Monday, March 18, 2024

Lemonade from lemons


Three deer were gathered 
Just beyond my window — 
Bucks, without their horns, 
So I was waiting for a fight, 
But no: they were just grooming one another, 
So I thought — well, that’s a picture — 
But it’s been a long and salty winter 
And my windows were quite filthy: 
In full sunlight, the dirt was distracting 
For my camera lens, which only gathered shapes. 
Enter Photoshop: add some color, 
Add some raindrops and some circles, 
And now, though it’s not perfect, 
There’s the hope: that some might call it art!

Sunday, March 17, 2024

An offering of peace


Though winter’s drained the fields of color, 
The balance of the scene remains the same:
 The silo’s height, the taller trees, 
The mountains in the distance — 
All catch our eyes as we drive by, 
An offering of peace in a challenging week.

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Evening song


A burst of color in the evening sky 
 And the day draws to a close. 
Whatever stresses we’ve encountered, 
Whatever pains, whatever joys 
May not subside, but will be softened 
By the soothing wand of sleep. 
Fluff the pillows, let it go: 
Any resolution needed 
Can be put off till the morning. 
Close your eyes and step into your dreams.

Friday, March 15, 2024

Structure


One thing experience taught me 
Early on, in a troubled marriage, 
Is that — for me, at least —there is 
 More freedom within structure. 
So it should be no surprise to discover 
Echoes of that lesson in my paintings: 
However freely I swing my brush, 
I always seem to want to add definition; 
The verticals and horizontals 
Seem to give my eyes and heart 
A safe place to land.

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Sunset returns


And now, at last, earth’s orbit’s placed us 
Back in sight of the sunset’s path, 
And we rejoice again to see 
Her glorious color enrich our world.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

The lonely road


Some roads there are 
That must be walked alone: 
Whether long or short, 
The steps you take will be at your own pace; 
You’ll only see what your eyes are willing 
To drink in at the expense of thoughts; 
Only hear the sound of birds and waves 
If you can tune out the sounds of your own 
Fears and reminiscences; 
Only have the strength to keep on going 
If you remember to breathe...

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Beyond the storm


It can be hard to remain calm 
 With the dark clouds looming; 
Easier to succumb to the doom and gloom.
 But though it’s wise to prepare 
For the troubles that may arise,
 Let’s try to maintain focus 
On the possibilities and hope that lie hidden 
 Just beyond the impending storm.