A doration and
D evotion
V ision of
E ternity
N ow in
T ime
ADVENT
W onderful time of
I nspiration and
N ew books
T o
E njoy
R eading
WINTER
Images are from the Christmas Images Category at Reusable Art.
late afternoon
sky colors and no wind
quiet day
sunset as I write
sky changes
to night
wpclipart
Rain and wind – sound of rain and sight of evergreen branches in wind. I read and then sweep the kitchen floor. Karl went to Walmart for us, and we will enjoy Thanksgiving at our kitchen table.
I stopped at the sunroom window, to thank the Christmas cactus for blooming again this year.
There were years of driving from one home to another, or to a restaurant in another city, to honor older family members who are no longer with us.
I also remember holidays with my mother and home health care, and later a nursing home. These memories bless me still. And the beautiful drives North again, with holiday lights in small towns. City streets and country roads. Home by Lake Michigan in Oostburg, Wisconsin.
The traditions were important. Good to grow new traditions as well, and adapt to change. Health first. Every year is different, it seems.
I look forward to Thanksgiving, and then to Advent in a quiet way. Creative at home.
Thank you and take good care.
lighting the
Christmas candle
tiny flame
transforms
the night
Published in Hermitage (2005); and The Writers’ Bistro (2007).
Ellen Grace Olinger
W onder and
A dore, let
I nspiration
T each trust
(2012)
Through the Light of Christmas
through the Light
of Christmas
I found my way
home
from a hospital
and nursing home
through city and
small town
Main Streets
their streetlamps
with holiday lights
as my mother
was on her way
Home
the time we shared
and still share
(2013)
“For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD:
thou art my trust from my youth.”
Psalm 71: 5 (KJV)
blessings of the roads
missing loved ones
grateful for softer edges
around the loss
(2014)
S erene and sure
T rust
A long the
R oad of faith
(2014)
Ellen Grace Olinger
I taped up a picture of you
It must have been your last
Healthy Christmas – long overdue,
But you understand
I know you do.
And I’m up early to have some
Time alone before teaching, too
And I understand even more now
You know I do.
Mom’s doing better now…
She told me how you stood
Between two railroad cars
All the way from Washington D.C.
To Chicago after World War II.
And I’m teaching my heart out
Giving essay tests, too
Pouring out my soul
Like you used to do.
It’s Christmas again, and I
Taped up a picture of you
I’m writing poems and
Taking walks – doing fine
But missing you
Has not ceased with time.
Published in Midwest Poetry Review (1993); Bell’s Letters (1993); The Spirit of Christmas (1994, Weems Concepts).
Also included in my first chapbook, And So My Soul (2001). Out of print. I dedicated this book to my parents, Harold and Enola Borgh.
My mother loved this poem.
Ellen Grace Olinger
Images: wpclipart
through the Light
of Christmas
I found my way
home
from a hospital
and nursing home
through city and
small town
Main Streets
their streetlamps
with holiday lights
as my mother
was on her way
Home
the time we shared
and still share
Ellen Grace Olinger
Images: wpclipart
Poems From Oostburg, Wisconsin 