Thursday, May 31, 2012

Writing to God: Lift up a need for healing

To My Healer

God thank You that You are my Healer.
Nothing is too difficult for you, in fact,
miracles are Your specialty. You showed
that in Christ when he walked the earth.
So Heavenly Father, Heavenly Healer,
please, heal my body from head to toe,
and, please, do the same for all I know.
And I lift up the entire world to You,
especially children who have been abused
or are living in poverty, young mothers
who have too great of a load to bear,
those afflicted with disease: cancer,
diabetes, etc. Lord, I cry out for You
to touch us with Your healing power.
But most of all, open our spiritual eyes
and ears and heal our hearts and souls.
Make us whole and ready for eternity.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Poetic Bloomings: Alliterisen and PA prompt: something small

Powerful Puny Package 

Whispered or shouted it’s most manageable.
It’s not only small but brilliantly intangible.
When entered into humble human ears,
it can produce changes and calm ferocious fears.
And floating up to God’s gracious heart,
on the impossible, it can give you a sound start.
The famous, fabulous four-letter word, “Help!”

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Words With Friend Wordle

Facing Ghosts

 She stood there, feeling old and worn,
like the castle before her.
She eyed the southernmost turret.
She used to be a part of this world.
She started humming so as not to emit
a groan at the memories.
She was among friends now
standing along the moat, bunchy,
like the Bells of Ireland growing along water’s edge.
Lighthearted deals were going on around her
as her traveling companions discussed plans.
She wished she could hire a driver and leave this place.
But she would have to bear it a little longer.
Her plate was full, her bed made, there was no exit.
She had agreed to this twelve-day tour.
It had sounded like a good idea at the time
to show them the lands where she grew up.
She wouldn’t take them to the turret.
She wouldn’t tell them what went on up there.
“Are you ready to show us your childhood home?”
She smiled at her friend, “Yes, I’m ready.”


Writing to God

Holy, Holy, Holy! 

Lord, I sit here at the kitchen table amazed
when I think of this scene in heaven
depicted in Revelation 4:1-11.
All the wonders and mysteries
All the light, vibrant colors and beauty
Life on earth is merely a blip on the radar.
A shadow
A wisp
It's nothing compared to eternity in heaven.
God, help me be the woman You want me to be.
Show me how I fit into all of this.
I will dare to believe that, despite my faults and shortcomings and sin,
You have something great planned for me
here on earth and in heaven.
I know You’ve given me a special gift with my writing and poetry,
but I also know if You want to use something else, You can.
But I’m a little excited about the possibilities.
I just pray that You gift me to express Your truths,
Your character, Your love, Your intentions.
You are worthy to be praised.
I pray that everything in me,
Everything that I think, say, write, paint, sing and do
will join in the chorus of the 24 elders,
Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord God Almighty,
who was, and is, and is to come.
11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being.”

Sunday, May 27, 2012

My Journey

At times a mountain
A vertical climb
Obstacles along the way
Enduring harsh temperatures
Determined

 At times a showboat
Enjoying the ride
Watching live entertainment
Leaving driving to others
No control

At times a schoolroom
Listening, learning
Preparing for influence
Making friends, growing, training
Limitless

At times a garden
Hard work, diligence
Tilling the earth, planting seeds
Sunshine, fresh air, pulling weeds
Abundance

At times a wedding
Eyes of tenderness
Pledging love and commitment
Promising joys through sorrow
Company

At times a poem
Small expressing big
Capturing, declaring essence
Finding God in the details
Manifest

Saturday, May 26, 2012


Through the Year when I was a Kid



We ate hot dogs and sauerkraut on January First

And chips and coleslaw till we’d about burst

In February, on gray, snowy days

We’d build snow forts and put on plays

In March when days were windy and cool

We’d fly kites and day dream in school

In April we’d walk in rain and splash in puddles

We’d float boats and stay out of trouble

In May we’d count the days till school was out

We’d ride bikes, climb trees and run about

In June we’d build dams and play in the “cricks”

And explore the woods and make cabins out of sticks

In July we’d have wiener roasts, one and all

On the fourth, we’d play badminton and ball

In August we’d stay in the pool

Is all we could to just to stay cool


In September we hated to see summer end

But liked to see our school time friends


In October we’l rake and jump in fall leaves

We’d hike about in jeans and long sleeves

In November we’d get ready for the snow

And have Thanksgiving or practice the bow

In December we’d shop, bake and make list

And then have a lot of fun opening gifts

wordle using words played on Words with Friends

Gotcha  

The road stretched out into a dark void.
I sat on the front seat of the car
blinking back tears unwept.
It was my birthday and not one
of my friends remembered it.
 Seated beside me was my dog, Jake.
He nuzzled my shoulder as if wanting
to prove  his love to me.

The headlights shone on a figure
standing in the middle of the road,
a male  about 180 pounds.
He was waving me to stop.
I didn’t feel safe, even though
I knew Jake, a German Shepherd,
could easily take him. My car wasn’t roomy,
barely enough room for Jake and me.

I knew the sand dunes were just over the hill.
What if the stranger’s car was stuck?
And the fog was becoming milkier.
 I decided to take my chances
and stopped the car and just then
an old van pulled up. The man,
probably hearing Jakes barks
and warning growls headed to the van.

I thought maybe I could worm
my way out of this one.
Zillions of reasons to not become involved
 marched through my mind. Alone in the shire,
I wasn’t about to kill the fatted calf for a stranger,
especially when I could be the fatted calf.
For some strange reason, I thought back
to the second grade class I taught.
A noun is a person place or thing.  

Well there’s the person, this spooky road is the place
and the thing is this gage or challenge
seemingly coming from the heavens,
or from somewhere else?
I tend to want to do everything
but end up doing nothing. I quit arguing
with myself, leashed Jake, opened the car door
and approached the van.

 The van doors flew open.
Hooded figures jumped out
and yelled, “Gotcha!”
My heart stopped pounding
when I realized they were my friends,
emphasis on the “were.”
“Happy Birthday!” they said
and we headed for the dunes to party.


Friday, May 25, 2012


How Not to Crack an Egg

We were baking cookies, my sis and I.   
Well, at least, we thought we would try.
It was different that day, I’ll tell you why.
There was nothing to fear, nothing to dread,          
until my sis cracked an egg on her head.

We put in all the sugar, brown and white.
The flour and salt was off to the right.
She hit the egg on the side of the bowl,
but that stubborn egg remained firm and whole.

With a fork, she smacked the egg with a whack,
but the shell was thick and would not crack.
She knocked it on the table with loud thumps.
That little egg could sure take its lumps.

Then..”I know what to do!” she smiled and said
then my sis cracked the egg on her head.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

PA hair

Dorothy Smith’s Bright Red Hair


Dorothy Smith’s bright red hair
Can be seen from miles away
Dorothy Smith’s bright, red hair
Glows like fiery clay 

Dorothy Smith hid her hair
Underneath her hat
Dorothy Smith’s bright red hair
Even shone through that

A lost boy wandered in the woods
Guess what showed the way
Dorothy Smith’s bright red hair
Surely saved the day

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

After About the Teeth of Sharks by John Ciardi

My Cat’s Froggy Hat

The funny thing about my cat,
She likes to wear a froggy hat.

And when my kitty cat goes out,
Shows off her hat and struts about.  

The cats and dogs around the place
Wear haughty smirks upon each face.

My cat meows, “To each his own,”
And then turns tail and saunters home.

Monday, May 21, 2012

After Robert Frost's Stopping By Woods on a Snow Evening

Watching Blue Jays on a Cool Evening 

The sun is setting in the west
The porch is cool, ideal to rest
I swing and watch blue jays soar by
They chatter as they build their nest

They dart about from ground to sky
And nab some bugs as they fly high
They concentrate upon their task
I am unnoticed as I spy

The nest is open like a flask
Soon eggs will fill this tiny cask
I wonder if of them they scheme
Their eyes are bright within their mask 

Their chatter carries a bright theme
But soon they’ll guard and shrilly scream
With fierce resolve they’ll hatch their dream
With fierce resolve they’ll hatch their dream

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Poetic Bloomins Enough--Fed Up

That’s Life 

I’m fed up.
I’ve had enough.
Who’d ever think
life would be so tough? 

If I have money,
I have no time.
There seems to be
no reason or rhyme. 

Floating down the stream,
headed for the falls.
Relentlessly,
the stream never stalls.

It’s a weird set up—
peculiar, odd.
What can I do,
but turn to God ?

More than Enough 

Days pass swiftly
as straw in the wind.
Memories good and bad
linger like wisps of smoke.
In retrospect, I see
You’re always with me,
always meeting my needs—
no matter what.

Enough

E veryday we have
N eeds and blessings.
O pportunities,
U rgencies and joys.
G od supplies what we need to
H andle each new day.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Writing to God

Coveted Words
Lord, I’m afraid that at judgment,
instead of saying, “Well done,
good and faithful servant,” You’ll say,
“Half done somewhat good
and semi-faithful servant.”
I think of my unfinished projects.
Changing directions midcourse.
My failures as a spouse and parent.
God, please show me what it is
I’m supposed to be doing well.
And, please, help me be more dependable.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

PA prompt desert, PB form naani


Friends gather,
bringing bananas, nuts,
cherries, ice cream, chocolate syrup—
Banana split party!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Klutz

I skinned my knees again
Even though I’m only ten
More times than my dog has flees
I scraped the skin off my knees
I need to wear knee pads every day
So my knee skin will be here to stay

My elbows should be covered too.
Because they’re always black and blue.
It seems I fall every time I run.
So I’ll tie a pillow on my bum.
And I better wear a helmet on my head
Or maybe I should just stay in bed.

Monday, May 14, 2012


New Bike Meets Old Man
 

I got a brand new bike today,
Purple hand grips, shiny wheels.
See me speeding down the street,
Hearing, “Oohs and aahs!” and squeals. 

As I go whizzing down the hill,
Dogs are barking. Kitties run.
Grannies jump out of the way.
I’ve never had so much fun.

Until, old man Warner steps out,
Arms crossed, wearing a frown.
And a few seconds later,
I see him from upside down. 

I got a new bell today.
See me pedaling gently by.
I politely smile and “ding.”
Well, at least, I’m going to try.






Poetic Bloomings Prompt --Childhood Home

Where I Grew Up 

Huddled in hills
in western Pennsylvania
sat a little pink house
(sometimes yellow, red or white)
by Charlie the Oak Tree
in a neighborhood where a creek
and a small road ran through,
by the name of Shannon, our name.
Mostly relatives
were scatted about
some longtime friends, too,

My four sisters and I
rarely stayed indoors
climbing trees, sled riding,
exploring the woods,
playing pretend games
after all the old shows,
eating fruits from trees, bushes
and even out of the gardens.
We were mad when
a new neighbor moved in a mobile home
and wiped out the best blackberry patch.  

Pappap sold the land bit by bit
and house poppped up all over
hidden in the summer by the foliage
but in the winter we saw them encroaching.
The little road became busier
until kids no longer played on it like we did
when we needed a smooth, flat place.
We grew up and left and the pine trees
took over the yard, hiding the little house
until it was abused by renters and torn down.
But still standing tall is the Oak Tree, Charlie.

Haiku

Jumping in puddles
Shouting and splashing about
Joy after the storm






Friday, May 11, 2012

Childrens Poems

Peach Pie Race 

At the fair I stuffed my face,
just because of some dumb race.
I shoved them all in my mouth—
great peachy pies from the south. 

Freshly-swallowed south peach pies
piled up inside to my eyes.
Peachy snot came out my nose
and dribbled down to my toes. 

As peach goo poured out my ears,
all around me I heard cheers.
Then the last fell from my chin.
Who ever thought I would win?

After that, I don’t know why,
I never ate another pie.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Box House
My mom gave me a cardboard box
As big as Daddy’s backyard shed
It’s now my clubhouse without locks
An old couch cushion is my bed
A board—a table, chairs are blocks
At first, I banned my brother Fred
But it was boring as can be
When just my dollies came to tea

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

PA Prompt Change famous title


Anna Can Run, Uh Huh
(Anna Karenina)
They lined up at the starting gate,
Determined in their stance.
But just as the gun sounded off
Poor Anna lost her pants. 

She swiftly pulled them up again,
Although her face was red.
Her sneakers gripped the Astroturf
As down the track she sped.

Anna passed those lagging behind
Then zipped up to the front.
So all the hecklers watching there
Just had to bite their tongues.

When Anna crossed the finish line
Folks all agreed as one,
“She may be such a skinny thing,
But Anna sure can run!”

Writing to God

Creative God

 I praise You God of Creation
for being, well, creative.
The sheer variety astounds me,
not to mention the cleverness
in the way You provide
for each living creature.
You are extravagant
and superlative. You go to
the Nth degree.
Infinite
Eternal
Abundant
You never run out of anything.
Lord, by Your Holy Spirit,
help me tap into Your supply
of creativity, mercy and grace
to Your praise, honor and glory.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Writing to God

Writer’s Prayer

Lord, You are all You say You are.
You keep Your promises.
You answer prayers.
You love, heal, guide and protect.
You are good. 

And even though You are harsh
with Your people, at times,
Your intentions are their ultimate benefit,
and You are attentive, alert
and ready to heal and comfort.

Please, come fill me now
that I may write words that will
guide, comfort and encourage,
because You are that kind of God
and I want to be that kind of a person.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Poetic Bloomings Title of a movie

Fly Away Home

These fleeting days on earth go round and round
And weeks fly by like speedsters down the track
And even months pass in ways that astound
And years shoot forth and never will come back

And like contestants on cheesy game shows
We race the clock trying to get things done
And what we win nobody even knows
So some suggest we’re in it for the fun  

A voice of love and reason softly calls
And says the way has already been made
From dawn of time He understood the falls
And by His Son the price has all been paid  

Like honeybees so headed for their comb
May we be ready to fly away home.


Saturday, May 5, 2012


Hope



H ope in Jesus

O nly. There is no other way to

P lease the Father. Jesus is the way to

E ternal life. See John 3:16.

Friday, May 4, 2012

 Sensitivity 

S pirit, please open my
E ars. I need to hear Your voice and I
N eed to learn to listen and do what You say.
S pirit, open my eyes.
I need to see Your hand in my life.
T oday, draw near to me.
I need to feel Your presence.  Give me
V ision to be able to see beyond myself.
I need to know the Father’s plan.
T oday, draw near.
Y ou are merciful God and worthy to be praised.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Poetic Blooming Pantoum


Gardening with Dad

Tommy trailed Dad down garden rows
He watched Dad plant each tiny seed
He longed to see how a plant grows
That would explain his naughty deed

He watched Dad plant each tiny seed
His plan seemed right just at the time
That would explain his naughty deed
Felt innocent of any crime

His plan seemed right just at the time
To take a look see underground
Felt innocent of any crime
As Tommy plunged his shovel down

To take a look see underground
We’re just the same way with God’s plans
As Tommy plunged his shovel down
With worry we too upturn plants

We’re just the same way with God’s plans
We question how His Word comes true
With worry we too upturn plants
And what a childish thing to do!

We question how His Word comes true
Instead of trusting in His grace
And what a childish thing to do!
Let’s keep His promises in place

So let us trust in His good grace
And follow Dad down garden rows
Let’s keep His promises in place
And see how each plant surely grows

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

PA vacuum

Vacume

If I had a vacuum cleaner
that sucked up letters,
with a whoosh I’d take
out the extra U from vacuum
and then, when I emptied the bag,
I’d nab that letter E which
I extracted from impasse
and stick it on the end, thus
relieving two spelling headaches.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Baker's Dozen Wordle plus Poetic Bloomings Seed


The Spider 

A spider has its place in life
Though it has its limits 

To catch those pesky flies,
With a web like frost on glass 

Its silken thread glistens in moonlight
As the spider guards its seed 

The spider goes about being a spider
With no glimpse of the big picture