my father, my friend

you have not left me, my father, my heart is your citadel.
your voice is an echo in my mind
your words a reminder to my conscience
time cannot steal you away, you will not be lost in sleep
death cannot sever our ties, age will not weaken the bond
behind my eyes your face is love to me
my skin has not forgotten the warmth of your embrace
friend of my heart even now I am not alone, you are here in the well of my memory

untitled poem

As I was unpacking some boxes yesterday I came across an old notebook with some of my writings. I wrote this poem some time ago... probably around the time that Spencer was born. I was going through a phase where I was unsure of what I wanted to "do" and I had been contemplating writing as a career. It was around this same time that I took an online class about writing children's books which I enjoyed very much. This particualar poem is about Spring... my favorite season! Critique if you must... it is very much in draft form... comments welcome!

Life's first bloom is velvet green
when winter's echo showers bring.

Upon the mosses sunlight sleeps
and wakes with fog as late frosts weep.

Subtle hues, sweet blossoms mirth
quietly celebrate a new days birth.

Melted brooks fall forth and froth
light wings of wind bend branches soft.

Nature's eager children sing
as caution holds them smiling.

From her perch a wise one watches
moom and stars reflected, breathless.

Shifting shadows hint of dawn
young spring awakes with day breaks yawn.

Birds

Sakura

Palm

She's still standing
after all the wreckage.
The massive rains and record winds.
All around her the sand is tossed and contorted
into shapes we hardly recognize
but we recognize her.
This island is still our island,
this beach is still the one where we laughed and played.
She's still there,
her branches stretch like long fingers towards heaven
and she gives Him praise.
It wasn't because of her strength
nor because she was better than the others.
She simply fulfilled the calling that God had given her,
in that moment when the winds were wild
and the rain was unrelenting
she learned how to bend.
Her leaves are a little tattered,
her shade doesn't cover quite as much ground
but even in her weakend state I have leaned on her
and rested.

Friendship

I am always very sentimental this time of year. Perhaps it is the observance of Memorial Day but for whatever reason I find myself looking back at the people that God has placed in my life and thanking Him for them.

Kate Blandford:
You have been there for me time after time! You know me better than anyone... the best and the worst of my very emotional life! I am so thankful for your sweet spirit and your example to me as a Godly mother and wife.

April Wines:
I want you to know how much I value your intellect. You have an uncanny wit about you that has always been refreshing to me. I love the unique way you can relate to my quirky Asian artisan side. You never miss a beat... when I vent you listen, you are non-judgemental and loving in your willingness to offer your ear to soothe my rantings.

Danielle Davitt:
I admire how grounded you are. You were always careful to take care of yourself and you have developed into a beautiful mother and (soon-to-be) wife. You accepted me for who I am and welcomed me with open arms at a very vulnerable time in my life. For this you will always have my love!

Gloria Bishop:
I will always treasure the way you have stood firm in your beliefs. You have taught me, admonished me, even rebuked me without apology for those things that God burdened you to share. Yet in my weakest moments you did not back away but stood close to hold me (even from as far away as Ohio) and to calm my grieving spirit with your words of encouragement.

Donna Cary:
You have been there through the fire with me. You know what it is to choke back your pride and humbly endure for the sake of the prize. You have given me courage to make the hard choices for my career and when all else failed you laughed (and cried) with me about how awful the whole journey has been!

Katie Barth:
I am amazed by you. You have a perfect blend of compassion, confidence, and unwavering integrity. This is what makes you the wonderful nurse that you are! I cannot help but admire you as a mentor and love you as a friend. I am ever grateful to God for the common ground that we have found.

I have been blessed!

haiku

You wait in the grass
for the warm summer nightfall
to be silent and unseen