Monday Mash-Up

Today is a bit of this and that Photo images of where it’s at Trails, flowers and an unashamed cat A mash-up entry of the last few weeks Nothing outrageously new or unique Images of the days that gratefully speak Down a hill, up a hill, pedaling away Going as far as I say it’s okay Enjoying a sun or cloud-infused day Sitting on a patio, taking in the sight Flowers in purple, funky orange and white This is theRead more

Light and Shadow

Green light of his eye holds a soulful gaze He lays in the comfort of red and gold Hardness of life digs into clouded daze The stress of being cat cannot be sold “Hey mom?” “Yes, Gibbs?” “Watcha doing?’ “Trying to write a sonnet or poem about you.” “I hope you are telling everyone that I’m a good boy.” You are, buddy, most days…” His world has changed somewhat for the better Gray paws roam free without prison’s firm gateRead more

Changing…Evolving…Acclimating

“If you can’t acclimate, you disintegrate.” – Katie Kacvinsky I learned the art of acclimation working for a state government agency for many years. I often called our agency the Department of Change because we never sat still. Policy and procedures were constantly evolving and employees were expected to acclimate. We had no other choice. Monday, May 10th, was a day of change, a day I became fully vaccinated and celebrated with a walk-and-talk with one of my pastors as he willRead more

Blue Eyes

I was new yesterday blue eyes look back through the memories that life unpacks I am new today blue eyes open wide under warm covers a pondering existence hides I will be new tomorrow blue eyes fully singing at a multi-colored dawn the din of winter ringing I am new always every day blue eyes steadfast in a sea of optimism for a world love that will lastRead more

365 Revolutions

Traveling in a straight line giving way to curve Savoring smoothness of sail avoiding potholes and poop Feeling warmth of golden sol or bony dampness of drizzle Suffering under pressure, distress overcome by retreat, security A year has gone by 365 revolutions Winter, spring, summer, autumn snow, tulips, bike trails, red maple A year of never before a year of heart’s desire, emotions, expectations Gone once around the fiery blaze to a day of cake and candles Existence subjective, evolvingRead more

I am white

I am white. I don’t know what it’s like To fear Discrimination, bigotry, name-calling, death under a knee I am white Brought up in a white community With white friends I don’t know what it’s like To feel how you feel To live your existence To have a history of constant oppression and special rules Fighting, protesting for survival I am white I have been privileged In ways I still don’t understand My fear is different and now feels likeRead more

Warmth of a Smug Embrace

At last you show your face smiling, glowing a bit smug absent you were betrayer deserter hiding in ashiness depression cover of darkness for days twelve or more I could not see your smile or feel the warmth of an embrace damp tired is what I felt and sleep wanted to sleep You’re here now giving life and breath to my soul I love to soak up your being praise your existence fall to the ground thank God for withoutRead more

SoCS: Miss Downtrodden

Impoverished existence Empty, hollow I can hardly breathe Barely swallow   Ziva? Yes mom? I hope you’re not writing about yourself. Ummm…maybe… Really?   Starvation chases Empty, hollow I can barely think Death follows   Ziva! Yes mom? Have you called the ASPCA? Ummm…maybe… Really?   Sleep eludes Empty, hollow…   Ziva! What? Sleep is your middle name. It doesn’t feel like it. Really?   Sleep eludes Empty, hollow I can scarcely rest Self-pity wallows   Ziva? Yes mom? AnyRead more

The Identity of Mary J

“In the social jungle of human existence, there is no feeling of being alive without a sense of identity.” ~Erik Erikson~ What is your identity? Do you have a definition of who you are? Are you a unique individual with purple hair and a nose ring or a combination of your parents and life-long experiences? I’m not sure what to say about myself. I’ve been pondering my own identity of late and what that might look like in print. I’llRead more

Tall, Striped Hat

What is life in the eyes of a cat? Does he ponder his existence? Does he yearn for a tall, striped hat?   What is life as she veers toward the sun? Does she wonder about this simple life? Does she yearn for more food and fun?   What is life as the sun creeps on one gray paw? Is it about testing the warmth? Or is soaking up rays part of mandatory cat law?   What is life asRead more

An Ode to a Drawer’s Melange

Are we done yet? Almost, dear readers. I’m starting to hit a wall, my mind is turning a poetic mush. Bear with me a little while longer, if you can. Today, I share with you some of the contents of a drawer in my office. There is more “junk” in that drawer than what is noted below. If you have a curious mind, leave a comment with your best guess of what else the drawer might hold. If you guess correctly, I’llRead more