Waking Dream

You came to me in a waking dream
Pulling hard, you removed the last seam
My mind now ready and fully receptive
To see, to feel a different perspective

You left this plane many years ago
Your loved ones gave a goodbye show
With tears and fears you would be missed
But your memories would always exist

But now you stand in front of me
Testing my mind, to confirm what I see
An open mind needed, it’s necessary
To know, to feel this isn’t imaginary

I feel you, and know that you’re near
I close, then open my eyes, yes, you’re here!
I ask questions, yet you don’t reply
What can I do, what should I try?

I stop, I’m quiet, what should I feel?
A very old pain in me starts to heal
So many things were left unsaid
Is this the time to put them to bed?

Look back, look forward, the choice is mine
I know what to do, with this sturdy life line
I shake off the past and step on ahead
Our connection is strong, I choose that instead

There’s no looking back, a decision was made
I fear for the future, I question, will you fade?
Yet love keeps you close, keeps you right here
You’re a part of me, and I’ve nothing to fear

Woof

You stare at me
You call my name
You clap your hands
You shout out commands

I stare at you
I hear my name
I watch your hands
I obey your commands

You scratch my back
I lick your hand
You offer a treat
When you ask, I speak

Woof!

You’re my best friend

Branches of Time

Tree branches bursting with new growth
hang over an already overgrown garden.
A testament to nature’s resilience
thriving in the city park.

Carefully constructed nests
glimmer with recycled material
as scavenged twigs reinforce the frame.

Moss hanging from the large branches
finds its way into the nest,
creating a soft landing
for much anticipated new life.

Mockingbirds sing
while preparing and protecting their new home.
The coo, coo, cooing of the mourning dove
gently wakes the garden,
proclaiming a new day.

As the tree canopy dances in the wind,
a comforting breeze washes over the garden,
showcasing a gentle waltz for the hanging moss.

New leaves grow a bright shiny green,
uncurling,
ready to gaze upon the sun.

Magnolia blossoms infuse the air,
transported by the soft breeze
and mingling with the scent of jasmine and gardenias,
creating a potpourri for our senses.
A symphony of sight, sound, and smell
bring this once overgrown garden to life.

The mimicry of the mockingbird adds a bit of playfulness
with their honking, barking,
and a soft lilting cheer.
An expert at repeating nearby sounds,
in our minds
we’re transported far from this ground.

The pond reflects the large canopy,
while gnats and dragonflies hover just above the water
as ripples create an abstract painting
of leaves and branches.

My reflection calls me back to simpler times
when I would play in this space—
balls flying over the pond
and toy boats floating in the water.
Legs dangling from tree branches
that were once closer to the ground.
Kites flying high, reaching for the sky.

I feel invited to roll on the grass,
reliving my youth,
remembering my past.

Water’s Journey

Sitting quietly
watching a
meandering stream

The curves
carved
deep
into the earth

Time has enabled water
to etch its mark
Leaving its sign
through the passing years

I see the story of my life
in each curve
The ups and downs
echoing my time
The gentle pooling as
water gathers
And creates
a small basin
Then the rush of
tumbling water
When rocks
block the way

Water starts moving
calmly again,
Calmly, like a deep sigh,
The stream settles,
Providing a path,
Going along easily,
Flowing soundlessly,

The years have built a strong bank
With wrinkles
Showing time’s journey

I see the story of my life

Still Life

A rotting, decomposing tomato hides life inside
Protected seeds germinate with potential
The pulp, rich for a compost pile
Decay bears endless possibilities

Discarded tomato seeds in rich soil
Waiting for new life to appear
Excitement when new shoots spring up
Watching them claim the sun
While stems sway in the breeze

Large strong stalks stand ready for growth
Tomatoes emerge, small and round
With time, yellow becomes red
Plump, bright, delicious goodness

A decaying tomato yields growth
What could be discarded like garbage
Becomes tomorrow’s bountiful harvest

Wishing on a Shell

I dip my toes into the calming sea,
Searching for traces left of you and me.

I feel the waves rolling in and out,
The sun’s beating down, so hot, no doubt.

The water, so cold, puts a chill on my toes,
I stand in my place, because anything goes.

Ten toes stay buried in the sinking sand,
Reaching down, I grab a shell in my hand.

Tides move in, bringing treasures galore,
Listen closely, to the sea shanty’s lore.

The tide moves away taking all of your tears,
A wish on a shell will take all your fears.

Shimmering fish swim right near the shore,
Out with the tide and then back in once more.

I wiggle my toes and pull them out of the sand,
Walking back to my blanket and onto dry land.

The sea glimmers and sparkles reflecting sun rays,
I could sit and enjoy this for days upon days.

Sea gulls soar overhead, like sentries on guard,
Revealing our tender hearts, as soft, not hard.

Snow Steps

I stand outside, my eyes are closed
Completely covered, hardly an inch exposed
I listen intently to the falling snow
The temperature drops, It’s getting low

I twirl with my arms stretched out wide
Then l reach for you to come to my side
A blanket of snow paints the field white
A soft brush will add art that’s just right

A pillow of new fallen snow is so pure
It reads like a page from a book by John Muir
The sunlight hits the snow covered lake
Creating a sight only nature can make

As silent as snow is when it covers the yard
It squeeks, it crunches, quiet footsteps are hard
Branches droop with the weight from the snow
Silence, squeaks, drooping  – oh, what a show

Hidden Garden

Traffic patterns build as night turns to day.
Cars and trucks honking, get out of my way.

Exhaust forms a barrier we just can’t escape,
It yells at our senses, this asphalt landscape.

Cars driving by let us know they’re here,
With constant traffic it’s all that we hear.

Tall buildings towering just overhead,
Cement demands your attention instead.

This man-made landscape welcomes us in,
We spend our days enclosed in a pen.

Stay in your office from morning til night,
Walk back to your car, with street lights so bright.

The sidewalk guides me right to my space,
But something stops me right in my place.

A whiff of gardenias and a soft little tweet,
I notice the garden, I don’t see the street.

People have gathered to tend to the park,
Large or small hands, they all leave their mark.

A bench sitting empty calls out my name,
Sit down, breathe deep, it’s a brand new game.

I watch for a while then decide to pitch in,
I feel stress dissolve as a new life begins.

Nature thrives right next to the street,
A beacon for all, a great place to meet.

The wind whistles, a melody so clear,
The quiet is more than music to my ears,

Look out the window, look out at the trees,
Colorful flowers, a brief stop for bees.

It took just one person to kneel in this space,
Pulling one weed, returning life to this place.

Concerto in Light

Fireflies light the evening sky
Children skip through the yard

Evading capture from tiny hands
By soaring between leaves on trees

Flashing incandescent colors
Yellow, green or orange

Glass jars with wholes in the lid
Captured, they continue to glow

A symphonic performance
Glowing in unison, lighting the way

Lights flicker, a short-lived life
The creation of a masterpiece