Category: Poetry

Lost and Found

“The best laid plans of mice and men aft gang agly”….my mother’s often spoken version of a bit of Robert Burns 1785 poem “To a Mouse.” (check out link to original words at end of post)

It is Monday August 31st and I have felt extreme fatigue since Saturday the 29th. Took a covid test a bit ago and it turned up negative. I have lost my energy and here it is at the end of the month and my blog deadline. So, here I go with a slightly muddled brain.

When Dolly Parton died last week I cried off and on throughout the day as I watched news reports. My strong reaction surprised me. I have always been a fan of hers, but her passing is a gut punch ( I hate that phrase, but can’t think of anything more appropriate).

Other losses this past week that have brought tears and anger. The horrific flooding in Nepal brought the tears and the beginning desecration and destruction of Big Bend National Park brought the anger.

I like to be an optimist and look for the good in the world and so that is what I am doing. Amidst the world’s woes and personal stress I take pleasure in the other bits of life that bring us positive energy. So, here are a few found joys:

Toad in our pond. I had about given up on ever seeing one again when one evening I heard a male calling. This went on for 3 nights and then in the morning I found strings of eggs in our pond and this sweetie nearby (momma toad?). Others who have come back after months are the owls. One night I heard a barred owl and the next night I heard a screech owl. Saw a giant luna moth on the back porch and yellow warblers in our trees. These all lift my spirit.

Katydid on Beauty Berry Bush….love the color contrast!

Mexican Petunia from behind

Swallowtail wing underneath

Swallowtail wing top

Cicada emerging from old skin

I am hoping that is me in a few days after shedding this virus and feeling my energy again!

May you find many small joys each day

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43816/to-a-mouse-56d222ab36e33

Letter To My Backyard

Dear Backyard,

Happy 28th Birthday!

Thank you for all you hold,

the bur oak,

towering over half your green lawn,

squirrels at feeders,

birds perching and waiting their turn.

_________________________________________

I see before me

the rail fence my husband built,

now covered in a vine of purple morning glories,

piles of limestone rocks awaiting a project,

a hummingbird visiting the blooming red Turk’s cap,

and little green lizards in a mating embrace.

__________________________________________________

Thank you for all I see in my mind’s eye:

a swing set and a sandbox,

a sweating teenage son digging the hole,

where the pecan tree will go,

another, younger son pulling baby sister through the grass in a red flyer wagon,

past the cactus garden, and around again.

__________________________________________________

Grandma, blindfolded, swinging a bat at a star shaped birthday pinata,

the laughter of friends chugging beers and

dodging smoke from the grill,

while lights fly from 4th of July sparklers

in the hands of kids, arms stretched to the limit.

And generations of dogs running in the grass.

_____________________________________________________

Thank you for giving me retreat

under January’s cold stars,

long ago,

after a spousal tiff,

with only you and the cat on my lap as a witness,

as I dried my tears and cooled down.

______________________________________________________

You are our creation,

full of colorful plantings, love, memories.

And we are your creation.

Thank you for all you hold and

thank you for giving us space to grow.

With Gratitude, Betty

Dove On Hand Built Cedar Rail Fence And Blooming Turk’s Caps

Dove And Morning Glory

(photos by B. McCreary)

A Photo And A Poem

Morning Glories Off Back Porch

My Places

My place is on the couch,

glass of merlot in hand,

ready for the catharsis

of a Lifetime movie

_____________________________

My place is in the voting booth

the paper ballot in the slot,

my tiny voice a part

of the process

_______________________________

My place is behind the lens

focusing close,

on birds and bugs,

as the purple morning glory climbs nearby

__________________________________

My place is on the path,

each step bringing

wonder and wisdom,

moving forward in life

______________________________

My best place is beside you,

both in our porch chairs,

coffee cups empty,

reminiscing and planning