NaPoWriMo, Day 30: Poetry of the Sea

The prompt from One Deep Breath is "poetry of the sea". I like ending National Poetry Month with the sea.

Foamy ocean waves
Lace pattern on wet sand
Crab scuttles alone.


Head on over to see more at One Deep Breath.

NaPoWriMo, Day 29: Wings

Dragonfly cathedral window
Beveled wings glisten
Dragonfly
Sits, waits
Rests
Now
One
Free
Spirit
Dragonfly
Dances in dusk’s light
Transformation invitation

The prompt at Sunday Scribbling is "wings", in honor of Laini Taylor's soon-to-be-available-in- bookstores, Faeries of Dreamdark: Blackbringer. It is a fine example of making a dream a reality.

Are you dreaming of flying yet? Visit here.

NaPoWriMo, Day 28

What a glorious day in Oregon today; warm and sunny. It causes this to happens:

Spring. Garage sales
Your cast-offs, my treasures
Reuse. Walk lightly.

And another joyful event:

Mom, dad fly in, out
Yellow beaks open wide waiting
Morsels nourishing

The purple finches' eggs have hatched!!

NaPoWriMo, Day 27: Carnelian Journal

At Create a Connection, a journal swap was organized earlier this month. Cheeky sent me this beautiful journal. It is made in Nepal, the paper is from the bark of Daphne bush. (I wonder if it is the same daphne like the sweet smelling flowers).

So in honor of this journal and Cheeky who sent it:

Carnelian journal
gift from creative blogger
world becomes smaller

I am handwriting my haiku, beginning with the ones written during NaPoWriMo.

NaPoWriMo, Day 26: Glimpse

Inspiration comes
whispers
sings
dances
a glimpse sideways from your
eye
the yarn unravels
you
follow the
breadcrumbs
picking up
words
left
behind

Thanks to Poetry Thursday for always inspiring. A villanelle on another day. Like in the summer when I can ponder it all day,

The Golden Compass: Meet Your Daemon

Have you read The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman? Great children's book, now being made into a movie. You can meet you daemon. I think I agree with mine. I wonder if others see me as solitary. I like spendig time with friends but am also happy being alone.



Rather a fun thing to do. Of course, am procrastinating writing the poem tonight.

Get To Know You Wednesday

1. If you could have any magical power for only one hour, what would it be and why?
I would want to travel back in time to meet my grandfather. He was born in Scotland in 1863, travel the world on a three masted schooner. Seems like a fascinating soul.
2. You've won a pair of round-trip airline tickets to anywhere in the world. Where would you go, with whom, and why?
I would take my aunt to Scotland. She is 87 years young and I would like to visit her father's homeland with her.
3. You are stranded in a library or bookstore for 24 hours. In what section do you spend the most time? Why?
Poetry, children's books, and new releases. I love these sections of the library or bookstore.
4. If you were to be on a reality TV show, which one would it be? Why would you be a good fit for that particular show?
I like some of the reality shows but I would not want to be on any of them.
5. What did you most recently dream or daydream about?
Publishing a book or two.

NaPoWriMo, Day 25: Because Dana Said So

I discovered a poetry game at Poetry Thursday this morning. A group poem is being formed by leaving a line of poetry in response to the previous comment. Dana said this could count for one day of NaPoWri Mo. Here's my contribution:

"words unspoken, trapped inside looking for a way to escape"

NaPoWriMo, Day 24: Remembrance

Three years pass

A young boy and dogs

Life cut too short

In memory of Johnny Streeter, mauled by dogs when he was in second grade.

NaPoWriMo, Day 23

I opted to write out my poem last night. Was too tuckered from the day to actually post. Oh, you can't read it?

Restless ocean waves
serenity seeker
crab walks across sand

coastal sun halo
gulls soar above tidal pools
anenomes wave

NaPoWriMo, Day 22

Earth Day

I remember the first Earth Day. I was a senior in high school and part of the leadership team that planned events for the day. My Earth Day flag created by using a white pillow case and painting the earth day symbol on it. Walking gently on the earth; it is part of my values, traditions, beliefs, and culture.

Thirty seven years
Earth Day honored by many
Each day is earth day

Please visit One Deep Breath for more Earth Day thoughts.

Sunday Scribblings: Rooted

Rooted

Uprooted my roots at seventeen
Transplanted to Oregon, a college girl
Roots needed fresh soil
Good growing environment

Transplanted to Oregon, a college girl
Making her way on her own
Good growing environment
Discovery abounds

Making her way on her own
Roots take hold, flourishes
Discovery abounds
Spiritual center is here

Roots take hold, flourishes
Doesn’t look back, settles
Spiritual center is here
To the surprise of some

Doesn’t look back, settles
Roots needed fresh soil
To the surprise of some
Uprooted my roots at seventeen

I came to Portland, Oregon to attend college and stayed. In the late years of my parent's life, I discovered how much they thought I would return to California. If you have ever been to Oregon, you might have noticed its spiritual presence. The unpredictablilty of the weather, the flora and fauna all help create its mystical sense.

To read about other's roots, visit Sunday Scribblings.

NaPoWriMo, Day 21: Ten Things or Less

Garden Tips

In the dead of winter
read seed catalogs, poems for the
garden
At the first sign of spring
Till the soil with warm
intentions
singing slug songs as
you dance in the beds
Listen for the seeds calling
Your name
Select them remembering to find
The stray plant, the one no one takes
Take it
Nurture it
Love it
Plant under the fullness of the
Milk moon
Abundance awaits

What Kind of Writer are You?:

You Should Be A Poet

You craft words well, in creative and unexpected ways. And you have a great talent for evoking beautiful imagery... Or describing the most intense heartbreak ever. You're already naturally a poet, even if you've never written a poem.

What Type of Writer Should You Be?

I found this at Becoming Amethyst while visitng other NaPoWriMo participants. Of course, I had to take the test.

NaPoWriMo. Day 20

Moment of silence
Remember brief walks of life
Never to forget

Maroon, orange hearts
Held by citizens today
Ascend to heaven

Never to forget
Too short the journey of some
Moment of silence

In memory and honor of the community of Virginia Tech.

NaPoWriMo, Day 19

Vacant house behind those eyes
Falling asleep at the desk

Did anyone know how the night was
spent? Watching the siblings

Sun rises as birds sing the
morning song. In time for school

Same clothes as yesterday. A
scrap of bread, a swig of juice for breakfast.

If you can call it that. The parent walks
through the door, says good-bye.

Vacant house behind those eyes
Hoping no one will notice.

Getting to Know Wednesday

1. What was your favorite childhood family vacation? Where did you go and what do you remember most about the trip? In 1961, we drove across country to New Jersy to see family I remember the big bugs in texas while we ate lunch.
.2. If you knew your grandparents, what do you remember most about them as a child? My grandmothers. Both came out form New Jersey to California on a regular basis. My one grandmother always took me for a day of shopping before school and lunch at the fancy restaurant in the store.
3. Do you have siblings or not? I have a younger brother. We kick fought a lot in the back seat of the car.
4. What did you like best about summer vacation from school? Reading, reading, reading.
5. Did you like school or dislike school? Loved school.What is your most memorable school moment? Planning Earth Day in 1970

NaPoWriMo: Day 18

Poetry Night At School

Today there was joy. My young writers shared their poems at Family Library Night. The writers are in first grade through fourth grade. These poets played with haiku and fibonacci along with using the senses. The parents came for the reading. All but three came to the reading. That makes me smile.

My poem tonight is in their honor:

Young

Poets
Creating
Poems, sharing them

Fearless wordsmith fanciers all

We played with collage for their covers. Love some of the titles for the books:

Snakie Things

Walk Way Garden Poems

Little Frog Poems

Relax Poems

Swan at Night

Sneeky Peak

The Excellent Poems

Vent: Who Ordered This Up?

I know that many have watched "The Secret". It speaks to the "law of attraction" and power of positive thinking will get you want you want in life. I am a strong believer of that theory. I see the cup half full.

There is an analogy used in the video/dvd that likens what happens in your life to ordering food at a restaurant. That your thought energy will cause things to happen for you.

So what I want to know is how does the theories and analogies used in "The Secret" apply to what happened at Virginia Tech. The innocents who were gunned down, did they ordered this up? How does the "law of attraction" fit here?

If someone knows, please let me know.

One Deep Breath:E=mc2 (Energy)

Summer 2006

Rain blankets our grief
Mingling with anguished tears
Healing energy

Keeping those who have lost someone close in our hearts. And if it weren't enough, it seems several of our staff members are dealing with either the loss of family members or family members with medical challenges.

Please visit One Deep Breath for more energy.

NaPoWriMo, Day 16

Innocents at university
Mowed down
Prayers sent from one coast to another
No logic, much pain
Tears flood the streets


What can I say this evening? I am horrified by the violence today and thankful that my two second cousins attending there are physically okay. Pray for healing.

NaPoWriMo, Day 15: Pearl

Today's word at Poetry Thursday: "pearl"


Mother’s pearl necklace in hand
Her last gift
Offered as peace and understanding
Son receives it graciously

Her last gift
Stories whispered
Son receives them graciously
Promises not to forget

Stories whispered
Granddaughter takes notes
Promises not to forget
The candle flickers, journal filled

Granddaughter takes notes
Holds her father’s hand
The candle flickers, journal filled
Memories flood the room

Holds her father’s hand
Offered as peace and understanding
Memories flood the room
Mother’s pearl necklace in hand

Sunday Scribblings: Secret Identity

Fiona the Fairy Book Mother

I teach at a school where over 40% of students get free and reduced lunch. Therefore, when a child brings a book back damaged or tells me it is lost, it can be a challenge to recover the losses. Until recently, policy was that students with a fine couldn't have another book. Fiona, the Fairy Bookmother arrived.

She has helped numerous students with their fines by finding gently used replacement books via the Internet or from other sources. Sometimes the students work off the fine by helping in the library as well.

The tales of some students sadden Fiona. A child leaves library books behind when they have been placed into foster care or left behind during awkward divorce moments. Is it the five, six, or seven-year-old responsibility to grab the library book during a time of stress? Fiona thinks not.

Sometimes, Fiona the Fairy Bookmother sees a child in need of a book for that “just because” reason. The child’s delight is a wonderful reward.

Fiona’s philosophy is that book replacement or a book giving demonstrates compassion. Fiona hopes that one day the student will remember that act and will do the same.

And it has come to pass that district will no longer withhold library books from students with a book fine. They want books in the hands of students, even if it is just one book while the fine is still outstanding. Good move on the part of the district.

Sunday Scribblings is exploring other secret identities here.

NaPoWriMo: Days 13 and 14!

Yep, nothing posted yesterday. I wish I could say I had it written down but it was only in my head. You see, my adopted niece and I went to her college orientation weekend at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. It was really fun as we met up with a former student who attends there already. Her sister, another of my former students was also visiting. We saw "The Mikado" last night. Great fun. I played in the orchestra when we put the play on in high school many years ago. So I thought of a poem last night while watching but was too tuckered out to write.

Viewing "Mikado"
Mistaken identities
Snap! open fan
Giggling begins, campus life
College adventure preview

Today:
On the drive home, we investigated the campus of Pacific Lutheran University and it lead to taking a back road. Quite fun. Didn't know you could get from Tacoma to Centralia other than the I-5 corridor. Very tired from driving. Poems up to date.

Taking the back roads
Quiet side hides corridor
Raindrops chase the sun

NaPoWriMo, Day 12

I can't believe that I am on day 12 of NaPoWriMo. I have had a week that has no time left to linger on things. Rush, rush rush. It's the long haul until June.


You dressed in your cub scout
uniform. I stand by your side, holding my
violin case. A perfectly squared photo,
scalloped edges, our ages frozen in time.
Evidence we once were siblings.
Moments before
the photographer arrived:
One too many taunts.
Lotion squirted in retaliation.
We laughed
covered for one another
fleeing trouble.
These days, not so much
Something about never speaking
again. I want to step into
that perfectly squared photo
Grab the lotion in retaliation
Then laugh as
siblings.

This feels rough. I am tired. It needs to percolate.

NaPoWriMo Day 11

Chocolate
dark, bittersweet
melting over my teeth
no one told me
I
smiled a
muddy grin

NaPoWriMo: Day 10

The fun thing for me today was the discovery of a fifth grader attempting to write 30 poems in 30 days.

The word for the day from Poetry Thursday is "hollow".

Fog tendrils twine round
cottonwoods in the hollow
Moon plays peek-a-boo.

One Deep Breath: Bridges

Spirit releases
ascending harp melodies
Heavenly bridges

Gossamer bodies
Extend hands to those souls
leaving vessels

For more bridges, visit here.

NaPoWriMo, Day 8

Easter Sunday 2007

Sun rises, clouds to the east
Spring rain perfume lingers
A phone call:
"we must go now" changes
the course of the day.

Sitting and holding her hand
shallow breathing
hanging on
while family lets go
of beloved matriarch.

Humming hymns, reading
psalms, quieting the soul
preparing for
the journey into
light everlasting.

We are never ready
for this moment
So we hug, pray
and wait for the passing
of beloved matriarch.

Written for my friends, Roger and Barbara and their family, as they await the passing of Roger's mother.

Sunday Scribblings: In the News

Sunday Scribblings asks this week about whether I am a news junkie or does it overwhelm or do I ignore the news? Other considerations: what headline would I like to see, one that's had a big impact lately on me or one I fear is coming soon.

I find that I read a lot of the news on the Internet these days, reading the newspaper seems luxurious. I try to limit my news watching on television; very repetitive, depressing, and if not careful, it will end up in my dreams.

My husband and I were in the car today, so I queried him about what headline he would like to see. His response: "Social Security Benefits will begin at age 55." (um, guess how old he is, ha!)

I would like to see:
"Solution to global warming discovered."
"Peace on earth achieved."

This week, in the news, Portland is considering banning those thin plastic bags. I say hooray for that. Never fails, too many heavy things are placed in them and they split. There is the great multiplying ability of said plastic bag. How do you get too many bags and lose socks...great mysteries of my home. At least with a paper bag, I can put my recycling papers in them.

I fear this headline:
"Cacao plant to be extinct by the end of the year."

For more newsy thoughts, click here.

NaPoWriMo, Day Seven

Hooray for me. Seven whole days, seven poems. I appreciate Poetry Thursday and the variety of ideas. I combined today's word, kneel, with the prompt for next Thursday.

We kneel as if in
prayer
planting lettuces in the dark
Gibbous moon
watches, approves
placement of each tiny head.
Grandmother's idea
planting lettuces in the dark
kneeling as if in
prayer
but we're used to it.

Thanks to Megan and Catherine for their poetry lines. I can't wait to do more.

NaPoWriMo: Day 6, Thank Goodness for Haiku

I am so thankful for haiku as I set out on Day Six of NaPoWriMo. Appointments, prep for taxes (I am a last minute kind of gal when it comes to taxes), Laini Taylor's book begging me pick it up (and I have and will), and a beautiful day....

Ribes sanguineum

Crimson 'King Edward VII'

Hummingbird cafe open

Awaits customers

From Tree Frog Farm:

"Medicinal, Food & Wildlife Qualities
Red-flowering currant is US Pacific Northwest native deciduous perennial shrub that grows to 10 feet and produces profuse blooms of reddish-pink blossoms in early spring. The flower nectar is an excellent food source for hummingbirds and the dark purple berries are edible for wildlife and humans...Red-flowering Currant Flower Essence brings to awareness deep known and unknown fear, then transforms the fear, enabling you to fill your life with Light. "


Went to the nursery for another plant in mind, came home with this. Who knew it would be a northwest native, good for birds and humans?

NaPoWriMo: Broken Thread

Writing Prompt for day five of NaPoWriMo: “broken thread”. I carry a verse from William Blake in my “poems I collect” journal.
From “For the Christians”:

“I give you the end of a golden string
Only wind it into a ball,
It will lead you in at Heaven’s Gate
Built in Jerusalem’s Wall.”

William Stafford, one of my favorite poets, often referred to the above lines. One of my favorites of his from Writing the Australian Crawl:
“Only the golden string knows where it is going, the role for the writer of reader is one of following not imposing.”

I draw inspiration from these two men as well as the prompt today.

Broken threads, dried up little cloth worms
Discovered while cleaning the garage, looking at the
remains of your library. A broken thread
tucked in yellowed yearbook pages. A message
jumps out, describing a scene I did not know:
You roller skating on the third floor of the dorm
You, telling ghost stories until the wee morning hours.

Graduated, ready to serve your country, married
instead. Broken thread of the
dusky blue dress, remnant of your bridal gown
slipped in the pages of your Catholic Bible. Six months later,
you and dad climb aboard the Greyhound bus.
Heading west, your Bible packed next to his from the
Presbyterian church.

Settling into the warmer clime, place of sunshine,
Orange groves, opportunity. You and dad worked
out the ups and downs of married life sans
family opinion. You tucked a broken thread from my
baptismal dress into my first Bible
Easter Sunday, 1953, orange blossoms
perfumed the air.

These broken threads and others
tucked away like some gigantic puzzle of
your life. I sort them
wondering how to weave it altogether
now that
you no longer walk this earth
leaving broken threads behind.

Today is also Poetry Thursday, to see what others are writing and who is participating in NaPoWriMo, visit here.

NaPoWriMo: Haiku

NaPoWriMo day four: I cleaned the garage and go a dump run ready in as much as I would have liked spending the day on the couch with books and writing implements. Short and tired tonight:

Beach time yesterday
Spring cleaning garage this day
Yield to tired muscles.

Bed calls my name.

NaPoWriMo: Day Three

Spring break. A day at the beach. Loved ones. How much better can it get?

Digging utensil

Ocean sand, explore, play, taste

Perennial fun

One Deep Breath: Spring/Fall Songs

In my part of the world, srping has sprung and yet others are feeling autumnal. This evening the full moon is shining on me. It is the "pink" moon. Is it the "harvest" moon elsewhere in the world?

One Deep Breath suggested songs of the season...Poetry Thursday's prompt for Day Two of NaPoWriMo is "spiral". Jone says, "let's combine the two."

My offering:

Twilight lullaby
Zhweee*, zhweee*ethereal trills
Spirals towards dusk

(*from Birds of the Willamette Valley Region by Harry Nehls,Tom Aversa, and Hal Opperman)

For other songs, click here.

NaPoWriMo

It is my intention to write a poem a day for National Poetry Month. Thanks to the women at Poetry Thursday, daily prompts will be given. Today's prompt "absolve". I found out quickly the intensity and pressure to write a poem per day.

Here is today's offering:

Sacred holy week
Washing of feet, breaking bread
in tincture of wine
Who washes the feet of the souls
fallen while fighting?

There is a list of those particiating in NaPoWriMo at Poetry Thursday under participants.