The Last Train Whistle

History loosens the thread holding us together,until it unravels,slipping down beyondthe space that held our thoughts.It tricklesbeneath remnants ofthe trestle bridgethat once carriedtowards the dream of possibilitycounterhinged in history,until the train whistle’slast call. I wrote this poem for the Wea’ve Written Weekly prompt #164, which was provided by Sheila. She asks us to write aboutContinue reading “The Last Train Whistle”

Battle worn

lately, so many careen around blind corners,tearing the edging,walloping mailboxes, smashing towards strangerslately, I find I’mhelpless to wander,inching down the incline,nose-deep in the sunset, opposite the flow of traffic Today marks Day 2 of summer school for my kiddos, which means more free time to write, walk, and weed the garden– hurrah! I love theContinue reading “Battle worn”

Lemon These Throats

Sliding beyond the brow, the bend of where noise began. We lemon these throats behind us, whispered under night’s edge. We focused on the impossible, bravely kicking up the dust until we become invisible. We scoured our hells, but they couldn’t make runway for the undergrowth. How many more days will we spend, leaderless, hoveringContinue reading “Lemon These Throats”

Time’s Calm

The stillness of that year,captured in still frames,plucks at my veinslike the IV needle.We drive to the hospital,to empty waiting rooms,to masked facesand empty eyesto perdition,or so it seems.Still, that waiting room haunts me,awakening masked emotions.But time passes smoothlythrough the eyes of a needle,until the ghost of that year fades,wavering in my mind’s eye,and IContinue reading “Time’s Calm”

Wide-Open Field

the hallway holds a spiraling blur of blinding light,eternal and etherworldly.I step through with hands shading eyes,trying to glimpse the world ahead.For the longest time, it remainedcordoned off,a heavy blockage impenetrable,the stone path held in place by gatesonly partially of my own making:the limit of struggle,the toxins of trauma,too many brick blocks boarding me up.Now,Continue reading “Wide-Open Field”

Spring River

Spring welcomes us home:a vivid splay of vibrant greensto warm the eyesand raise the hearts.The sliver of riveronce spied between the tangles of bare branchesnow blooms and overflowslike so many flowers along its bank.Sunlight stirs us on,beyond the hour we once huddled indoorsto bask in orange rays that skitteracross Earth’s surfacelong into the evening.We stayContinue reading “Spring River”

Tour Guide

Take the trail that’sRarely comfortableA meandering footpathNewly discoverable Soon we’re lostFollowing the tangibleOr we’re trail-crossedRambling irrefragable Make a choice firstAnd commit to inevitableTangling words cursedInside poetry infrangibleOpen the world’s thirstNoble and intangible I wrote this poem for the Wea’ve Written Weekly prompt #156. This week’s prompt is from Carol Anne, who asks us to doContinue reading “Tour Guide”

The Pinecone’s Story

This bench holds yesterday’s stories, and tomorrow’s unspoken truths.I guard it like a sentry, the protector of the youth. I’ve watched this waterfall splashand splatter every single day; I’ve winked at illegal skateboarders,smiled at children who skip and play. I cast freckled shadows across the groundand let myself dance within the breeze,when I finally landContinue reading “The Pinecone’s Story”

Contentment is a forested path

Contentment is a forested path,its exposed roots grounding my soul,its slivered sunlight pointing home.Onward is the way we’ll roll,the evergreen boughs painting peace,and us ensconced in cozy fleece.The pathway ripples with leftover leaves,the comfort of dirt packed under feet,the rest after journey, a welcome night’s sleep. I wrote this poem for the Wea’ve Written WeeklyContinue reading “Contentment is a forested path”

The Final Journey

You hear his voice in the family room,laughter as we gather aroundhis space,his stories,that very first trip around the globeto you–the first of many others,of journeys near and far,adventure in his heart.You see the sunset a visual serenade,the melody that mirrors our loss.Maybe the path of his final journeyis paved in vibrant sunsets,one of hisContinue reading “The Final Journey”