Nature’s Message

September 12, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Nature has a way of reminding –even the most diehard nonbelievers –that a force, inexplicable and sacred, exists Like an unseasonal storm unleashing hailwaking us from a deep slumber –she is a messenger, knocking The soul answers, child reawakened,joyous recognition that despite alltheories, doctrines, and delusions There exists a life within a life:a great mystery […]

Who Am I, If Not Responsible?

September 11, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

This pedestal of responsibilityhas elevated me, out of reach,out of touch – lumps togetherchildren, mate, mother, sister… Caregiver extraordinairepresent overcrowded byobligations…am unwell,off topic, fed up, surely… I am other abled, have roomfor more – not martyr related –hesitant to plan, my purposefor being so intricately tuned to the needs of others, shouldquit while I’m ahead […]

Batter Up

September 9, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Intensity grips the bat-grit interwoven with anxiety Nothing less than a home runwins approval in this boy’s game The lone girl, I am aflamewith rage of inequality (Took a coveted bat and tight fist to get me here) Dig my feet in and stare downthe pitcher, ready to ignite the field. (Image my own)

This I Know

September 7, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Eventualityof gravityis bona fideFlesh is not iron Minds, however,can strengthen, ifnurtured withopen compassion Spirits plummetand revive, buoyantas the grace thatserves them. (Tuesdays, I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson.Image my own.)

Sunday supper table (sestina)

September 5, 2021.Reading time 2 minutes.

Two at the ends, two at the backone for the cook, one for the helpthis was the way of Sunday’s table:hungry tums anxiously waiting,family dog glued to the floorlest any scrap should need saving. Father would pray for all our saving;serve himself before handing back,while Mother paced the dining floorever offering us kids some helptill […]

Brown-Eyed

September 4, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Brown eyes, unblinkingbat golden lashes skyward –celestial flirt (Image my own. This haiku first appeared on One Woman’s Quest II in August 2020.)

Survival of the Wittiest

September 2, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Father demanded first slice of pie doled out with high brow perfectionanything less unacceptable Crumbly bits unleashed a tiradethe shame of incompetencecrushing the reluctant server Oppressed as we werewe children plotted,sought a suitable revenge He got his just dessertcherry with a subtle trace –scent of satisfaction. (Note: no parents were killed in the writing of […]

On Divinity

August 31, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Righteousnessspeaks not ofDivine intent Indigenous sufferungodly loss fromChristian hands A Muslim communitymourns the brutalityof sanctimonious wrath Hate is the inventionof mortal minds – Divine love is a riverthat flows for all. (Tuesdays, I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson. Image my own.)

Pity Not The Scars

August 31, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Abandoned, this heart –old walls scarred but solid Lest you look upon me with pity,remember – roses grow here planted at the peak of love’s holdvibrant despite the ensuing thorns. (Tuesdays, I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson.Image my own.)

Best Listener

August 29, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Art of listening, best taughtby the family pooch –ears attuned to nuancescarefully weeding throughhuman gibberishfor words that resonate –treat, dinner, walk, cuddles… Eyes inviting compassionconveying depth beyond understandingand when tone turns impatientlittle paws retreat, as if words are blows If only I could learn to listenhear the workings of your mindinquisitive, compelling – imaginewhat I […]