Thursday, December 29, 2011

Passing Days

As the
hours,
days,
weeks
go by,
our souls
weave
together,
our threads
gliding,
interlocking
to create
a pattern
sacred
to our
lives;
the more
we talk,
share,
dream,
the more
intricate
our
creation
becomes,
until our
threads have
woven
into one
glorious
story.


12/29/2011

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Entwined

As the
year closes, I
long for what I truly
desire from another, souls
entwined.


12/28/2011

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Influence

As I turn the page
on my book of life, I am
grateful for meeting
those who have touched my soul. They
influence my life greatly.


12/27/2011

Friday, December 23, 2011

Next Step

Ready for a change
as the year draws to a close.
A new chapter waits.


12/23/2011

Warm Winter Solstice

A warm, spring-like breeze
permeated the air while
holiday shopping,
the hectic crowds reminding
us what time of year it is.


12/23/2011

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Winter

Seasons are changing,
this solstice evening marking
winter's beginning.


12/21/2011

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Precious Moments

Sometimes
days pass quickly,
relationships

Not given
Serious thought
until it's too late.

Moments in time
morph into memories,
Loving embraces

And cherished words
fading into the void
of wishes and dreams.

We must value
these precious moments
before it's too late.


12/20/2011

Monday, December 19, 2011

Visiting Mom

The chilled air cuts deep,
yet that doesn't stop me from
visiting your space.


12/19/2011

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Drawing Closer

Our lives weave and thread
together, sharing stories
as Winter beckons.


12/18/2011

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Saturday Afternoon

On this cold autumn
day, Union Square sings with life.
The Fair is vibrant.


12/17/2011

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Evening

Evening;
calm, restful.
Writing, searching, connecting.
Friends are always close.
Soulful.


12/15/2011

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Tension

The thread
of life holds strong,
even with intense strain.
The tension it endures makes it
stronger.


12/11/2011

Days

Days bring
new beginnings,
each person that we pass
providing new life lessons for
our souls.


12/11/2011

Friday, December 9, 2011

Changing Winds

The air grows colder,
and I plan the next chapter
of my life journey.


12/9/2011

Monday, November 28, 2011

Action in Baruch

Many
students taking
a stand, defying calls
to turn the other way. Actions
speak loud.


11/28/2011

Friday, November 25, 2011

Time Passing

As time
quickly passes,
as seasons change, we all
think about what we truly want
from life.


11/25/2011

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Always Thankful

You have
passed on, yet I
am always thankful for
your calming presence as the days
go by.


11/24/2011

Guiding

Any
small thing can save
you, coming to your aid
when you least expect it, guiding
your way.


11/24/2011

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Across the Atlantic

The ocean divides
us, but our friendship holds strong
despite the distance;
daily blessings always felt,
and warm wishes extended.


11/23/2011

Threaded Words

I reach out and hold
onto words friends and family
threaded in the past
and present, stories etched in
my memory to cherish.


11/23/2011

Monday, November 14, 2011

New Day

As a new day
begins, the journey
continues.

New steps to take,
new lessons to
be learned

As I follow
the path to
serenity.

11/14/2011

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Connecting With the Soul

When I feel
lost and
disconnected,

I take a
deep breath,
centering myself,

Seeking the way
to reconnect
with my soul.

By traveling
through this sacred
path, I keep living.


11/8/2011

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Unlocking the Soul

We always search
for the key

To unlock the gates
of tranquility

When that hiding place
rests within our souls.

All we need to do
is tune out the hectic

Noise and chaos streaming
constantly in our minds

So we can listen to
the soothing words our souls

Whisper, speak, sing
to us daily.


11/6/2011

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Kindred Soul

My soul is like
a kindred spirit

That understands
my needs and wants.

Upon receiving
happiness it sings;

When it's deprived
of happiness, it cries.

My soul knows my
innermost thoughts,

Reaching out to me
when I feel alone.

It urges me
to live my life

It urges me
to chase my dreams.


11/5/11


Sunday, October 30, 2011

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Moments (a tanka)

The most beautiful
moments are unexpected,
those instances that
bring forth a pleasant surprise
to an ordinary day.


10/22/2011

Hope (a tanka)

Where the path will lead
is unsure as each day blends
into the next. I
hope for courage and strength as
I proceed to the next phase.


10/22/2011

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The Road

I take my time
with the next step,

Wondering how
I can make my

Next move, knowing
that the journey

Will take me to
unexpected

Places, learning
from choices made.


10/18/2011

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Rest (a haiku)

Enjoying the day
after a peaceful weekend
reaching out to friends.


10/16/2011

Saturday, October 15, 2011

When Mom Appeared

The first time
I dreamed of you
was a year ago.

It was like
memories of
years' past,

Sharing and laughing
over the week's
events;

You wanting to
know my thoughts,
me telling you
my stories.

It was a year
since I last heard
your voice,

A year since
I last saw
your presence,

And I wanted
that dream to
last forever.


10/15/2011

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Sacred Space

I center myself
in times of stress,

Reaching down
to that sweet peace

When thoughts are
in disarray.

I breathe in
to calm myself,

Holding onto
that sacred space

Which brings me
back to myself.


10/11/11

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Speaking to You (a tanka)

I wish I could speak
to you during these stressful
times. You guide my way
throughout my days, yet your voice
always eased my worried soul.


10/6/11

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Living

Living life,
a sacred

opportunity to
chase your dreams,

follow your desires,
be truthful to

yourself as each
day shines bright.


9/29/2011

Striving

I strive to
live my life,

trying to release
the weight of guilt

locked to my soul,
this parasite

draining my
sense of self.

How I long to
sever the bind

and live my
precious life.


9/29/2011

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Next Chapter (a cinquain)

At a
fork in the road,
trying to figure out
how to write the next chapter in
my life.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Social Evening (a haiku)

A day spent sharing
with children and their families
this autumn evening.


9/26/2011

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Each Morning (a tanka)

Each morning begins
with a blessing for the day,
thankful for the life
I lead each passing day, and
mindful of lessons brought forth.


9/25/2011

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Children (a cinquain)

Children.
Curious, open.
Exploring, playing, laughing.
Their words touch hearts.
Free.


9/15/2011

Friday, September 9, 2011

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Moments (a cinquain)

Every
moment, every
memory is treasured
in my life. These events fit in
my path.


9/6/2011

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Paterson (a cinquain)

City
consumed by floods,
blighted by poverty,
yet its people are resilient,
solid.


9/4/2011

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Irene's Path (a cinquain)

Irene
came and went, yet
her torrential rains left
behind devastation among
in light.


8/3/2011

Hurricane (a cinquain)

Hurricane;
fast, relentless.
Raining, threatening, flooding.
Ruin after the storm.
Tirade.

8/3/2011

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Peaceful Silence (a cinquain)

Stillness,
the crickets' song
blending with the cool breeze,
carried across the late August
evening.


8/23/2011

Monday, August 22, 2011

Mirror (a cinquain)

Mirrors;
Clear, large.
Viewing, reflecting, revealing.
Look into the glass.
Truth.


8/22/2011

Friday, August 19, 2011

To My Angel (a tanka)

You always guide me
through rough obstacles, gently
encouraging me
when feeling nervous walking
the path. I call on you now.


8/19/2011

Thankful (a cinquain)

Thankful
for treasured friends
and close family members,
a strong balance to seemingly
stark loss.


8/19/2011

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Next Move (a haiku)

Planning my next move
on this calm evening. Patience
will guide my process.


8/17/2011

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Waning Farewell (a tanka)

I say goodbye to
old friends as the sturgeon moon
wanes. I have learned much
from their tales, yet these fine threads
eventually meet their end.


8/16/2011

Friday, August 12, 2011

Clear Night (a haiku)

A lovely evening,
nearly full moon shining high,
holding dear treasures.


8/12/2011

Monday, August 8, 2011

Dreaming

I dream of your
warm touch against
my skin,

You and I
side by side
near the shoreline,

The waves
cascading
over our feet.

I dream of
long, moonlit
walks,

Your hand
laced through
mine,

Our voice soft
as we speak of
our desires

While bathing
in the lunar
glow.


8/8/2011

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Web of Life (a cinquain)

The web
of life is spun
gently, woven with a
patient hand so one can trace the
fine threads.


8/7/2011

Friday, August 5, 2011

Set Aside (a cinquain)

Viewing
visions of joy,
celebrating among
friends, the worries of the world set
aside.


8/5/2011

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Change (a cinquain)

Missing
a once dear friend.
Change effects daily life,
going through routines no longer
the same.


8/4/2011

Balance (a cinquain)

Quiet
evening, cool breeze
tempering humid skies
as I plan my next poetic
event.


8/4/2011

Monday, August 1, 2011

Friendly Monday (a haiku)

A joyous day with
special friends. Warm wishes for
their sweet wedded bliss.


8/1/2011

Soft Words (a cinquain)

Your soft
words glide across
my skin like a paintbrush,
coating my body with loving,
skilled strokes.


8/1/2011

Fun Weekend (a cinquain)

Weekend
celebrations
spent with family and friends.
Sharing my accomplishments with
others.


8/1/2011

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Sunday, July 24, 2011

This Weekend (a haiku)

Truly blessed weekend,
sharing poetry with friends
in the summer heat.


7/24/2011

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Look Within

As I look into the mirror,
I view myself
with fresh eyes;

I take in
my wavy hair and
the light in my
mahogany eyes,

I take in
the marks left by
blemishes, for they
co-exist with the glow.

I take a good view
of myself as I venture
into my soul,

For to know yourself,
you must look within.


7/23/2011

Inspired by 'Chicago Poet' by Carl Sandburg


Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Cadence (a haiku)

Your sweet cadence sings
calmly in the morning light,
rising me from sleep.


7/19/2011

Rise (a cinquain)

Sometimes
we feel alone,
yet the struggle ties us
together, strengthening our souls.
We rise.


7/19/2011

Monday, July 18, 2011

Gifts

I love them for
finding what
I can't find,

Those little
treasures hidden
within daily
life,

Such moments
are lying there
like precious gifts,
waiting to be
unwrapped.


7/18/2011

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Saturday Night (a haiku)

A cool summer breeze
courses through the night sky, lit
by the waning moon.


7/16/2011

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Relief (a haiku)

The blistering rays
beat down on this summer day.
Night time brings relief.


7/12/2011

Monday, July 11, 2011

Friday, July 8, 2011

Strands (a haiku)

Stories are woven
every day, rich tales revealed
in colorful strands.


7/8/2011

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Caylee (a cinquain)

Dear child,
justice has yet
to be served in your name.
Your soul shines down on us, precious
angel.


7/5/2011

Monday, July 4, 2011

Connected

One moment she
connects with another,

Sharing wishes and
dreams;

The next moment,
the connection is severed

And the silence
comes quick.

Her sanctuary feels
barren;

Removed from gentle words
and warm embraces,

The isolation is
overpowering.

She feels overwhelmed
by this absence

Until another
emerges from the dark;

A gentle hand
reaches for hers,

A calm voice
soothes her injured soul;

Kindred spirits connect
through trying times,

Supporting each other.


7/4/2011

Vibrant Flower

From a stark background
life emerges;

Ruby and violet
bursts forth,

Ivory-tipped tendrils
reaching toward the sky.

A creature shadowed
in darkness

Rests within its center,
bathing in its light.


7/3/2011

Weathered in Time

The worn brick
and weathered layers
tells a story

That reaches back
in time, a tale
as infinite as

The endless waves
crashing onto shore;
a hand reaches

Ever so gently to
touch the sun-burned
walls, eager to

Listen and learn.


7/03/2011

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Secrets (a tanka)

Keeping locked within
one's most precious desires;
waiting to reveal
these dear wishes to others,
unsure how they will react.



6/30/2011

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Lost (a cinquain)

No word,
no quick phone call;
invisible to me
while going off to find herself.
What now?


6/29/2011

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Guidance (a cinquain)

Guide me
in my journey,
traveling the new path
so that I may always gain new
insight.

6/28/2011

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Last Night (a cinquain)

Many
voices shouted
for change. Their desired
wishes were granted that fateful
evening.


6/25/2011

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Dance (a haiku)

Move to the rhythm
of life, swaying to every beat
with determined steps.


6/22/2011

Monday, June 20, 2011

Threads of Life (a haibun)

As she begins her next crochet project, she thinks about how each turn of the thread mirrors a bond she has in her life. Each person, each event, represents a strand of thread. Some strands are as smooth as certain paths in life journeys take. Sometimes these strands get caught on the hook and tangle, as some life events hit unexpected blocks. Sometimes these snags take some time to heal. Ultimately, with time and patience, what you wish to accomplish will come into being; that timely project, that long-awaited goal. The achievement may contain the snags and pulls of previous complications, yet that is evidence of a roadblock accomplished, a setback overcome. The completed project mirrors all the bonds and links we share in life; the struggles and surprises we encounter, and the satisfaction on the end result.

Thread tells a story
with each loop and chain. A grand
tapestry is made.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Family (a cinquain)

Family;
different, connected.
Relaxing, giving, bonding.
Together for Father's Day.
Memorable.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Lavender (a haiku)

The rich aroma
floats across late spring skies. A
tranquil plant now blooms.


6/16/2011

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Almost Full (a cinquain)

The moon
now awakens,
slowly rising to full
beauty, radiant with her warm
presence.


6/14/2011


Monday, June 13, 2011

Threading (a cinquain)

Threading
the next chapter
of my story, each page
possessing unique stands printed
within.


6/13/2011

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Path (a cinquain)

Walking
down the old path,
seeing choices I've made
past and present, moving to my
future.


6/11/2011

Another Sky

There is another sky
that calls us to visit
a world unlike our own,
to take that risk and see
beauty with our own eyes.
Keep it within your reach.


6/11/11

Inspired by: 'There is Another Sky' by Emily Dickinson

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Tiger Lily (a cinquain)

Many
tiger lilies
blooming in the back yard,
life awakening with lovely
colors.


6/9/2011

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

In An Instant

In an instant,
everything changed.

Everything I knew,
what I thought I knew,

Vanished upon learning
that revelation.

Fading was that
sense of security

I associated with family,
the need to trust

When times got rough.
Although I still share,

It will never be the same.


6/7/2011

Monday, June 6, 2011

I Call Out to You

I call out to you,
yet you do not respond.

I recall simpler days,
reaching out to one another;

One always there
listening to the other.

As close cousins, bickering
peppered our bond,

Yet that never dissolved
our strong ties.

Instead, subtle twists
in life had its way.

The last time
we really spoke

You were in great need
your aunt's passing

Bearing a huge
weight on your soul;

I tried to lighten the grip
of guilt's heavy hand,

Yet the sorrow rang as clear
as the sadness in your voice.

Years passed, and we've
gone out separate ways;

I still remember the
carefree times,

A stark contrast from the
silence between us today.

I call out to you,
yet you do not respond.


6/6/11

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Mend the Thread

Now that I'm at a place
to connect,

to share my
sacred words,

I look back on the
frayed edges in my life,

strands severed by
miscommunication and distance.

I use my words
to mend the thread.


6/5/11

The Secret of LIfe

The secret of life
rises everywhere;

Blooming, as the
first tiger lily
in the garden awakens;

Singing, the sounds of
a child's laughter echoing
in the neighborhood;

Sharing, one person
telling their story
to another.

The secret of life
rises everywhere,

Calling all to see,
to listen, to be aware.




Friday, June 3, 2011

Turning with Life

Where many paths and journeys meet,
the road curves and turns with life;
I walk past calm and busy scenes,
Awaiting what the path will bring.


6/3/2011

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Bonds

A bond between
two lives is
a precious thing,

So important to
cherish and share
wishes and dreams.

A bond between
two lives is
a special thing,

So vital in
being present
for one another.

A bond between
two lives is
a wonderful thing,

Two souls staying
strong and devoted,
Walking the path

Together.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Casting the Line

She wonders when her
call will finally be heard,
hoping that frequent
attempts to connect will come
to a harmonious end.


5/31/2011





Monday, May 30, 2011

Shining (a haiku)

A shining spring day;
I take care of tasks early
so I can enjoy.


5/30/2011

Friday, May 27, 2011

Ray of Light (a haiku)

The summer beckons.
My soul is soaking the rays
of nourishing light.


5/27/2011

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Daybreak (a haiku)

Birds sweetly singing
at daybreak, natural alarm
to start a new day.


5/25/2011

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Sunday at Inwood (a tanka)

Enjoying the sights,
original ancestors
making their presence
known, sacred singing and dance
breaking through the misty sky.


5/22/2011

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Afterward (a haiku)

Resting this evening,
tuning out 'end-of-days' concerns,
viewing quiet skies.


5/21/2011

Friday, May 20, 2011

Last Night's Dream (a tanka)

My name is called out
by an urgent voice, its source
unknown. Names written
inside a notebook. I am
unsure of my surroundings.


5/20/2011

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Wishing

I wish nothing
but the best for you;

Although once strong
bonds are now frayed,

I remember the
carefree days we shared,

The conversations
and countless stories

We traded with
one another.

The thread of our
friendship has ceased,

Yet I continue
to admire the rich

Tapestry of memories
woven over the years.

I wish nothing
but the best for you.

5/19/2011


Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Patience (a haiku)

Waiting contently
for the rain to cease tonight,
patience a virtue.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Waiting (a haiku)

She waits to step through,
still unsure where to go next.
Follow your own path.


5/17/2011

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Calm evening (a haiku)

A quiet evening;
raindrops strike the cool pavement,
breaking the stillness.


5/15/2011

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Listen (an acrostic)

Leaning on each other
In times of need,
Seeking friendship;
Tested daily,
Each of us reaches out,
Never faltering.


5/14/2011

Friday, May 13, 2011

Peaks and Valleys

We thrive

in a life draped

with peaks and valleys;


Some days run smooth,

gliding flawlessly like

waves on the ocean,


Words and actions

flowing from our bodies

like an endless dance.


Other days are peppered

with trials, challenges;

the pulse of our lives


Stopped from mishandled words,

stressful situations

taxing our spirits.


Peaks and valleys

exist in our lives,

and we move to


The changing rhythm,

our choices creating

the landscape.


5/12/2011

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Warm Days (a haiku)

Dreaming of warm days,
laying on emerald green fields
with you by my side.


5/10/2011

Monday, May 9, 2011

Doors (a cinquain)

The door
stands before you,
patiently awaiting
your decision to step into
the light.


5/9/2011

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Visits with Mom (a cinquain)

Viewing
her resting place
carries significance.
My chance to quietly connect.
Sacred.


5/7/2011

Friday, May 6, 2011

Family (a cinquain)

Family;
blessed, somber.
Missing, wishing, finding.
Mother's Day draws near.
Bittersweet.


5/6/2011

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Seize The Day (a tanka)

The words 'seize the day'
resonate deep in my soul.
Bit by bit I grow,
seeing events differently
each passing minute.


5/5/2011

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Mornings (a cinquain)

Mornings.
Peaceful, renewed.
Singing, rising, blooming.
Robins among the tulips.
Thankful.


5/4/2011

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Shifting Winds (a tanka)

Our minds always change
just like the strong, shifting winds
coursing through our land;
bringing on quick decisions,
effecting those around us.


5/3/2011

Monday, May 2, 2011

Never Forget

Mission accomplished,
yet we must remember those
who died for the cause,
those who risk their one precious
life as the threat lingers on.


5/2/2011

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Beltane (a haiku)

The land springs to life,
the call of Beltane rousing
those from cold slumber.


5/1/2011

Tears in the South (a haiku)

The treacherous winds
tore through our neighbors' dwellings;
our hearts console theirs.

5/1/2011

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Simple Words

If only she knew
that isolation is not
the final answer.
A few simple words can mend
fragile bridges, linking ties.



4/28/2011

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Searching the Dark (a cinquain)

As I
reach out, she slips
back into the numbing
darkness; cold, desolate. Still I
venture.



4/27/2011

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Walking to Warmth

Put down the weight
of your aloneness.

Release isolation's heavy
grip on the soul,
for it longs to
bind your strength.

Ignore the voices of
doubt and fear which
threatens the spirit daily,
and welcome

A friend's warm voice,
helpful outstretched hands,
that gentle embrace which says,
'I'm here'.

4/26/2011


Inspired by 'Everything is Waiting for You' by David Whyte:
http://www.panhala.net/Archive/Everything_is_Waiting.html



Monday, April 25, 2011

Sharing (a cinquain)

Sharing
poetic words
to those who will listen,
speaking the song of life to my
sisters.


4/25/2011

Sunday, April 24, 2011

What We Want

At some point,
we all venture through life
figuring out
what we want,

The path laid out for us
bending and weaving,
twisting and turning;

Our paths change
with every choice we make,
adapting to our lives.

It is never a straight line.
It was never meant to be.

4/24/2011

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Rainy Day (a haiku)

Reading and watching
movies, living so carefree
on this rainy day.

4/23/2011

Friday, April 22, 2011

Thursday Afternoon

Everything holds
a memory;

Flashes of interactions
and conversations

Break through with
each recovered note
and buried poem,

Their stories singing
to life once again
as each piece is unearthed,

The lessons and poetry
calling to me,
as if to say

'Remember these times.
They made your journey'.

4/22/2011

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Variation on 'Hope is a Thing with Feathers'

Hope is the thing with feathers,
a soft, delicate creature
flying across the land.

Hope is that precious gift
one holds dear,
keeping those feathers
safe in a pocket;

A memento held dear
in order to dream,
and laugh,
and inspire.

4/21/2011

--Inspired by 'Hope is a Thing with Feathers' by Emily Dickinson

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

What Enters

What enters is peace,
a calm wave
of energy
encouraging tranquility.

Stress tries
to make itself at home,
yet the peace comes in waves,

Its soothing energy
casting out
all negativity.

Peace is that
unstoppable gift
that continues to heal.

4/20/2011

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Dreaming

When I can't express
my true feelings,

I dream.

I dream of situations
changing for the better,

Gazing at the sky
to admire the
ever-changing ivory swirls;

Always changing,
always dreaming.

4/19/2011

Monday, April 18, 2011

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Everything

Everything that matters is here,
not the criticisms or
judgements people hold.

Everything that matters is here;
transform old memories of
failure into lessons.

Look into the soul and
discover the child within.
Gaze into her fearless eyes.

Everything that matters is here.

4/17/2011
--Inspired by the poem 'Everything That Matters' by Joy Harjo.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Heading to Florida (a haiku)

She leaves for new life,
her spirits high as the clouds.
Adventure awaits.

4/16/2011

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Change

It can occur
suddenly,

Blanketing each aspect
of our lives

Before we are
ready.

It can occur
at a moment's notice,

Shaking our system
to the core

With little time
to react.

A natural part
of life;

Unexpected, eye-opening,
revealing.

4/14/2011

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Spring Rain (a haiku)

Torrential rainfall
hits the ground one spring evening
as neighborhoods slept.

4/13/2011

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Persephone's Return

All over Morningside Heights
the branches spring to life,
flowers budding in
shades of
lilac, rose, and ivory.
Persephone marks her return
to our chilled land
In a swift burst
of color.

4/12/2011

Monday, April 11, 2011

Unlock

I lay down that hesitation,
the nagging seed
of doubt that

Invades my mind at
the least opportune
moment.

I lay down that fear,
the frequent chant
of 'I can't' that

Threatens to drown
out any progress
I've made.

I pick up my soul,
unlocking the door
of my cage,

Walking out toward
the shining rays
of possibility.

4/11/2011

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Not Without Words

You are always a
caring person,

Even when you
don't have the words.

We always have things
to talk about,

Sometimes without
saying a word.

We know when
the other is frustrated,

Even when
words escape us.

We bonded together
when Mom died,

And you said
all the right words.

Now you are
moving on,

Yet we continue
to share words;

Words, stories, dreams,
links never breaking.

4/10/2011

Saturday, April 9, 2011

The path (a cinquain)

Path;
long, storied.
Weaving, winding, twisting.
I take my time.
Patience.

4/9/2011

Friday, April 8, 2011

Neighbor's Dogs (a cinquain)

Pets.
fluffy, white.
Running, jumping, playing.
Two lively small dogs.
Joyful.

4/8/2011

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Japan's Unrest (a tanka)

Ground trembling once more,
citizens praying for peace
even as chaos
is averted on this day.
When will their calm spring arrive?

4/7/2011

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Daffodils

Vigilant flower
rising from the
chilled soil,

Svelte emerald
stem stretching
upward to

Greet the rising
sun, the hue
of warm rays

Coloring its bright
petals, its
center spread open,

Awake to the
advent of spring
despite the cold.

4/6/2011

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Beloved and Lost

She dreams about
friends beloved
and lost;

She thinks about
the well-being
of her companion,

Living in the island
of their roots,
dwelling with

The ghosts of
her past.

She sends good thoughts
for the friend lost
due to confusion;

The cord
of friendship
snapped unexpectedly,

Nothing to do
now but strengthen
current bonds.

She dreams about
friends beloved
and lost.

She wishes the best
for them all.

4/5/2011

Monday, April 4, 2011

Nature's music (a haiku)

Light conversation
mingling with happy birdsong
on this bright spring day.


4/4/2011

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Friendshp (a cinquain)

Friendship;
strong, personal.
Freeing, lasting, heartening.
We cherish our bonds.
Lifelines.

4/3/2011

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Friday, April 1, 2011

Events (Cinquain)

Events;
short, memorable.
Bridging, connecting, living.
We share our stories.
Life.

4/1/2011

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Sever the Thread

Everything has
a beginning, a middle,
and an end.

We spent years
weaving our bonds
together;

Stitching many days
of laughter and tears
into one beautiful
tapestry.

I thought the thread
of our friendship
was infinite,

Yet I understand that
everything has
a beginning, a middle,
and an end.

Things happen for
a reason,

No matter how
complicated.

Sewing the final
seams on our tapestry,

I am now ready
to cut the thread.

3/31/2011

--Written back in December 2010, remembering a friendship that ended too abruptly. I moved on, which makes sharing this easier.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Layers of Serenity

Live in the layers,
not in the litter.

These layers unfold
like an open book,

Memorable events
and their guides

Dwelling within
each page.

There is much
to reveal

As we peel back
the layers;

The threat of doubt
littering our well-being,

Co-existing with
the need for serenity.

3/30/2011

**Inspired by 'The Layers' by Stanley Kunitz

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Tears in Bushwick

No one could stop
the flames,
smoke shooting
over rooftops
relentlessly.

No one could help
the children,
helpless souls
pleading,
banging on windows

As the toxic entity
tore through
their home.

No one could stop
the tragedy,
One careless spark
evolving into a
nightmare.

3/29/2011

Monday, March 28, 2011

A Walk in Morningside Park

Lively signs of spring
dare to emerge
among cold surroundings;

Lovely shades of
yellow, lilac and white
blanketing vivid green
grass.

Robins dot the
open landscape,
making this renewed
space their home,

Little leaves budding
through bare branches.

3/28/2011




Sunday, March 27, 2011

Another Day: Chant Poem

While days bring such uncertainty,
I wake to another day.

I step lightly yet with purpose.
I wake to another day.

Wavering on tasks bring lessons.
I wake to another day.

Interactions are hidden treasures.
I wake to another day.

I treasure loved ones lost and present.
I wake to another day.

I give thanks to her kind blessings.
I wake to another day.

Without her guidance, I would be lost.
I wake to another day.

With uncertainty comes purpose.
I wake to another day.

3/19/2011

Sunday: a cinquain

Sunday.
Quiet, peaceful.
Dreaming, writing, creating.
New ideas take shape.
Ideal.

3/27/2011

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Bridging Sapphire Skies

Today the golden sun
floats among the
Sapphire sky like
a shining star;

On this brisk March
afternoon, my soothing
Thoughts drift to a
troubled friend,

The warm, March skies
unable to
penetrate the frozen
enclosures of her mind,

The lively tropical
rhythms of the coqui
And parradas unable to
stifle pangs of sadness.

Although the ocean
separates us, my
Nurturing notes harmonize
with your urgent call,

The rhapsody of
our friendship
Crossing the distance,
creating a bridge

Which connects our
spirits on this
Bright spring day
over sapphire skies.

3/26/2011

Friday, March 25, 2011

A Haibun: Weeks to Come

She goes about her usual routine (commuting, working with the little ones, strolling across the Columbia campus), wondering where her life path will turn in weeks to come. Working at her ideal job, she dreams that her temporary position will evolve into a more permanent placement in weeks to come. She takes in constructive comments and daily interactions with peers and students as valuable life lessons, holding these valuable pieces of knowledge close to her heart and soul. As she walks across the picturesque campus at day's end, she knows that the weeks to come will bring events both unexpected and unpredictable, much like the changing seasons, much like time itself.


The changing seasons
bring about rich life lessons
to her calm routine.

3/25/2011

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Symbols of Spring

Bright green leaves
sprouting from
cold, icy soil,

Undeterred by
winter's refusal
to depart;

Plants and flowers
awaken despite
a prolonged frost,

Symbols of spring
anticipating the full
change of season.

3/24/2011

Star in Heaven

You shine high
every night,
a glowing
presence
like ivory
moonlight rays.

Your physical
presence ceased,
yet your spirit
shines on me
continuously,

Steadfast guidance
as prominent as
a sun's golden rays,
as elegant as
silvery moonbeams.

You are gone
from this life,
yet your spirit
shines on,

A star in heaven
watching over me
in times of
sorrow and joy.

03/24/2011