Yesterday we reached Psalm 140 at Poems From Psalms And Nature. There are 150 Psalms. This is the verse I selected for the post:
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted,
and the right of the poor.
Psalm 140: 12
Themes of mercy, faith, love, kindness, hope . . .
I watch or read the news. And many hours of the day I read, pray, create, look for beauty. A lot of time with blogs. Simple work at home. There are snowdrops in the garden. Earlier this year, Karl did a lot of work in the yard, on warm days. There is new space for daylilies and hosta to grow.
once unknown to me
now memories
of comfort and rest
and new today
quiet songs
George Winston, Helen Jane Long, and many other wonderful artists – when someone’s work stays new, what a gift. And the miracle of learning something new.
The rose is from AntiqueClipart.
cold
Lake Michigan winds
a tiny bird
seeks shelter
by the kitchen window
gold leaves
drift to ground
sunbeam
on the water
Northern sun
shines on frozen beach
still the days grow shorter
shadow of poinsettia
on the wall
barge with lights
travels our great lake . . .
thoughts and prayers
for those with thoughts
of home
“Northern sun” is from Quiet Christmas Poetry.
Ellen Grace Olinger
The following poem was published first in MIDWEST POETRY REVIEW, in 1994.
PSALM 20
There are days
when everything seems a metaphor…
I persist with a bottle of salad dressing
that won’t open
Touch the childhood scar on my forehead
now blended with a wrinkle
Am comforted by cards and letters
sent at just the right time
Gaze at the blue heron who stayed
long into the Fall
And marvel at the migrating monarchs
on their way.
I ponder the limits of persistence
for the heron left one day
And feel wounds aging into wisdom
although scars do stay
Recognize “help from the sanctuary”
and read Psalm 20 once again
In wonder at these days when
everything seems a metaphor…
New dreams were growing all along
And would be tested true
I finally flew to embrace them too.
These are Garden Journal photos from a few past years. Some poems and photos are gifts. Perhaps I can call them FOUND ART. I also think of them as HAIKU PHOTOS.
September 2015
October 2015
November 2016 – I loved seeing the natural arrangements of leaves on the blue tarp Karl had on his trailer.
December 2018 – Cedar siding of garage
Poem and photos are by Ellen Grace Olinger.
This is a poem from September 2012.
new page
on the calendar
September begins
with apple trees
overflowing to the ground
and the music of wind
on a short errand
goldenrod in bloom
near Bossler’s
Christmas Tree Farm
oh I am in no hurry
one day at a time
works best for me now
still the image stays in my mind . . .
Interurban Trail, Town of Holland
Sheboygan County, Wisconsin
September 6, 2018
Photos by Karl
autumn leaves
the caregiver finds time
to rest
Daily Haiku: August 14, 2019
Charlotte Digregorio’s Writer’s Blog
Snow melting
in March . . .
my mother’s new smile
Time Of Singing (Vol. 30, No. 1; Spring 2003). A long ago memory!
groceries for Mom
fresh flowers
always on the list
more memories
sometimes than
my heart can hold
I select one or two
write a poem
warm memories
and new dreams
yellow bird
on the branch
with a few gold leaves
how quickly
another generation
grows
seems I only
looked away
for a moment
how good their work
how beautiful their art
falling leaves
and silent sunrise
how easy today
to let go of old dreams
cook some eggs
wash the dishes
write this poem
Lake Michigan – August 2016
Ellen Grace Olinger
Poems From Oostburg, Wisconsin 