedding the light of hope
could that perhaps be the only action
needed one by one concentrating the
energy of peace changing the world?

SEPTEMBER 2016

For Lisa

~

Sweet Dove

flying free 

escaping pain

~

Sweet Dove

rising up high on

angel wings

~

Sweet Dove

her loving legacy

will live on

Pale Celestite blue
maybe angels
leave bluebird feathers

September Eve
landscape subtly aglow
dripping honey

Gathering stones
collecting feathers
mindful moments

And then, just like that...
wings slowly opened
even busy bees seemed
to pause briefly surely
astounded by Painted Lady's
hidden beauty revealed

Under the early morning sun
Friar Tuck smiles serenely
receiving the celestial blessing

***
PROMPT: What three things will you save in
an emergency such as fire or flood. This
after all the sentient, beloved beings in your life
are safe and sound?
~
If all else were safe
what on earth
are the most precious
three things
to carry away as well
thought the pack rat
as she scratched her
head looking around
in despair her books
too many to carry
just the thought of
their loss makes
her feel slightly ill
photos oh yes
newly created art
but of course
but in the end
too many treasures
no way to decide
maybe in the end
it will be just her
sanity her serenity
her hope for the
future after losing
so many treasures
gathered over a lifetime...

MOLLY
~
 August 1997-September 2016

***
Today Death entered our home
not eagerly awaited
yet invited all the same
for did we not ask the Universe
to spare dear Molly cat
that last trip in the hated
carrier only to be laid
out on a frigid metal table
suffering last indignities
instead he took her doing
our bidding on our terms
while she laid peacefully
in her warm cozy bed
surrounded by love and
familiar voices urging her
to slip away run across
the rainbow bridge taking
with her love and greetings
to all those gone before
once more she'll be well
joyfully playing in the sun
reunited with her siblings
of whom she was the last one....

***

For nineteen years
she graced the foot of my bed
tonight no small face looked up at me
hot tears slip down my face mourning her loss
even her outraged cries at slow service will be missed.....

Hot Indian Summer afternoon
droning with furry honeybees
Alyssum's sweet temptation

Higher and higher
they rise on wide wings
we too yearn to fly
leaving earthly worries behind
just soaring on the hot current

***

I am so privileged
that despite frustrations
worries and challenges
still my life is blessed
in so many many ways
sometimes I have to remind
myself of that and give thanks
rather then whine and mope
when so much of the world is
suffering painfully in many
ways hunger wars homelessness
I am so very privileged
counting my blessings daily
while scrolling and seeing
horrors pain and suffering
viewed here yet so far away
feeling totally helpless
empathy is all I can offer
but it's not enough....

Autumn Moon
~
Not quite full yet
still she dominates
tonight's night sky
rising high swathed in
delicate layers kissed
by flames slowly ascending
her face now glowing golden
illuminating this deliciously
cool crisp night as the wheel
of seasons slowly turns toward autumn....

September creek
shimmering at sunset
mirror of beauty

Early morning beauty
gladdens my heart
sweet buzzing of bees





Prompt: Edward Hooper's "Hotel Room"
~
Finally she'd arrived, swiftly slipping off her sensible
traveling clothes. She felt so free all of the sudden.
Outside the window she could hear the waves breaking
on the sandy shore, behind her the curtains stirred,
a deliciously cool breeze kissing her hot, bare skin.
Her decision to get away on her own was made suddenly
as the heavy weight of daily chores and endless needs
to be met had gotten to be too just much of late.
She really just needed some time away, time to think.
Sighing she sat on the edge of the bed, thoughtfully
looking at the list she'd written before leaving home,
she realized that what she really needed was to just
let things unfold. No need to stick to pesky schedules
or plans. She was here to just be, to savor time alone.
Though she knew she had wanted to start writing again,
one of the reasons she had given to allow for this trip,
what she really felt like doing was taking long walks
along the beach, hunting for seashells, watching sunsets
then sipping a glass of cool wine while eating meals she
didn't have to plan or cook. Then at the end of the day
slipping under crisp sheets to catch up on her reading.
She crumbled the note in her hands determined to let
her time away be a change of pace, no plans needed.
Samba rhythms now drifted on the breeze, along with the
perfume of lavender and other aromatic flowers she'd
passed on her way to her final destination, this hotel
room. While the beat of the music did tuck at her gently,
still she felt that enjoying this lovely, cool sanctuary
would do quite nicely for now............maybe later?

AUGUST 2016

AWAKE AUGUST
2016

***

Small fragrant white stars

kumquats in bloom

acorns are tumbling down

Late summer sun
illuminates spent leaves
autumn is coming

Brindle coated
fierce warrior
curled up tightly
snug as a babe
small bed barely
able to contain
all of him his
power at rest
blissfully sleeping
so thankful that
we're home again
attachment unavailable
not available...we're hooked

***

Mindfully stirring
adding much love
fresh doggy ice cream

Iridescent squadron descends
frantic high pitched squabbling
aerial battles ensue slowly peace
returns as tiny bubbles rise up
charming gluttons now feeding
savoring their Hummingbird breakfast

Delicate slender sliver
slowly sinks out of sight
apricot crescent moon

The Dove

~

Arriving on angel wings

she lands elegantly

bright black eyes

alert now cautiously 

making her way down

one branch at a time

settling on the rim 

sipping daintily sip

after delicious sip

then rising once more

up into a cerulean

blue sky leaving behind

one pearl gray feather 

celestial thank you?

Sparkling droplets of water
arching above the creek
Bear is snorkeling his
tail wagging cheerfully
looking for little fishes
he comes up empty yet again
minnows and tadpoles safe
from his eager workings
coming up for air his huge
cheerful grin...priceless

Bear's joyful morning splashing
now sends a shiver down our spines
is the mountain lion watching
from someplace high above us
or is he curled up resting in a
cool spot waiting for dusk to
roam once more keeping our
neighborhood awake and on edge
please for everyone's safety
including your own...MOVE ON, PUMA!!

Golden star
golden petals
golden stamens
such rich bounty
offers Desert Star
along the rock strewn creek
no nugget of gold yet treasured

***

Prompt: The meaning behind the meaning
~
When words are wielded like weapons
often there is a meaning behind
the meaning and while they do not
score the flesh making one bleed
they wound deeply leaving scars
on sensitive tender hearts often
hidden behind a mask of strength
leaving the battle field swiftly
avoiding more pain not cowardly
but brave moving toward peace again

***

Summertime's hard labor
this endless watering
rewarded by delicious
cool mud caressing bare
feet suddenly my toes
are curling in delight
summertime pleasures

Dainty pale blue blossoms
innocently gazing up at me
all the while grasping greedily
with bright green sticky fingers
even my hair is not safe from
Plumbago's coveting reach

***

 Afternoon silence
broken only
by gentle snores
one of our dogs
resting at my feet
there is bliss in this

On certain nights
Luna enters the stage
not alone but with a
cast of characters
two nights ago this
Genie popped up curling
undulating surely bowing
as if awaiting Luna's request
eager to fulfill her every wish

***

Sitting at the creek
watching Bear splashing
tail wagging cheerfully
searching the waters
high above red tail
hawk cries out shrilly
to his mate even a pair
of blue heron joined us
making us wonder what message
did they bring us this day??

***
As night falls softly
cricket orchestra
tunes up for the night......

Where did you come from little one
such an endearing tiny face
sprouting from a chubby succulent

Even Luna's bright light
cannot dim his fiery trail
swift meteor streaks by

Peering through oak branches
waxing Luna smiles
little brown bat flaps by
warm summer night
filled with cricket song....

Wooden Owl's crystal eyes
channel light into the glade
splashing the walls with rainbows

***

Lovely lush Larimar
delectable colors
like the Caribbean Sea
now adorn my neck
mermaid dress a perfect
backdrop for this beauty
from a sea I often yearn for....

Gilded Bear
knee deep in water
blissing out
with the fishes

Morning rebellion
like a teenager
testing his  limits
until we start
up the truck....mad dash

***

I see my masked man
through rose colored glasses
evening light is tinted with smoke

She rose from the smoke
her face nearly scarlet
reminder of all that's
lost our forests burn
precious lives cut short
homes up in smoke still
her beauty shines she rises
and sets no matter the state
of our world she blesses dark
nights with bright rays of comfort

***

Papery rustle of Cottonwood trees
sun rays twinkle on the creek
high above lone Red Tail Hawk
calls out loudly......Good Morning

***

So many mindful offerings
loving them all
too many to savor each one
loving the care
in which they are shared here
to brighten our days...Thank you!

This romantic landscape
speaks of a time long
ago surely it tells of
smugglers silently making
their way back home narrow
paths lit by just such a
golden smuggler's moon
or maybe just maybe I have
read one too many of
Daphne Du Maurier's novels??

Rose tinted sky
in the distance
deep humming of
smoke bombers on
their way home
so very thankful
for the valor
of all fighting
this great fight
dousing the flames
risking so much
trying to save
our burning state

Early morning at the creek
egrets gather savoring breakfast
our creek is slowly shrinking
it's an all you can eat buffet

***

Daily practice
sharpens the mind
until once again
words flow freely

Over my right shoulder
on vivid green walls
photos of furry ones who
called this space home
once upon a time
keep their presence near
where my chair and desk
rests a bunk bed once stood
the top their bed on the
bottom the feeding station
and small water fountain
fond memories arise of our
then young granddaughter
sleeping in the bunk bed
covered with cats purring
her sweet young face
smiling from ear to ear
it seems only yesterday
yet now so long ago....

Speedy
Up creek
beep beepity beep
taunting poor Wiley Coyote
ROADRUNNER

Even in death
a thing of beauty
iridescent dragonfly
drifts past on the creek
legs folded as if praying

***

Late summer fruit
delicately spiced
apple pear crumble
kissed with rosy peach
rich scent in the air
early promise of autumn

In the cool of the night
bathed in Luna's pale light
wise woman reaches
up to the sky seeking
blessings and power
this late midnight hour
her creed..harm none blessed be

*
White magic now rises
high up into the sky
such magic is healing
the old ones knew why
true spell filled with power
this late midnight hour
her creed..harm none blessed be

*
The forest stands silent
holding her close
her secret is safe here
no dark powers know
glowing bright with her power
this late midnight hour
her creed..harm none blessed be

***

Centennial oak
festooned with stars
nature's fairy lights glow
Midsummer Night's Dream

Down creek
dark shapes appear
making their way up
through the woodlands
our morning thus blessed
by a flock of wild turkeys
it had been too long we'd lost
hope of ever seeing them here again

Sitting perfectly still
suddenly a flash of color
now large wings open wide
flapping them repeatedly
thus revealing his presence
elegant elusive Green Heron
invisible no more...we see you!

Our big Bear
impressive in size
shooting star marks his chest
striking a pose calmly
claiming  infinite star appeal
sitting patiently yet his
eyes ask...can we play now??

Glowing red hearts
nodding in the green
lovely preview of autumn

Jubilant song
rises up into the air
Meadowlark serenade
loving each sublime note..

Fluttering down
winged Lemon Drops
sweet fluting voices
such delightful chatter
as they alight one by
one drinking deeply
relishing their turn
at the oval tin oasis

Do you ever see
figures in a tree
you glance up
and there she is
landlocked yet
as if in motion
on an ancient sea
galleon figurehead
riding the waves
pointing the way
or woodland goddess
choose wherever your
imagination takes you....

Savor each moment
with your loved ones
TEMPUS FUGIT