I love this poem written by my friend
When I consider
how quickly the morning frost
fades beneath sun’s warmth.
I pause and send my patches
of frozenness compassion.
JDG
Pay Attention
On a grey morning, bright yellow
fields of flowers
caught my eye and
lifted me up,
caused me to pay attention to
spots of beauty —
pink crepe myrtles
feathery grass —
shifted my thoughts and reminded
me to focus
on here and now
not there and then.
Thoughts
My husband and I and our dog Luna drove into the city yesterday to hike across the new Potterfield Bridge and then through the woods and back across the James River to Belle Isle, an island located at the fall line of the James with a beautiful view of the rapids as well as Hollywood Cemetery and the Richmond skyline. The day was perfect for a long hike—cool and sunny after several days of rain. Many people were out to enjoy the water and the fresh air — young and old, black and white and brown, dogs and children.
Belle Isle has not always been a happy place. During the Civil War it was an open-air Confederate prison camp with minimal shelter. The facility was built for 3,000 prisoners but reports say that this number was doubled or tripled at times. This overcrowding resulted in multiple health issues and the heat in the summer and cold in the winter added to the prisoners’ problems. A sign on the island says that 1,000 Union soldiers perished while there.
As we sat on the rocks at water’s edge refreshing our tired feet in the cold James River, Luna nearby, I could not help but wonder what the 1,000 Union soldiers who died on this island would think if they knew people were still fighting the war for which so, so many gave their lives.
Here and There
Raucously shouting fall is here,
geese fly over
on a cool day
refreshed by rain.
The grass is greener and willows
drip, creeks gurgle,
full but contained.
Crepe myrtles bend.
All the while victims of Harvey
in shock, wonder
how they will find
strength to move on.
A Surprising Turn
Wanting to relax, to let go
of all that held me tightly
in its grip, I turned my attention
to my breath, counting as
I inhaled, then exhaled,
then inhaled again.
Suddenly,
I was surprised to find
my eyes fill with tears,
tears not of sadness or relief,
but simply tears of gratitude
for the mystery of breath itself.
With that sudden flow
of gratitude came an unexpected
letting go.
JDG
Queen Anne’s Lace
Take pleasure in beauty wherever you are.
Queen Anne’s lace in a roadside ditch,
pink petunias at the foot of a wall,
bright yellow dandelions punctuating a field,
or white hydrangeas hanging low.
Appreciate it all while you can,
before they (or you!) fade away.
All Shall Be Well
Self-important leaders posture,
Pond mist rising,
birds chattering.
All shall be well.
Black baseball player taunted while
honeysuckle
perfumes the air.
All shall be well.
President praises dictators.
High hawks soaring
cyclists coasting.
All shall be well.
Isis bombs convoy, friend’s grandson
stands up for right.
Tall grass swaying,
shadows dancing.
ALL SHALL BE WELL.
Friday
As daffodils fade and wither,
and pink flock and cherry blossoms pale,
red bud on River Road catches my eye,
and grape hyacinth stops me in my tracks.
Today I Stopped
Today I stopped.
Sat on the bench
by the pond, told
Luna to sit,
and closed my eyes.
Felt the cold wind
on my face and
listened to it
whisper, then shout
through the pine trees.
Watched a flock of
six geese swim by,
lift their wings, and
swiftly fly off.
Today I stopped.
WHY?
Dawn is here.
Nip in air,
mist on pond,
wet green grass,
geese honking.
Tears streaming,
heart breaking
for old friends.
Tragedy
has shattered
peaceful lives.
The question
is why? WHY?
untangling the web 