Holidays over
Return of reality
Time for stock-taking
People-filled moments
Exciting rich nourishment
Stuffed me to bursting
Moorings abandoned
Flying carpet crash-landed
Lost touch with myself
Crave balm of silence
Time for quiet introspection
Awaiting my words
Time to take a break
Income tax and travel done
Day belongs to me
Sinking into peace
Precious gift a golden glow
Living in the now
Rich days to prepare
Hustle bustle, shop and cook
Join in festive meal
Christmas now is past
Gift to savor candle light
Settle into calm
Written in response to daily prompt Retreat
On a sunny day in Mexico
Sitting on a high stool at a high table
Eating a delicious morsel, savoring solitude
I noticed a man walking toward me
Vintage-aged and lost in thought.
Lazily I noted his white t-shirt
Imprinted with an Indian in a feathered head-dress
Cleveland I immediately concluded
Then corrected myself
Chicago Black Hawks! Aha! I was a hockey mom.
The gentleman passed by
I spoke quietly “Go Black Hawks”
He looked at me, blue eyes now focused
Responding in kind, “Go Black Hawks”
He smiled, said “Thank you” and moved on.
The sunny day in Mexico
A beam of human interaction
Warmed my soul I feel it still.
I pray our fractured world
Will be surprised to recognize such commonality.
Silence place I choose
Window open wide to world
Transports mind and heart.
Absent friendly noise
Hall outside apartment door
Quiet becomes a cage.
Clock ticks, candle burns
I sit in my chair to pray
God’s grace fills my soul.
Batteries for clock
Extra candles on the shelf
God’s love fuels me.
I was born a Southern girl
Into a story-telling culture.
A budding Southern woman
Meeting expectations of the times.
I excelled at both.
But something more lurked beneath that child
True to myself and unknown.
My parents told me there were times
I turned my little rocking chair
To face the wall. Mama said “Leave her there.”
Did something peek beyond compliant self?
There must have been a hint of poetry to come
From solitude that is my homeland
And my second mother – recognized by Mama’s loving heart.
Who did entrust me to my future gift.
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