The photo of a poinsettia is from February 2017. I like the light and shadow, as well as the colors.

rain in dark night
refreshes each leaf
today I think of you
no longer with grief

I wrote this poem for my father in June 2012. He lived on earth from 1915 – 1983. Today is his birthday.

In November 2018, I realized my parents had both been born over 100 years ago. I wrote a poem, and will reprint in this post:

TODAY I REALIZED

today I realized
my parents were born
over one hundred
years ago

I picture them younger

Mom in the yard
hanging clothes
on the line

Dad in his workshop
working on a crossword
puzzle

today I realized my parents were born
over one hundred years ago

most of all
I remember them older
when they must have known
at a deep soul level
their days on earth were fewer

each left a legacy

of unconditional love
which continues
in my heart to this day

And I remember this verse:  But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 
Job 23: 10 (KJV)

Blessings,
Ellen Grace Olinger