An Abiding Love

"Yes please, my Love" he replied
"I'd love a cup of tea".
Armchair.
Newspaper.
Late afternoon sunlight.
Tick-tock.
The Great-Grandfather and the clock.
Warmed without and warmed within.
The hairs on their heads, 

 snow white in their winter of contentment.

From the kitchen with his tea she comes.
Rich smells follow her, 

bringing promises of the meal to come.
She sets down the steaming cup at his side, 

this man with whom she gave life to a family tree, 

their deep roots entwined as one.

Standing behind his chair, she places her hands 

upon his shoulders and a kiss upon his head.
His right hand crosses his heart to reach her left 

and he thanks her with a gentle squeeze of her fingers.
Smiling, she straightens, caresses his hair with her hand 

and returns to check on the roast.


June 24th, 2013
Billericay

A memory of my Great-Grandparents

Cougar

This young man one night was born,
As I lay sleeping in my dorm.
I am old enough to be his Mother,
But this stud muffin is now my lover.
My pulse quickens when he is near.
My heart he'll break one day I fear.
But for now, I'll take him here on the floor.
I am Cougar.
Hear me roar.

December 2nd, 2012
Atlanta

Soft Landing

The warning in her voice
Informs me of her choice
The sweetest of goodbyes
With affection in her eyes
A gentle lowering down
Puts my feet back on the ground
And so, we are well met
Expectations, reset


November 28th, 2012
Atlanta

Let the blood flow

When fingers, numb from the cold,
are warmed, the blood returns
to the tips and flows under the nails.
Oh, my.  How it hurts.

A heart, protected by frost,
until warmed by a smile
that hints of long walks on sunny days.
Oh, my.  How it hurts.


October 22nd 2012
Atlanta

Broken Glass

When I find all the pieces of my heart
Maybe I'll love again.

My heart broke like a wine glass hitting the tile on the kitchen floor, the dark red liquid staining the grout rose. Exploding & distributing tiny shards to lay undiscovered in dark nooks and crannies, under the fridge or behind the bin, just waiting for an unsuspecting toe or finger to find them as I fumble around distracted and unprepared for the sudden, sharp reminder of the loss of a good drop of wine and a favorite piece of glassware. One of a matching pair, gone forever, it's mate left sitting awkwardly on the shelf, set apart by simply being alone.

Spring cleaning. That's the ticket. A good sweep up. Give the floor a good, hard scrub. Get in there behind the fridge. Catharsis. And when it is done, pour another glass of wine and sink into an armchair and sip and watch dust motes dancing on sunbeams. Soaking up the warmth after a long winter.


September 25th, 2012
Atlanta

The Keeper

I am the Secret Keeper
Of things that must never be said.
Dark Truths, hidden away and left for the Dead.
I am the Secret Keeper
Of Sacred Promises Broken,
And Sweet Oaths of Love that will never, ever be spoken.
I am the Secret Keeper
Of all that could have been,
The Missed Opportunities and things never seen.
I am the Secret Keeper
The Darkness secure in my Keeping.
Your Shame. Your Pain. Your Suffering. Your Weeping.


March 11th, 2012
Atlanta

Day Dreaming

So I went hiking and walked twelve miles.
Because I like hiking.
I came home and drank some tea while I iced my knee on the couch.
Because it was swollen and aching.
The Sun warmed my face through the blinds and I fell asleep.
Because it was just so comforting.
Later, I steamed myself, sitting criss-cross under the shower.
Because it is a wonderful feeling.
And at that moment I felt lonesome, craving some company.
I wondered if Hermits ever felt lonely.
Maybe in their seclusion they discover God's love
But if God had meant us to live like Hermits
Nothing would ever get done.
Wouldn't it be nice, I think, to have someone close by.
Someone to whom I could say "Hey! Did you see that bird? Did you see it fly?"
Wouldn't it be nice to have someone step out of my shower,
Wrapped in a towel, affectionate eyes, warm and wet and smelling of my shower gel.
Wouldn't it be nice if she walked up to me and gave my hand a squeeze.
"Hey." She would smile "I'm famished. Do you fancy a bit of cheese?"


February 25th, 2012
Atlanta

Day of the Heart

Tales of Yore
Are filled with Gore
Like Blackbirds in a Pie
Waiting to Die
And be Eaten.
Tales of Love
Tales of Magic
Star Crossed Lovers
It's all quite Tragic.
So what shall we do
To not feel Blue
On this the day of the Heart?
Drink a Toast!
Drink some Wine!
Cheer "Happy Bloody Valentine!"


February 14th, 2012
Atlanta

Breakfast in Bed

Now I wake me from my Sleeps
Warm and naked between the Sheets
Reaching out to Touch your Face
But of your Face there is no Trace.
Then, from the Kitchen comes a Noise
The Smell of Coffee and other Joys
Come back to bed, My Darling, My Sweet
There's Love to make and things to Eat.


February 12th, 2012
Atlanta

Lyrical Wax

I could Wax Lyrical about
How much I Miss You.
I could compare thee to
The Sun's Warm Ray
In the Month of May,
Or something like that.
I could compare thee to
A fresh Spring Breeze
Moving through the Trees
Or some other Natural Force.
But I'm all out of Lyrical Wax.
So I'll Keep It Simple and True
There is a Gap in my Life
And it's Shaped like You.

February 2nd, 2012
Atlanta

http://audioboo.fm/boos/665018-bad-poetry-lyrical-wax