New beginnings

There are those who reassure us, saying, 

“January’s just another month!” 

But still it feels we’re on the cusp 

Of an opportunity for new beginnings. 

Yet we know all too well 

The brightness of each new dawning 

Will always highlight shadows. 

Let us remember to always choose the light.

Nature’s Art

🎶There’s a bright golden haze on the meadow🎶

 … and a beautiful drive through the valley, 

On our way to retrieve my paintings 

From a two-month, two-woman show. 

I was a photographer before I became a painter,

 And I still find nature’s art 

Far more beautiful than my own. 

Feeling blessed…

Ignite the darkness

See? That is how it works 

When we become the light: 

Not only do we ignite the darkness, 

But in mirroring the light from above 

We’re highlighting opportunities 

 To peer into that larger world; 

 The world beyond ourselves 

Where all love lies, 

Waiting for us to reach out and engage.

Role playing

In any group, whether of humans or birds, 

There will be those who look to the past, 

Those who are looking to the future, 

Those who are obsessing about their looks, 

Those who are listening, 

Those who are watching, 

Those who are absorbed in each other, 

Those who are resting, 

And those are patiently waiting in hope. 

Which will you be today?

In certain combinations

Watching in the quilt shop 

As my daughter chooses fabrics 

For the quilt her brother-in-law has commissioned, 

I marvel, yet again, at the infinite variety 

Of colors and patterns that are available 

And the ways she finds of putting them together.

 “What a piece of work is man! How like a god” 

In that extraordinary gift; 

Mixing and matching fabrics 

As we are mixed and matched as people, 

Our strengths highlighted or enhanced 

In certain combinations 

Yet made less visible, or even disappearing 

In others… in jobs, relationships, communities 

That leave us washed out, 

Emptied of vitality, 

While others we are gifted with 

Enable us to shine as part of a pleasing whole…

Boxing Day

Like a cat who’s always determined 

 To climb to the highest perch, 

We humans seem inclined to rise 

To ever higher heights: 

Like the hardware store we used to visit 

 Whose slogan was “More of Everything:” 

More gifts, more awards, more salary; 

More fame and more prestigious jobs —

And Christmas throws that all into relief. 

So it’s no wonder that, embarrassed by 

The weight of our greed, 

We follow this season with a time 

Of making resolutions: 

 To purchase less, to eat less and give more;

So yes, today is Boxing Day: 

Traditionally a time to share 

That plethora of gifts with those 

Who may not be as fortunate. 

How will you celebrate?

Season’s blessings

Sending all best wishes 

For the blessings of the season, 

In hopes that peace and comfort 

May be showered upon all.