For twelve years

we walked these country roads together

where I was known as Toby’s mom.

I say summer heat keeps me from walking now,

but even I am unconvinced.

                                                                             JDG

Only now, at almost seventy-eight,

am I getting it. It’s not that I didn’t

have the information before.

I knew exercise and healthy eating

were good for you. Everyone knows that.

But now I’m bone tired.

Energy is what I need:

energy to do what I love,

energy to be there for the people I love,

energy to play and have fun.

Energy is what I don’t have.

Bingo! Lights flashing! 

Energy comes from healthy eating.

Energy comes from exercise.

Connection made! And just in time! 

                                                               JDG

I wish I had what that small tree has.

It pushed its way between the floor boards

of our porch and reached for the sun.

We admired its pluck, but after a while

we reluctantly chopped it down,

making it level with the porch floor.

This morning when I stepped outside

tiny sprigs of green were growing

from its leveled trunk.  I don’t know when or if 

we’ll have the resolve to crawl beneath the porch

and remove it, but for now it’s a living reminder

that with persistence you can break through

even a boarded ceiling.

                                                                        JDG