Poems From The Porch — The crêpe myrtle branches are hosting a bluejay convention this morning. One avian, in particular, has a lot to say. The cicada symphony is providing the background music, as is the far off cry of a mockingbird and the sweet tweets of a cardinal. Today I am gazing at elements…

Poems From The Porch — This is a magical place where the meadowlark, cardinal, wren, and mockingbird sing in harmony, with the bluejay providing a sforzando, and the mourning dove contributing her solo. The rooster conducts the orchestra from afar. I am watering the seeds of mindfulness and appreciation today as the fragrances of spring…

Poems From The Porch — I am captivated by the simple beauty of a rooster crowing and black-eyed Susans growing wild and free. Buddha’s short dictate, “Train your mind in love,” makes sense to me; no bells and whistles or fancy rituals, but an invitation to focus on the gifts abundantly offered in this present…

Poems From The Porch I see new life all around me and remember that death is necessary. This is a season of grief for me like no other. If you live long enough, you see everything transitioning into something else — — even your life. What does it mean to…

Poems From The Porch — Mirror trees practicing handstands Gnarly oak, skyscraper pines Morning coolness Still water offering peace Dove cooing, frogs croaking Red-winged blackbird and white waterfowl Tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet Too young squirrels scavenging Woodpecker drilling Blue jay landing, and now another Me and you Gifts to receive and cherish All conduits…

Poems From The Porch — Black squirrel taking my measure Red-winged blackbird gliding across the lake Blue-black crow landing on a branch Woodpecker boring for breakfast Sweet stillness and soothing breeze Slow moving water reflecting green upon green Leaves making patterns against the sky Lone love bug crawling on my finger Dog barking in the…

Poems From The Porch — Sunshine pouring through pink gladiolus Yellow daylilies, warm and vulnerable Shasta daisies looking mischievous Intangible baby-blue sky and radiant fields of green light A variety of birds in lively conversation Fragrant gardenias and roses suffusing thick summer-spring air Letting go of thoughts about anything that is not here Eyes attentive…

Poems From The Porch — I planted one zinnia seed, and in less than a month, its stalk has grown six inches. Every day its momentum is evident. A woodpecker is drilling expectantly this morning. He is looking within as the zinnia stalk reaches without. They are both seeking sustenance — one from the light, …

Poems From The Porch — Rooster, chimes, and glistening dew A soft breeze awakening my senses Sunlight on purple wildflowers Yolk-yellow daylilies opening to the sky Pink gladiolus shyly peeking out Petunias, impatiens, and pansies offering a colorful array Man-son joining me in companionable silence Comfortable cats relaxing with us Birdsong adorning the air Powder…