January Wind

January Wind

Tonight the wind screams with shrill voice
and no human can survive out of doors.

I wonder where the deer and squirrels go
to warm themselves in ferocious weather.

I wonder where small birds go for cover
if there is nowhere for them to hide or fly.

Tonight windows and doors whistle, clatter
spurred on by the howl no one can ignore.

Even moon and stars hide this night
when discord reigns as winds shriek cruel.

But yet I realize blue skies will prevail again,
my reflection mirrored in tranquil eyes.

And the wind will be a refreshing breeze
as birds once again flutter between trees.


This is a poem from 2014, but it could have been written today.
We are having a stretch of VERY cold weather.  I am linking this
poem to Sunday's Poetry Pantry.  Hoping it will warm up soon!

Tribute to Mary Oliver

Tribute to Mary Oliver  (1935-2019)

      "I don't want to end up simply having visited this world." -- Mary Oliver in When Death Comes.

I am reading Mary Oliver poems
with fresh appreciation these days
after she has died

and no she has not simply
visited this world but
has left it a richer place

poetic observations left behind
and I am sure that as she passed through
the door we'll all find some day

with curiosity about what will be
a lightness of body and spirit
no more disease or pain

she will rise above what she knew
to something richer than she dreamed
move forward in endless time

and we are all extremely blessed
by Mary Oliver's poetry which
gifts us with her view of the world.

Written for Poets United Poetry Pantry.

Does Earth Feel

Does Earth Feel?

Does earth feel
does earth cry
I cannot

imagine that
earth does not
know that it is
in danger

as earth screams
bares its teeth
shakes its fists boldly
it speaks

in typhoons
forest fires
global warming

as icebergs shrink
polar bears starve
and coral reefs die
can we

turn around
bring back hope
not yet too late
to change

if not us
who will stop
the train?

------------------------------
This is my second "arch" poem written for Poetry Pantry. The form
works as follows:

1st stanza: 3 words/3 words/2 words

2nd stanza:  2 words/3 words/4 words/2 words

3rd stanza:  3 words/3 words/ 4 words/2 words

4th stanza:  2 words/3words/2 words

5th stanza:  3 words/3words/4 words/2 words

6th stanza:  2 words/3words/4 words/ 2 words

7th stanza:  3 words/3words/2words

A Sense of Calm

A Sense of Calm

Flames dance elegantly

as Basil enjoys

their heat

and rests

ever so peacefully

without concern or uncertainty

total bliss

if only humans

could find joy

in such restful innocence

as this

I observe

him lazing there

watching me

I watch him

my warmth glows

hot as the flames

he knows

I love

and I know

he is comfortable there

at rest

I feel calm

as fire dances

I reflect.

Submitted to Poetry Pantry

This poem is a new form invented by a friend who wishes to remain private for now.  She calls the form 'arch,' in which the 4th stanza is - as she says - 'much like the keystone for an arch, holding both sides together.'

Details:  The poem is 7 stanzas long with 69 words.  Stanzas break down as follows:

1st stanza: 3 words/3 words/2 words

2nd stanza:  2 words/3 words/4 words/2 words

3rd stanza:  3 words/3 words/ 4 words/2 words

4th stanza:  2 words/3words/2 words

5th stanza:  3 words/3words/4 words/2 words

6th stanza:  2 words/3words/4 words/ 2 words

7th stanza:  3 words/3words/2words