A familiar storyline played out
Every evening on Hallmark
Especially at Christmas.
A woman on the edge of her success
Or pushed to the end of her wits
Her vision is cleared to take a different path.
Does life actually unfold this way,
When we are on the precipice?
If only there were a clear sign
On which path we should take.
Instead we spin, struggle, and fret.
Why can’t life be more clear?
Why can’t it be so obvious,
So simple as a Hallmark movie?
Rows upon rows, green leaves of three,
The tick tick tick of sprinklers quench their thirst.
Full sun feeds them as does the sandy dirt below.
A white clapboard home sits along side,
A welcoming wrap around porch awaits.
A pair of rockers sway a bit as
The lace sheers flutter in and out.
The open windows invite the breeze.
From inside, she sips her tea,
Happy in this dream she’s built.
Strawberry fields bring her peace.
Wishing for a simpler life,
A life with time to finish tasks
Without rushing off to tackle the next
Time to watch the sun rise
Time to watch the sun set
No more burning of the midnight oil.
Sleeping in and cuddling
with my love and my pets.
Time to water the plants,
and watch them grow,
Then harvesting fruits of my labor
Instead of pouring through this drivel,
Fixing mistakes and redirecting
Wondering why documents are gone
And knowledge is lost or simply not there;
Too much overload and stress
With no goal in sight;
Ready, I’m ready for a simpler life.
Rich earth and gritty sand,
Swirled together to make the land,
Quick to drain, moisture holds,
Roots dive deep, grow bold.
Leaves of three, flowers of white,
Stalks green and bright.
May your berries be oh so sweet,
Florida perfect winter treat.
The page on the calendar turns,
The scene shifts from summery delights.
Shelves loaded with pumpkin and spice
Greet frenzied shoppers thirsty for relief.
Finally, heat gives way just enough
Giving just a glimpse of drier cooler air.
Inspired to decorate overcomes,
Leaves, gourds, and acorns are bountiful.
Funny how a cooler season makes us warm up;
Bring on sleeves and more! Ber! Is Here!
I’m the evil one in someone’s story. The other one they blame. Life is rushed, time is precious, quick answers are not meant to be “short.”
They held it in, never asking for clarification, perhaps not wanting to understand. Not realizing how highly in regard they were held.
Instead, they lash out at the end, citing events they never discussed. Never wanting the details, only focused on themselves. Not understanding the tears, confusion, and anxiety they caused me at the end.
I feel betrayed. I feel so misunderstood. A simple conversation would have eased the issues which they cited.
But above this, I feel sad. Someone in this world needs me to be the evil one in their story. I never want to be in this place, but I will carry it for them and wish them well as they move on. And hope they find what they need.
Let me escape from this mundane
Let me run away
Elude responsibility and evade criticism
Let me run away
Shirk the need to be an adult just for a day
Let me run away
The weight is heavy, today’s stones push me over
Let me run away
Anxiety and depression triggered, nothing is right
Let me run away
Stress sets in and now I will be stuck
Let me run away
Please, please, I don’t want to grow anymore,
Let me run away.
The vine curled,stretched, reaching to the sky.
Drawn by sunlight, uplifted by its rays.
Another tendril from a nearby growth swooned.
It hoped to follow the others lead, leaning in.
Gently, it looped around, making itself known.
Her purple flowers intrigued his leafiness.
Together, they played in the morning sun.
As the heat of the day came on, they faded
But yet they stayed entwined, knowing.
In the coolness of the evening, they danced
Under the stars in the soft breeze.
Then slipped into slumber, waiting.
Tomorrow the sun will come again,
They will grow taller once again,
Twirl about, and entwine ever more.
Sweet little town, westward pointing.
Passage to and from Ka’anapali
On each island exploration.
Devastation swept the mountainside,
All the way to the shore, destruction took hold.
Gentle sweet blossoms, ripped by the wind,
Flames taking over, frightening fast,
No time to stop or escape the fire’s force.
So many lost in the unstoppable blaze.
But some bright spots amid such heartache
Precious cacao trees, surviving the burn,
Thanks to an engineered wind break…
Could this be a solve for the future?
Scared little lives, puppies and kittens,
Finding their way out or hiding safe,
Now safe and sound, returned.
The land will recover, the town rebuild,
But for now, mourning the lost comes.
Be Strong Maui; Be Strong Lahaina.
Soon your blossoms will bloom again.
Like a hot knife through butter,
The oiled wheel spun.
Threads of fabric gave up,
Yielding to the sharp.
No longer tearing or ripping,
The slices now clean.
Amazing how much easier it is
With a fresh blade.
It’s the little joys in life while sewing on a hot summer’s day.
Dawn Renee Writes 