The Poetry Marathon

“Childhood” by Mandy Austin Cook

She’s still there

the little girl with all of the happy comforting memories

the one who climbed with teddy  to curl around the cradle of her favorite tree all day

to read Lucy Maud Montgomery’s musings

to experience the liveliness of the friendly forest.

the breeze chuckling through the dogwood blossoms

so it could  tease and tousle her sun-kissed hair

you know her. whether you think you do or not

the child from the farm who never met a stranger in an animal

her first love was affectionate little ducklings

she didn’t see the difference between wild or tame

with the support of the sunshine smiling on her cheek

she is from where I draw strength

the girl scout surrounded by trust and campfires

cabins and laughter

because with her magical knack to value the good

and the firey stubbornness that knows she is magical

that young lady can do anything.

“Technology and Nature” by Mandy Austin Cook

The tendency of Technology

is to tug of war with Nature.

so much waxes and wanes with both characters,

both are needed

both are valued.

Earth asks for balance

Technology to share fast growing knowledge

in an ever evolving faster fashion.

Earth groans with a not QUITE so gentle wisdom

Technology has her brilliance, her roughness,

but not her patience.

Ultimately they need each other.

Technology has to exist on Earth

so be as gentle with her as  you can

Her nature is to love you.

“Flower” by Mandy Austin Cook

She was named after a skunk

but her personality was much sweeter

my first pet my first comfort

my first childhood companion.

she befriended my teddy bear

and became my shadow.

and the days I needed silent encouragement

she would snuggle her head under my shoulder

and just stay for however long was needed.

“Love song” by Mandy Austin Cook

My life should be a love song

dedicated to you

you’re more

than what has pieced my brokenness together

you simply are the glue.

it’s meant so much it’s the one thing

that leaves me grasping for words like air

but I’m grateful for moments that give me pause

because of  intensity of  meaning there

I hope I say it enough– those cliche little words

they never seem quite to explain

what is most beautiful about my life

is the hope of you that remains.

“Stopping by the Woods” response by Mandy Austin Cook

the road less travelled

I come to you with my worries so often

pipe smoke

What Can You Do with Formless?”  by Mandy Austin Cook

“Is There Ever Such A Thing as Lost?” by Mandy Austin Cook

Is there ever such a thing as lost?

we think as we look with limited eyes

only able to see a tiny puzzle piece

of the entire pieced-together radiance of the horizon.

nearsighted squinting without glasses

trying to navigate one’s way

if you go off of  what only yourself can see

then Lost will surely find you.

rather reach out with trust

knowing there is something beyond

your own tiny parcel

of what you’re calling

“understanding”

To comprehend is to realize

there is no understanding without guidance.

I still will squint to look for you

but i know you see the bigger picture

Lord thank you for being my glasses.

for I am glad there are things in this world

more vast

than my own small sliver of perspective.