ordering
a Christmas wreath
for my parents’ graves
even though I know
they are not there
Christmas wreath poem
Tag: Remembrance
Short Poems: Remembrance and Hope
The seasons inspire reflections about loss and renewal. We think about other people and their stories. A passing, a birthday, the beginning of what would be a last illness, a poetry journal or blog post that honors a poet’s work. For example, Carol Purington – I am grateful for the books her family completed for her.
I remember some of my poems over the years that may be an inspiration.
far from perfect
and in need of grace
we found our way
to unconditional love
another year
has passed since
my mother’s passing
I sit and quietly read
a book she would like too
as I look through
poetry books
from the last many years
some poets here
some poets there
turning the vase
of flowers
learning
there are
more roses
breakfast and music
when a song begins
I know the words
Amazing Grace
turning the vase was published by Bell’s Letters Poet.
Poems in this post are by Ellen Grace Olinger.
Leaves
L ove
E ternal
A nd
F orever
LEAF
light falls
through yellow maple leaves
the mercy of God
“light falls” was my poem in Full of Moonlight: Haiku Society of America 2016 Members’ Anthology, edited by David Grayson.
Also published by Charlotte Digregorio’s Writer’s Blog
Daily Haiku: Aug. 21, 2019
Ellen Grace Olinger
History, Literature, Memoirs
I watch the news, and think of my parents, and the history they lived through. My father taught history, and my mother taught English composition and literature. Both volunteered after they retired. I am constantly learning more about history, as more stories are told and heard. Books written. Through literature, we can also understand more. There are novels and books of poetry on my shelves written from places I am not likely to visit.
My parents had “big picture faith” and majored in unconditional love. I was 29 years old when my father died, and 50 when my mother died. My brother’s passing was last year. We shall meet again.
And I am grateful for our blogs. I have learned of art online and books by contemporary authors and artists. This is a good way to grow.
This week we donated old clothes to the Good As New Resale Shop in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin.
Last year, we enjoyed giving copies of Quiet Christmas Poetry to Little Free Libraries in the general area. There is a Little Free Library site.
far from perfect
and in need of grace
we found our way
to unconditional love
old paintings
words from my parents
still encourage me
beautiful with
and without flowers
vase from my mother
Images: AntiqueClipart.com
August days go by
August days go by
light on a lamp
in my study
water for begonias
and chrysanthemums
more days of summer
and gentle changes
in the light
photos of sunflowers
the field on the way home
from my mother’s home
years and years ago
gave me strength
I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
Psalm 18: 1
Trumpet Vines and Time
how the
trumpet vines
grew on the wall
of my mother’s home
glorious
like her faith
her unconditional love
when God said
“It’s time…”
My poem was also published in Bell’s Letters 135, February 2011.
Love endures and grows beyond grief. I am grateful every day.
Ellen Grace Olinger
Still Life in Autumn
The card is a watercolor painting and gift
from Charles A. Waugaman (1932 – 2010).
He lived in Vermont, USA.
All Rights Reserved.
Still Life Arrangement by Ellen.
Photo by Karl.
September 2011 archives
