The Standoff

September 9, 2019.Reading time 1 minute.

Men prefer a reserved lady, Mother was quick to admonish, ashamed of my hot temper, the tear in mud-soaked stockings the call that came from the boy’s mother. But I was born with a fervid passion, a sense of justice igniting a fire within – Women need to stand up, I lectured her, to declare […]

Advocate for Wonder

August 19, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

I know what infinity means: it’s one hundred plus one. Voice of innocence serene her sense of self of life’s complexities. Should borrow from her, embrace that confidence, but worry intervenes. How do we preserve the wonder of youth, save her from cynicism? That it is! I reply, my smile a warm hug – vow to […]

Love-In

July 29, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Dreams big this budding leader, astral charts painted on her walls, thoughts always adventuring. Eight summers we’ve camped together grown our minds and spirit – an inter-generational love-in. (It’s summer camp time at Grandma’s again. Written for Ragtag Community’s prompt, astral, and Fandango’s, camp.)

Feathered Presence

July 22, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Fierce and majestic, the bald eagles scour the river, while I, in awe stand witness. Last year, it was a mated pair whose white crowns commanded audience Now, the offspring, perches princely claims this tract and my allegiance Feathered grandeur and piercing eyes a royal presence somehow coherent. (Inspired by the promptings of Ragtag Community: […]

Firewall

July 8, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Fear builds wall deflects possibility; I pray for purpose block revelation afraid truth, unkind, will shatter equilibrium Once faith-filled meaning flowed like blissful divine guidance but life changes, challenges – virus suppressing vitality I set my walls ineffectively, it seems need to adjust these filters. (For Reena’s Exploration challenge: meaning and truth, and Ragtag Community’s: […]

A Lacking Response

July 1, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Confronted with the confines of your hate-centered speech, I choke on disbelief, mind sputters, stalls, conversation moves on and all I can manage is an impotent withdrawal. (Submitted for Ragtag Community’s prompt: sputter, and Fandango’s: manage. Inspired by the hate rhetoric passed about on social media, often initiated by those I otherwise respect. How do […]

Looking Back

June 24, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Years when children, perpetually in motion, required a referee – Mom’s energy replete so ephemeral now – time having vanished, weariness lingering, savouring memory blurs. (Inspired by my grandchildren, and the prompts of Ragtag Community: ephemeral, and Fandango: referee. Image from personal collection.)

On the Lake

June 17, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Mist precedes morning light rises off summer warmed lake the loon’s call floating on a breeze – forever a cherished slice of life. (For Reena’s Exploration Challenge, Ragtag Community’s: breeze, and Fandango’s One Word Challenge: mist. Image from personal collection.)

End the Fray

June 10, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

This breach – this ever-widening gap fear induced pits us against them as if humanity can be divided salvation a selective process. We need a balm to soothe societal wounds, a tonic to calm the angst until clarity quells the uproar and kindness replaces this sin. (For Ragtag Community’s prompt: balm, and Fandango’s: gap.)