Category: blogging

Departure

He is the planner,
planning routes and stops,
measuring distances, researching
particulars, focused on specifics

I am the organizer,
organizing a mass cull,
distribution of worldly possessions
to kids, goodwill, or garage sales

He is the scheduler,
scheduling maintenance,
pre-departure inspections,
double-checking mechanical

I am the communicator,
communicating itineraries
answering emails, phone calls
reassuring family left behind

We lose each other
in the preparation scramble,
absorbed as we are in personal
agendas, anxious for departure.

The future is unknown,
we have committed to the leap,
replaced obligations with openness,
are setting sail on a new adventure.

We are questers,
questing after discovery,
retreating from a weighty past
leaving judgment in our dust.

We are travellers,
traveling off the beaten track,
chasing vibrant panoramas,
a close proximity to nature’s best.

(This poem appeared last November, as my husband and I, having sold our house and possessions, headed for the great beyond in our motor home.  The experience surpassed any of our expectations.  Not sure when or where the wind will blow us this year, but Manic Mondays 3 way prompt, departing, has sparked the memories and itch to hit the road.)

Monstrosity

This actor,
this ego
demanding
submissive idolatry

Humanity is distracted –
controversy, like celebrity,
vying for social attention.

Opposition barks
obediently in response
to dick-waving antics

their questions only
inciting more rage –

he is inaccessible
gloating,
publicity-sapping

ignores the plight
of dreamers,
of marginalized

human rights
inopportune
for his pocket-
lining agenda

Heroic action
is called for –

there is strength
in quiet amassing
of information

the harvesting
of underhanded
self-serving
motivations

this monstrosity
must be de-throned
before democracy
is completely defiled.

(It’s open link night at dVerse, and I have compiled this poem from the prompts of Fandango (question), Ragtag Community (bark), and Daily Addictions (controversy).  Oh, and maybe I’m feeling a little riled by the gong show coming out of Washington.)

A Mother Seldom Asks

Where does a woman store her dreams
while children need chauffeuring
and parents’ health is in decline?

What goal does she dare strive for,
that won’t supersede obligation,
nor tax already waning energy?

Why is it that her efforts –
exceeding expectations –
often fail, demanding more?

How does she keep hope alive
when illness usurps functioning
and the off-ramp is miles behind?

Who will carry her when winter’s grasp
makes passage undependable, and
she has no choice but to surrender?

(V.J.’s challenge this week is questions.)

Complacent

So bound are we
by customs,
and customary,
that seldom
do we recognize
absence –

sparks numbed
and motivation
dwindled –

what is awry
morphs into
projection,
deflection –
easier than
untethering
the leash,
the fear
accompanying
Spirit’s freedom –

the rearing up
of wildness,
or god forbid,
the moxy
to make
real change.

(Written for 50 Word Thursday, with added inspiration from Fandango (bound), Ragtag Community (absent), Daily Addictions (awry).)

Cracked Eggs

I have eggs,
she cooed,
here in my basket –
care to have a peek?

Considered his response
carefully, not wanting to
count this chicken, even as
the plot was hatching.

Hesitation,
she scolded,
only ever loses.

Yes, he concurred,
but if I act too early
all you’ll get is a worm.

(Twisted Adages is the theme for Tuesday night poetics at dVerse.  Thanks to our host Jilly for the inspiration.)

Mother

Mother
to a child – barely
able to tie shoes

watching,
listening,
ever-present

through fields,
trees, at
water’s edge

provided shelter,
grounding –
whispered cautions

child grew,
left her side –
pursued dreams

until life
overwhelming –
an adult returns

“Mother?” she cries.

“Here,” Earth responds.

(It’s quadrille night at dVerse, and Kim is hosting with the prompt earth.)

Coddiwomple

He’s an ingénue
don’t you know;
precious time
for lollygagging –

Dressed for success,
polished head to toe,
he’s a sight to see;
look at him stride by

Please don’t ask
for personal favours –
there’s no time for that
he’s an important man

Where is he going, you ask?
No one is ever quite sure,
but I’ve been here all day,
watched him pass ten times.

(Ragtag’s word of the day is coddiwomple, Fandango – ingenuity, Daily Addictions – precious.)