This was a project I did basically during the pandemic. I started writing a poem a day. Once ‘real life’ started again it got harder to write everyday, which is interesting.
I have started to edit some of these mostly the kids poetry. I think there might be enough here for a book. We shall see.
I make no claim that much of this is “good” poetry. But I do make the claim that I loved doing it and I learned something and some of it makes me cry.
I must stop
I swear I will
I swear I must
stop shoving cookies
into my gut
so many treats
they all taste good
I must stop
if I only could!!
the stars do shine
this time of year
for some so dear
but not for all
some hear a call
of echos past
of grief and loss
the bittersweet
sorrow and dross
my hope for those
in dark shadows
you find a light
in this deep night
by accident
or grand design
for all of us
the stars do shine
a wish for you
stockings hung
buying done
menu planned
treats on hand
once a year
time so dear
a wish for you
your dreams come true
Little George
Little George sits staring at the tree.
His eyes get ever wider. ”Are all those gifts for me!?”
He dreams of all the toys waiting for him there.
He plans to do some peeking when his mom goes downstairs.
But at the final moment George decides no go.
He wants to be get more presents and not a lump of coal!
take courage now
the day relents
the light gives in
the night draws close
the dark begins
for those attuned
to thick black air
slink through the gloom
with flat cold stare
for those who come
unprepared
take courage now
and say a prayer
a twist in the plot
as I sit
on this short day
and wonder what
I ought to say
my mind runs on
a funny thought
a twist, a turn
in the plot
what if things
are all ok?
feel the worry
melt away
Hidden Jewels
Is there a switch like a light
can turn on wondrous delight?
Is there a tool like a saw
to cut out shame and reveal awe?
Is there a trick like a ploy
will replace sadness with the fullness of joy?
Our attention may be such a tool.
Use it deftly to reveal hidden jewels.
the very last lap
hard to remember
way back to the start
a wall full of Xs
now covers the chart
come to the end
the very last lap
dig deep and finish
this route on your map
closing doors
here comes the wind
still no snow
dark again
it’s winter, no?
as it seems
all things will change
the mind must shift
and rearrange
what was once
is no more
we must adjust
to closing doors
making rhymes
almost forgot
another day
keep on going
not much to say
very late
but here I go
making rhymes
it’s bad, I know….
the big question
a few more weeks
to hit the goal
one poem each day
that was the pole
the question now
what comes next?
I will admit
I am perplexed
I like the rhythm
but is it done?
the big question —
is it still fun?
you hold the keys
worry creates waves
where no waves ought to be
generates an anguish
the opposite of free
try to change the past?
you won’t get too far
puppeteer the future?
good luck on that sandbar
worry diverts eyes
from what is in plain view
brings your full attention
to deep inside just you
you can miss your life
deep inside that box
the one that worry makes
you hold the keys
you made the locks
if you still can
sit and watch
the fine lights twinkle
scent of pine
makes your nose wrinkle
hear the bells
in far off lands
be like a kid
if you still can
the best of all
give a gift
send some joy
maybe a book
perhaps a toy
a fine red shirt
some matching pants
some ballet shoes
to help with dance
a lego set
a new cute doll
or spend some time
the best of all
those you call
this time of year
my hope for all
you spend some time
with those you call
dear dear friend
the ones you love
they warm your heart
like hands in gloves
soon enough
the tree is lit
the stockings hung
cookies baked
time for some fun
soon enough
the day will come
but wait wait wait
my gifts aren’t done!!