The Poetry Marathon

A decade gained
From the ashes of pain
As the window opened
And the sun poured in
A ladder of hope
Extending beyond
The visible sky
A way out
A path to the next level
The past under my feet
Giving me traction for the finish

He saw me
He saw me with scars over my eyes
Gauged by those who would keep me down
He saw the hemorrhaging from a thousand cuts
He saw the weight of a life in service
To a band of emotional thieves
He wrapped a cloak of healing around my battered being
Listened with great intent
And stayed because he could see the layer beneath
In time I could see the outline of a man with a looming past
Aching and reaching for his soul’s lifeboat
As the waters of doubt swirled and threatened
To take him down at last
Paddling together, We reach the shore
Of a partial island with scarce supplies
Only enough to sustain what life was left

I can’t wait for tomorrow! I hope everyone has fun. See you on Facebook

Christmas cookies fresh out of a pan
Couldn’t be done without help from the clan
Topped with peppermint or strawberry jam
Makes me already think of Christmas Ham

The aunts and the cousins all around the table
Everyone helps who is able
They bring extra pans and staples too
It’s overwhelming, so much to do

Candy canes, thumbprints and and gingerbread men
Of any, of each I could eat ten
Cooperation between families only once per year
The magic of the season will end soon I fear

Decorating and dusting in such a rush
The little ones are sleeping, we must hush
The best conversations we have all year
Are around this table when Christmas is near

Summer by the pool is a reason to love
The wonderful beams that come from above
But when the sun beats down
For months at a time
Cooler weather is much more fine
One month in I’m running for shade
And in air conditioning I have it made
Popsicles are a tool of survival
And there are many tent revivals
And so I can say by the end of July
Why is this season so long, just why?

Annie the alligator
Went on a date
She went to the door
And he was late
They lost the table
So to the diner they went
But to eat a lot
She was unable
She enjoyed her girly shape
Watching him eat,
Her mouth went agape
She was sickened by the size of his dish
Going home soon was her only wish
Where could she find a gator that wasn’t peckish
She would be satisfied with a plate of relish
The black sheep she was
So narrow and thin
Maybe another species
His heart she could win
Let’s hope for her sake
That he doesn’t eat cake

In the cupboard waits
My favorite rescue remedies
That mom used to make
Packaged soup with extra noodles, yummy!
And carbonated lemon lime soda for the tummy
Grilled cheese on deck when nothing else would do
All spelled comfort for me
How about you?

Mancala is a game
I had never seen
It tickled you to know
As a player I was green
My 10 year old trainer
I had on retainer
She showed patience and grace
While hiding her face
And did not cry
As I passed her by
My angel,
I’m Haley to report
Had grown up a great sport.

I remember so well
Those big blue eyes
In a bright yellow dress
Not knowing the whys
The cake and presents
Disturbed you a bunch
Why was everyone fussing
And gathered for lunch
I had to save you
From the noise and bustle
You had to be held
In a quiet place to snuggle.

I wanted to write and let you know…
I understand so much more about you from here
Your thirst for independence, but you still held us dear.
I remember you cooking meals with me
And changing the dishes
Doing so much work and being innovative
Against my wishes
You embraced change while I resisted.
We talked of modern times and I nearly fainted
It always surprised me how morals are now so tainted.
I am grateful I saw my great granddaughter
I hope she knows how much you wanted her.
I leave you with one piece of advice on this day
Love all you have in every way.