Book PAD 23-1

 Where Book Ideas Come From

 

At the grocery store this morning,

I decided to buy a frozen turkey breast.

I chose a nice big one—almost a ten pounder.

I like to freeze leftovers in small packets.

 

I hefted it up, turned and just then

a little dog walked by me, centered

right under the turkey breast.

For a moment, I pictured me dropping it.

 

I imagined the local newspaper headline

Woman Murders Puppy in Grocery Store.

But thankfully the turkey made it to my cart,

safe and sound and the dog lived another day.

 

But it may make a beginning of a romance novel.

A tall handsome man walks his service dog.

A young beautiful woman turns and…

Maybe not the most bonding experience,

but don’t all romance novels began that way?

 

 

tell me/don't tell me PAD 22-3

 Tell Me Again

 

Tell me again.

Don’t get offended

Or frustrated.

I know you probably told me,

But it doesn’t mean I remember what you said.

And I may not even have been listening.

You’ve got to get my attention.

And even when you have it,

that doesn’t guarantee anything.

I may not have heard you correctly.

So be patient.

Don’t fret.

Just tell me again.

tell me/ don't tell me PAD 22-2

 Tell Me a Story

 

One with a beginning, middle and end.

One with intrigue, mystery, romance.

One that encourages, informs, reassures.

One that makes me laugh, cry

And maybe even sigh.

May it have characters I can root for,

A villain that gets his just desserts

Or learns his lesson.

The lost found, and the hopeless rescued.

May it be it tied up like a neat bow at the end.

Those are the stories I like to hear again and again.

Tell me/don't tell me PAD 22-1

 Commiserate, Please.

 

Don’t tell me

how wonderful it was

when I was sick in bed

and missed it.

I’d rather not know

how much fun you had.

You could show a little remorse

and say it just wasn’t the same

without me.

Blank Day PAD 21-3

 May Day

 

Memory of a fair spring day,

dancing around a May pole

holding on to colorful paper streamers

until the pole was decorated.

 

Sharon Bracken was the queen.

I was shy and knew I’d never be picked.

My awkwardness in second grade

seemed to fit my dad’s comment.

 

When Danny Glass and I

became dancing partners.

I’ll aways remember Dad saying,

“Don’t step on his feet, they might break.”

Blank Day PAD 21-2

 Rainy Summer

 

I remember when my cousin and I

would take walks on summer rainy days.

No umbrellas, rain coats or rain shoes,

just letting the cool wetness embrace us,

enjoying the sounds of pattering rain

on the trees, the buildings, the ground,

the drumming on cars and anything metal

the smells of a fresh clean earth,  

and the incredulous comments 

of astonished drivers in their snug, boring cars.

Blank Day PAD 21-1

 

Take a Chance Day

 

Today is National Kindergarten Day,

National Rendering Day,

National Yellow Bat Day,

and National Chocolate-Covered Cashews Day. 

 

None of these things inspire me

except maybe National Chocolate-

Covered Cashews Day, but

I have neither chocolate or cashews.

 

However, the day after tomorrow,

(April 23^rd) is National Take a Chance Day.

Followers suggest trying something new,

Taking the next step to your dreams.

 

Step out of your comfort zone

Disregard fears, doubts, hesitation

Pursue goals and take risks.

Embrace new opportunities.

 

So put up that website,

Submit that proposal

Buy that plane ticket
Or sign up for that class.

 

Whatever you’ve been dillydallying about,

April 23^rd is the time to go for it.