What I Bought and Why!

I have been three times already to the week long book sale at a local mall.

I bought:

1. Emily Dickinson: Selected Poems-I had the recent pleasure of being with some friends to read poetry. I chose Emily's A Book. Is it no wonder...
2. Tao Te Ching-A book of Chinese wisdom which I have never owned or read. Now, I own it.
3. Leonard Cohen: Selected Poems-Someone chose a Leonard Cohen poem to read on Sunday. It is in this collection and was later made into a song.
   
4. Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway-The bit on the active voice convinced me that this book was for me.
5. Scarf Tying and Living with Scarves-The cashier informed me that scarves are back in style. I never knew they went out.
   
6. Color Me Beautiful by Carole Jackson x2-I already have my own copy from the 80's but can't help wanting to spread the word.
7. Color for Men by Carole Jackson-Sometimes my Husband actually lets me pick out his clothes.
8. The Woman's Comfort Book by Jennifer Louden-Delicious ideas for my next downtime.

Which section would you head for?

Cranking It Out

Ever since forever,
I said to the jumping jack,
dangling from a box
in the middle of a stage,
"Don't be a showoff!

Minimize your words, s.o.
refrain those sunny aspirations
and if
you do well
and are well
Keep it yourself, sunbeams can't play forever!"


Now listen to the response to the person in the back row
"When the melody ends, I will jump and be glad for I have done well. I am well"

Joys of the Day

• My Son telling me about his favorite Mr. Bean episodes while I drive.
• My Eldest Daughter sketching a quick portrait of me with a grease pencil. She caught my pensive mood.
  
• My Middle One and I preparing chili together for supper.
  
• Relaxing with the O magazine tonight. I like the oversized, glossy pages.
  
• Mango and I talking outside while the wet snow fell around us.
  
• Petting my cat.
  
• My Husband and I having lunch at home together, just the two of us.
  

A Discussion

No glossy cherried lips or fur lined eyes
to hide myself behind
only bleeding dripping truth
from the corner of your mouth
"judgements and jealousies" the verdict

When I stretch my hand out to you,
you notice the tremors
but sitting back, relaxed,
the shaking remains hidden.

Should my words have remained in the chair?

"Be yourself", his smile announces
that my "judgements and jealousies" are now forgotten.
"Be yourself but that doesn't necessarily mean popularity"

oh-the sidestep

"Return to who you are."

Return to the spark of life
that encircled my heart from the beginning.

I do believe, ultimately, in solutions

Basalt Flows From my Belly

gurgling upwards
fearfully volcanic

waiting
for lava
to spew molten splinters

instead
a quiet eruption
shields the spectator

I share with you my first on-line publication in the poetry ezine, Poetry Life and Times.