Paddle Boat Dreams

She dreamed of the wide Mississippi 

Lapping the boat on both sides

As she glided through its corridors

Sipping a mint julep.

She knew that by the time she got there,

There would be no gliding or mint juleps, but

There would still be the mighty Mississippi

To revive those dreams.

Dreams churn like the paddles of the boats

Much like years pass and age wears on us.

Life becomes more about daily living,

Surviving with loved ones than adventure.

Now, the paddle boats employment dings with

Bells and lights as we dream instead of riches.

They sit buoyantly swaying rather than

Tackling the currents that push beyond the river.

Happiness Is a Nugget

Would it seem strange to say happiness is a Nugget?

No sauce, but lots of personality.

Would it seem weird to say joy is a bun-ty?

Recently learned words, bunny and potty, passing through new teeth.

Would you believe it said elation is a face framed with ringlets?

Constantly questioning the world and people around.

Can you imagine saying jubilation is two sets of ten digits?

Running your way and reaching up “come.”

Did you know that bliss is getting the gift you didn’t know you needed?

A new title and level of hope that makes you dream again.

So in case you didn’t know, couldn’t imagine, wouldn’t believe, thought it weird or strange…

Happiness is a nugget, and she is everything!

Ode to a Train

You held the promise of adventure

In your steam-powered engine,

The lines that traversed the landscape

The coal that pushed plumes to the sky.

You carried dreams 

In your cars that extended for miles,

The sleeper cabins and luncheonettes

The open rows where dreamers sat.

You marked the distance

On your wheels questing for connection,

The destinations like compass arrows

The nations shrinking in your growth.

You stand as pillars of time passed

In museums dedicated to your greatness,

The speed of progress rattling by unstopping

The marks of disuse tattooing your frame.

Suspended Childhood

The patina of weathering

Shows the passage of time,

Yet we hope to maintain 

Our innocence

Our delight

Our enthusiasm for life.

Life that consumes our energy,

Hones our ambitions,

Molds our beliefs, and 

Hardens our convictions,

Until we dream again.

Dreams of a new-found love

Of people,

Of art, and

Of rest

When our weary souls

Hold on to the vestige of a childhood

Caught in suspended animation…

If only in our minds.

Inside Looking Out

The sun shines down 

Spreading spirals of shadow

As we nestle close together

Warm and safe.

Safety in numbers,

Yet we wait for the moment of adventure,

The climb and wing spread,

The exhilaration of freedom

Only found in the air.

Here we wait instead

In resting anticipation

For the door to open,

The message wrapped tight,

The author ties a story

To our feet.

Perspective

This is the first piece in a series of poems inspired by photos taken on various travels with my mother. I’ve considered writing a travelogue of our adventures, but my memories and emotions don’t form in daring stories; they manifest in poetry. My goal is to write at least one poem a day until I have enough for a book dedicated to my biggest fan.

To me, you’re colossal,

As I approach from below, 

reaching higher than I can dream.

Your stony visage exudes

Safety, strength, and power,

Yet, you’re not unshakeable.

If I rode on your shoulder,

Would I see the world through your eyes,

Or would the height blind my senses?

Poem for International Women's Day 2022

Oft we wonder if the strength they ascribe 

Is true regard or another backhanded platitude.

The strength they see comes from being shattered 

By blows of hand and wind

And glued together by promises 

Until our skin sings with a cacophony of lines,

Lines hand painted in gold because

The world says resilience is beauty unfettered

Yet, we walk on shells prepared for the

Inevitable chip in our veneer.

The poise of dreams unawakened 

Until the moment we find ourselves 

Not in this strength built from unaccountable tolls

But in the grace with which we embrace ourselves.