That slowly spreading
wash of tender green transforms
winter’s stark landscape
into a watercolor
shimmering with vibrant light.
JDG
Life’s Dark Grace
In one terrible and graceful swoop, he
lifted the dead
creature from
the road.
He
timed
things just
right. Nothing
interrupted
the beauty of his grim descent and flight.
JDG
Meditative Gathering
Lying here, eyes closed,
I begin to meditate,
noting first my breath
and then the sensations in
my toes – which the dog
begins to lick. Soon he’s joined
by a purring cat
who settles on my belly.
Shaking with silent laughter,
I persist – with their assist.
JDG
For A Magic Moment
Caught up in early
evening chores, I almost missed
the magenta streak of sky
as the sun fell through
the lace of budding trees. Too
soon the splendor passed,
but for a magic moment
beauty crowned the end of day.
JDG
The Sense of Things
Sitting with all that’s gray,
I remember
not to be lured away
by memories of sunnier days
or forecasts of lasting gloom.
I see
crow light on dogwood’s limb.
I smell
fragrant, new mowed grass.
I hear
cardinal’s plaintive call.
I feel
breeze upon my skin.
I taste
the salt.
I know
everything will pass.
JDG
Sensational Welcome
After the first mowing the smell
of wild green
onions lingers,
carried by soft
currents across the golden blooms
of budding Spring.
Quickened by such
hues and scents, brash
bumble bees hover, adding their
hum and buzz to
this mild mix,
welcoming Spring.
JDG
Poetic Reflections
“I would have written
a shorter poem if I
had more time,” she said
and I knew at once
she spoke true. I remember,
too, the advice I
once was given: “Write your poem,”
I was told, “and when
you come to a line that seems
especially fine, strike it out.”
JDG
April Rain
Following the lead
of the grassy hills, the trees
suggest more green’s to
come. If this April rain keeps
up, the grass will soon
be as tall as trees and we’ll
be rowing our boats to work.
JDG
Words
After our first words
but before our last, we fill
the silence. Soft words,
harsh words, some ill-chosen, some
artfully spoken, but all
attempting to shape
what can’t be fully spoken.
JDG
It Can Wait
Two mallard ducks, circling the pond in
early morning
light, call out,
“Stop and
look.”
I
call back,
“I’ll try but
I have stuff to
do.” “It can wait,” they say and so I do.
JDG
