I take a break
from the news
and all the stories
that matter so much
and am blessed
by the sight
of tomatoes
in an old bowl
kitchen counter sun
Tag: Empathy
April to May
Snowdrops are beginning to fade. They lasted a long time this year. Small flowers, strong and resilient.
Green perennial plants are growing. The green is so beautiful, and we can wait for the flowers: daffodils, primroses, daylilies, hosta. Each their own schedule.
Listen To The Green by Luci Shaw is a book by my computer. My copy is the third printing; October 1978 (Harold Shaw Publishers; Wheaton, Illinois). Copyright 1971 by Luci Shaw. I still remember being so inspired by the thought of listening to a color.
Lake Michigan waves were powerful last night. Lake levels are at record highs. Karl said not to be surprised if the wood deck is washed away. It is still there today. Not afraid – our home is secure – higher up from the water and reinforced with rocks by a previous owner. We’ll add more protection too, along with neighbors. Such an unusual time, though, in many ways.
Today the water is a brown color, because the sand was stirred up by the waves. Reflections of clouds too.
So good to work in the kitchen, wash my hands often, and take care every day.
I posted two verses from Psalm 67 at Poems From Psalms And Nature. This phrase to share again here: “thy saving health among all nations.”
Tomorrow is May.
Grateful for snowdrops and the healing beauty of the gardens.
Meditation: Peace
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.
sunrise poem
“sunrise poem” was first published on August 28, 2012 at my second blog, Poems From Psalms And Nature.
light
the gift of seasons
still having the faith
to keep trying when
we could have stayed
discouraged many times
(though sometimes we need
a rest and can trust
our part of this work
to others for a time)
the miracle of being here
saying our thank yous
to God
and to one another
this day
Image: wpclipart
Ellen Grace Olinger
Poems About Care and Gratitude
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
Short Poems for Spring
These poems are from my archives.
I love being able to say “my archives.”
Over time, creative work grows.
tree branches
bowed to the ground
seemingly half-broken
covered with new leaves
my notebook of prayers
primroses growing
from garden to lawn
deep decades of roots
strengthen my faith
for new dreams
old photos
on my desk —
bleeding hearts in bloom
Published first in Time Of Singing (1994). Also reprinted with the poems selected for my Poet Profile at The Haiku Foundation.
country graves
silk flowers bloom
by the stones
Photo by Karl
Ellen Grace Olinger
From Psalm 131
LORD, my heart is not haughty,
nor mine eyes lofty:
neither do I exercise myself
in great matters,
or in things too high for me.
Surely I have behaved
and quieted myself,
as a child that is weaned
of his mother:
my soul is even as a weaned child.
Psalm 131: 1-2 (KJV)
This afternoon, I am grateful for all that is in God’s hands. I am grateful that my heart is still open to new poems. I am grateful for the many skilled people, who are also kind, who help me be well. Empathy.
Poems From Oostburg, Wisconsin 