Oh Say Can You See?

my flag jeans

Oh Say Can You See?

Anyone who has known me since 9/11/2011 will remember that I loved to wear American flag clothing.   I own a flag jacket, flag blue jeans, flag sweater, flag shirts, and flag scarf.  Some friends even made for me a quilt which has a flag motif. One might say my personal trademark was a flag.  I had pride in my country.  (As we all should in our countries.)  But since the election the flag is tarnished.  I would be embarrassed to wear my flag clothing.  I do not take pride in what my country has become.  Soon it will Independence Day, our country's birthday.  It should be a day of celebration, but this year the day rings hollow.  It will be a day of mourning, a day to wear black as stars and stripes weep.

Oh say can you see
what our country has become
see the eagle cry.

A haibun for Poets United Poetry Pantry.  For non-Americans, our national anthem begins with the words "Oh say can you see...."  Thus the title.

Yoga

Yoga

I tried yoga but
it is hard to clear my mind
and I am too distracted to
concentrate on my breath.

I know it takes practice
and admire those willing
it is like they are in a club
and I don't quite belong.

I tried yoga but
it probably isn't for me
I can't relax on demand
but envy those who can.

For Sumana's prompt- 'yoga' - at Midweek Motif

Justice

Justice

Justice is only as good
as the judge.

Justice depends on
facts revealed.

Justice can be too harsh
for a penitent person.

Justice can be too soft
for a mass murderer.

Justice does not chastise
those who are above the law.

Justice should be
impartial but isn’t.

Even terrorists
believe in justice.

In wars both sides
believe in justice.

Without laws would
justice exist?

Justice for all
means what?

For Poetry Pantry

Yearning for Ordinary

Yearning for Ordinary

We take ordinary for granted
don't realize how extraordinary it is
until slowly methodically
it is being eaten away

Under cover of night
civil rights are rolled back
right wing agenda
moving into place

And everyone still smiles
as if life's the same
we dance with the devil
who waits with his chains

While environment is ruined
and big banks hold sway
and education is forsaken
and healthcare denied

We take ordinary for granted
don't realize how extraordinary it is
until slowly methodically
it is gone and too late.

I have written this for Midweek Motif - where the theme is Seeking the Extraordinary in the Ordinary.   I do wonder what it will take for people to be lulled out of their apathy and stop dancing with the devil.

The Party

The Party

She enters the house, greets
the hostess with warmth,
makes her way to the room
where a group has gathered,
sits near a few strangers
with friendly eyes, listens,
nods, makes eye contact,
asks a question during a lull,
listens, smiles, gives her own
answer, shares a humorous
happening, laughs at a joke,
empathizes with someone's
plight, drinks coffee, eats
snacks, laughs, talks, smiles.
What a great party!
Meanwhile in the silent spaces
between words and smiles
she floats home, relaxes in
silence, blue-jeaned, happy in
her own space with dogs.


I wrote this poem in 2009.  Ha, I realize
I still feel pretty much the same way. Shared
with Poetry Pantry.

Ocean

Ocean

Ocean is timeless
keeps confidences
speaks not a word
but cries in silence
beneath the full moon.

Ocean waves roll in
and waves roll out
as they always have
and always will.

Ocean holds
many things
not all of them
belong.

Ocean brings life
and connects us all.

A few thoughts for Midweek Motif.

Eagle

source

Eagle

Eagle soars spectacular

into sunset orange sky,

aims for the horizon.

I wonder if it contemplates

destination or merely enjoys

its journey riding the wind,

traveling higher ever higher,

its wings spread fully, its

eyes sharp in search of prey,

before it plummets earthwards

once more, pounces prey,

Gracefully fulfills destiny.

Life coexists with death,

joy with sadness. Life's circle.

Eagle soars because it must.

Written for Poetry Pantry

(because I must)