When I look in the mirror, and uncap the lipstick,
carefully applying the bright red to my lips,
I picture my mother looking back at me.
She was not one to fuss with makeup,
but always applied her lipstick with care.
Even as she faded with age, her lips blazed.
And I, who always wore muted colored gloss if anything,
now boldly wear true red in honor of my mother,
shining my light for the world to see.
Category: Creativity and Healing
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Memories of Mom’s Red Lipstick
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A Garden Meditation
Walking along the garden path,
wrapped in the warm spring breeze
and anointed by the sweet nectar
of flowers that are on display
with their dazzling colors
begging me to draw nearer
as the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
feast on the seasonal harvest.
The birds, often hidden from view,
rejoice in song from bushes, trees, and cacti,
calling out to each other,
as they embrace the warmth of the sun
and the mating rituals of spring.
I breathe deeply all the gifts
that have been given to me
on this perfect day.
Not clutching the joy that I have received,
but treasuring this present moment of being alive. -
To Bloom Again
I push against the soil,
as I seek once again to bloom,
to feel the warmth of the sun
upon my sprouts that have laid dormant, buried
in the depths of the earth.
My buds creep out into light
longing to be infused by its energy
with the vitality that I once took for granted.
I feel the gentle embrace of the spring breeze,
beckoning me to relax the petals,
and open again to the possibilities of living. -
Reaching for Light in Times of Darkness
Inspired by the Images from the James Webb Telescope
When this world becomes too much,
with its barrage of news of cruelty,
and I’ve done all that is within my power to change,
I stretch my arms out to the universe,
and let myself be drawn into the beauty
of far-off galaxies,
images that are sent back to earth
from the space telescope wandering around the sun.
I lose myself in the brilliance of the nebulae
that are light years away,
where stars begin and end their lives in the dust of space.
The vivid colors dance across the cosmos,
unconstrained by the pettiness of humankind,
for we are mere specks in the grand design.
And yet, I must shine my light, too,
in this place that I call home. -
On Visiting a Garden Shop
The task was simple.
Buy air filters and a tomato cage for my blossoming plant.
But I forgot about the siren song that would greet me
upon entering the garden section,
with its intoxicating array of flowers in bloom,
singing for me to draw near and bring them home.
I did not have the wisdom of Odysseus to prepare
for my voyage along the aisles of yellow and purple daisies,
pink snapdragons, and fuchsia dianthus.
The white and rosy cacti blooms,
beckoned, if only to be photographed.
For they shine briefly before retreating
until spring comes again.
The sweet warm air was a balm for my soul
as I took in the majestic display of flowers
before summoning the strength to leave
with just four flowering containers
to add to my assortment of
patio potted plants,
who are always ready for more company.
Beautiful Bittersweet Life Poems 