12 Monday Jun 2017
I speak into the wind,
but the words come back;
I speak with the wind
and the words sail along,
just waiting for capture,
and I wonder…
Will my message be heard
by those I wish to hear? Or,
will a tree whisk them under its leaves
and keep them as its own? Perhaps,
my words will wave across the ocean,
greeting mariners as it goes?
Or, is it possible that my words
may never leave but
get caught in a whirlwind
and dervishly disappear?
02 Friday Jun 2017
Posted in Inspiration, Life
Tags
There was a time when
it seemed we didn’t age.
It was as if the clock was
constantly rewinding, or
perhaps time stood still.
A new hairdo; fresh makeup;
Megavitamins and the gym;
Stylish clothes on trim bodies–
All served to keep a body young.
But it’s the digital age, and
the numbers shout LED red
and click as the minutes pass,
a constant reminder that
time waits for no one.
I wish we could go back to yesteryear,
where people rose with the sun
without need of a musical alarm;
where day played out naturally
and shuttered to the descending curtain
of the setting sun. Then I could
swing like the pendulum
of the grandfather clock
that graced my grandmother’s mantle,
swaying ever so gently back and forth,
never pausing for sickness or glum;
never worrying about stray gray hairs;
never having to worry about
atomic clocks or losing track of time;
Just being content with the ebb and flow
of the life I’ve been given;
at peace with how I’ve kept time.
22 Wednesday Feb 2017
Posted in Animals and Insects, Inspiration, Life, Nature
Tags
animals, inspiration, meditation, Nature, seasons, spring, Winter
I prepared for winter as if a bear,
eating enough to store a little fat,
prepping my den with soft bedding
and surrounding myself with my
favorite things before thinking about
curling up like a ball of furry fluff.
Then the cold came, and I hunkered in
my corner, ready for hibernation to begin.
Well, eight hours later, I woke to the
pressing needs of primal functions,
cramps in muscles I didn’t know I had,
and hunger growling through my tummy.
How do they do it? The bears,
the reptiles; the bees and the bats?
How do they slow their muscles down,
close their minds to their surroundings
and let sleep overtake their bodies?
Do they eat until they get drowsy,
simply too tired to move?
Do their bodies naturally adapt
to the changing environment?
Or do they meditate into quietude,
re-awakened with the spring?
Just wondering…
17 Friday Feb 2017
Posted in Animals and Insects, Children, Family, Inspiration, Life, Nature
Sloughed off from a
lengthy body, the
tunnel of snakeskin
in the grass still surprises me,
the thought that he’s
outgrown himself again a
little intimidating; well, actually,
quite frightening. Yet,
I’m not concerned when I find
leather uppers lying in the lawn,
flung off because they are too small
for the young boy out there.
I know he chose to shed the shoes
so he could go farther faster;
and I may shed a tear or two
as he stretches and grows;
but, we all bask together
under the same sun,
shedding and growing until
day is done.
12 Sunday Feb 2017
Posted in Children, Family, Inspiration, Life
Tags
children, family, Growing up, inspiration, life, reflection, tricycle
Its paint now faded red,
the back tires are as crooked
as the front wheel is bent;
yet, the tricycle frames itself
proud to support another brother.
As chunky little legs
pump the pedals round,
puffy little cheeks wiggle
from side to side across
the aged and battered seat.
I follow behind; but, as usual,
am outpaced in no time.
I see his smile as he turns,
and I’m caught in a time warp
of yesterdays and tomorrows.
11 Wednesday Jan 2017
Posted in Family, Inspiration, Life, Weather
Tags
I closed my eyes
to summon summer back,
when the sun warmed my bare skin
and the landscape lushed green,
But I shuddered as the
warmth of the crackling fireplace,
encircled my chilled body,
bringing loving memories of
family, hot cocoa in hand,
laughing as we looked out at
the lopsided snowman we
made only a few moments ago.
I take a deep breath in,
absorbing today’s wintry scene
of contrasted white snow and
the ever darkening sky,
knowing I don’t want to miss
living in the present moment,
where the cold reflects warmth
and time to slow down and enjoy it.
02 Monday Jan 2017
Pumby was with us
for a few years back then.
Our three-year-old daughter’s
imaginary best friend
graced our table, seated in the
“empty” chair at our tea parties.
At night, she lay under the bed,
keeping the monsters away.
They got along so well. Pumby
was a perfect friend and scapegoat,
accepting her role as the guilty one
when something went wrong.
We were told she moved to
New York City when
the girls were teens, but
she’s baaaack!
Who else could have
let the mouse in,
or shoved the dirty socks
under the bed.
And who else would’ve
lit fireworks past midnight,
then wake me by turning
up the music at dawn?
Welcome home, Pumby,
and Happy New Year!
31 Saturday Dec 2016
Posted in Animals and Insects, Election 2016, Life
It was that kind of year–
Politicians rankled the masses,
Thugs roamed the streets,
People died needlessly.
A Year of the Monkey, they said.
Two thousand sixteen, it was,
and as its namesake implies,
a wildly mischievous child,
searching, perhaps for an escape,
peeking through window blinds
as the new year comes into view,
wondering whether 2016 will leave
when the window is opened
to welcome 2017 in.
04 Sunday Dec 2016
I bare sandals as I step out,
half expecting the lawn to respond
like it did yesterday, when
the sun encouraged its green
tendrils to grow plush and wiggly,
tickling my fleshy exposed toes.
But time can change quickly,
and my exposed toes scrunch under,
seeking shelter from winter’s chill
and the inevitable crunch of grass as it
splays frozen and flat beneath the sandal.
Together, we bear the weight of the season.
19 Saturday Nov 2016
Posted in Family, Inspiration, Life, Love
Tags
family, Holiday, home, inspiration, life, love, Poetry, thanks, thanksgiving, time
The dining table, covered with
Mama’s fanciest tablecloth,
seats 15 related bodies today,
nervous they’ll not be comfortable,
yet all excited to be together.
They don’t notice the fine china
brought down from the highest cupboard,
the special silverware from the felted box,
nor the crystal water glasses that sparkle.
The platters and dishes pass quickly
as people fill their plates with mounds of
homemade mashed potatoes, dressing, and
thick slices of slow-roasted turkey.
But as the gravy boat is passed, the
clatter seems to stall as focus is shifted
to the slow stream of gravy as it
flows down over the spout
of the crackled and faded gravy boat;
And in that moment, all thoughts of
the immediacy of today’s lives–
cellphones, iPads, and streaming videos,
are replaced with flashbacks of
Grandma with her starched apron
covering her best Sunday dress,
leaning over the steaming pan, stirring
until the gravy mixture was perfect;
And I find myself,
like Grandma and her gravy,
unable to let this holiday pass
a minute before its time.
11 Friday Nov 2016
Posted in Inspiration, Life
Tags
To those who serve or
have served in the US military…
where weaponry is part of
the uniform, not an accessory;
tools of the trade, so to speak,
provided to proud recruits.
where to live in close quarters
isn’t a honeymoon but a few
bunks clustered together to
allow for sleep, if possible.
where, day in and day out,
wives, husbands, and children,
are thousands of miles away;
for months, family is a troop of soldiers.
where survival depends on the
combined skills of the team,
no one job more important than
the next, yet each critical to survival.
where pride comes from knowing
that you are serving your country;
and protecting the freedoms of
millions of citizens and future generations.
… I thank you wholeheartedly.
08 Tuesday Nov 2016
Posted in Election 2016, Inspiration, Life, Philosophy
28 Friday Oct 2016
Tags
Like licking the spatula
when no one’s looking,
Or sneaking up to see
if Santa’s been there,
It feels decadently naughty
to sleep in till after eight, or
to order pizza delivery
in the middle of the afternoon.
But it’s the privilege of
being retired, and I think I’ll
pour a glass of wine, and…
I’ll be asleep before nine!
25 Monday Jul 2016
I know I need to move more,
but when it’s labeled exercise,
my body just won’t go.
Yet, give me a smooth pathway
inside an air-conditioned mall,
and watch me rock ‘n roll.
The music keeps me hopping
through the halls and stores
as I go about my shopping.
Hours fly by, and before I know it,
I’ve met my weekly walking goal,
and I did it all today!
03 Sunday Apr 2016
Posted in Inspiration, Life
06 Saturday Feb 2016
The door hung crooked
on rusty, rickety hinges;
its half-coiled catch-spring
had seen better days;
its wiry old screen stretched
‘tween thin wooden slats,
served as air-conditioner
and the way in and out.
The “foyer” you entered was a porch
lined with boots and shoes,
where coats hung on J hooks
for everyday use.
Company entered here, too–
adults going on to the living room;
children in and out the screen door, then
joining adults for the supper meal.
It was acceptable to entertain
in the commons areas back then—
no formal rooms or dens to show off.
People came to visit; they came to see you.
Today, there are front-area sitting rooms
where guests are ushered; they’ll not linger.
Time is a commodity, in short supply,
so visits are limited, an agenda attached.
It’s kind of sad it’s come to this,
guests being entertained in these special rooms
instead of being welcomed
into the hearts of our homes.
30 Saturday Jan 2016
Posted in Family, Inspiration, Life
01 Friday Jan 2016
Posted in Family, Inspiration, Life, Seasonal
As we close the Christmas season and greet
the new year, wishing all a Happy New Year.
Glowing lights on houses,
Brightly lit trees in windows,
Excited children fidgeting
As they await Santa’s return.
‘Tis the season for sharing
Warmth and good cheer,
May these peaceful times
Spread throughout the new year.
27 Sunday Dec 2015
Posted in Children, Inspiration, Life, Nature, Philosophy
Tags
Carefree, children, inspiration, life, Nature, philosophy, poems, Poetry
Where roses grow wild
And children play,
Lies a world of let be–
Beautiful and carefree.
22 Sunday Nov 2015
Posted in Inspiration, Life, Nature, Seasonal
Tags
Autumn, Encouragement, fall, Growing up, inspiration, life, motivation, Nature, poems, Poetry, Truth
It’s Autumn when falling leaves
either saunter down or
circle with driving force.
Irrespective of their roots, or even
from whose yard they spent their summer,
they gather together.
Nearly indistinguishable from one another,
oak and ash wear charcoal coats of crunch,
lying among tarnished poplar leaves.
A multicolored leaf rests on top,
similar in size and shape, yet different,
the anomaly, standing out.
I finally understand why Mom always said,
“Don’t fall among the crowd;
Be confident; be yourself.”
01 Sunday Nov 2015
If I could bottle the essence of autumn…
I would gather the abundance of harvests
into a sheath of flavors,
enhancing it with spicy winds from twirling
leaves of red and orange and yellow.
I would preserve the last blooms of summer,
before winter’s icy fingers took hold,
perpetuating their beauty and scent
as a sweetener for my autumn eau.
I would complete my vialed essence
by filling the bottle with crisp fall air,
letting it gently settle to the bottom,
suspending the stars of autumn as it
drifted through and filled the emptiness within.
Then I’d wrap it all in gold leaf
for autumn is always presented
in the richest of ways.
24 Thursday Sep 2015
I’m standing in the middle of my story,
writer, actor, and director.
I choose the words carefully;
They are not scripted for me, but by me.
I choose how to play out the scenes,
Knowing I’m my own stuntman and could get hurt.
And I choose how to direct my energy,
How to live day by day, each day a gift I give myself.
23 Wednesday Sep 2015
Posted in Art, Inspiration, Life, Love, Nature, Philosophy
Tags
ancient ruins, art, compassion, inspiration, life, love, Nature, philosophy, poems, Poetry, wisdom
You need not fear the
appearance of the world
crumbling around you,
if you live your life with
compassion. There will
always be a door open to you.
Stand tall among the ruins.
05 Saturday Sep 2015
Posted in Family, Inspiration, Life
Tags
family, grandfather, guidance, heart, home, inspiration, living, memories, poems, Poetry, spirit, support, time
The Grandfather clock
swayed through the era,
its pendulum
a perpetual motion,
its steady beat
an unconscious message
to those around it,
keeping them on track,
teaching them to
swing with the highs,
push through the lows,
and enjoy the balance found
within the rhythm;
Thus, like the hands
on the clock face,
they were able to make
every minute count.
01 Tuesday Sep 2015
Posted in Animals and Insects, Humor, Life, Nature
Tags
acceptance, animals, dance, Fear, humor, life, music, Nature, poems, Poetry, seasonal, seasons, Snakes, summer
We looked deeply into each other’s eyes,
Your head held high and proud,
Mine slightly lowered and held fast as we
Passed in the grass.
I spoke briefly, noticing how you had grown
Through the summer,
And thankfully you didn’t hiss a reply
But smoothly glided on,
The perfect glissade to my Texas two-step
In the opposite direction.
Phyllis Moorman 