…and the waters shall flow

We will cross the bridge tomorrow, following bagpipes and the hearse.

Ancient stones shape two arches and guide the current’s flow. Last week’s storm brought a rush of silt and murky waters. Today the river is clear and calm. I see fish moving in and out among pebble mounds. The sun moves slowly across the scene, leaving shadows in its wake, but I remain on its golden side. My gaze moves to the road beyond. And I know, although I cannot see, the plots are there, just around the bend.

Heron waits, ready to pluck
fish flow ‘neath ancient bridge
life moves through to death.

575205_10150798621894792_10109705_n

Written for dVerse, a Pub for Poets….Haibun Monday #6.  Gabriella Skriver shared several of her photos and asked that we choose one to motivate our writing for today. I loved this bridge one. A haibun begins with short compact prose and concludes with a haiku — the haiku cannot be a duplicate of the prose, but must be complementary. Generally, a haibun in the true sense of the form includes elements of nature and moves to an inimitable truth.

How May I?

Where is this place your camera stills?
I want to step inside, kaleidoscope left behind,
a monochrome to soothe the soul.

Bedspread created long ago,
thread-circle trails of small stitches
smoothed by generations’ rest.
Wooden cupboard beside the bed
holds graceful, long necked pitcher
inside smooth china bowl,
poised to share cooling waters
rinse woes from worried hands.
Single curtain draped in gauzy folds
lacks taut crease, pressed edge or hem.
Pulled gently to one side, reveals stone wall
somehow softened through old glass panes.
Flowers blossom just beyond,
lines blurred between petal, stem and earth.

No black, no white, no bright cacophony.
The serenity I will surely feel,
if I could step within.

portarthur11bw2

Photo Credit: Kaz Gosper. Thank you Kaz for allowing me to write a piece about this stunning photo from your trip to the Port Arthur historic site in Tasmania. I truly enjoy following daysandmonths — Kaz’ site where she shares her absolutely stunning photography. Please drop by and enjoy her work!  Also sharing this piece with dVerse Poets Pub, open link night #164 where Gayle tended bar last evening!

Battering Be Gone

On the edge of my seat
waiting for the world to twirl
days to churn, months to plod,
lean in and listen to me.

Bring me to that place,

the sea of tranquility
oasis in the desert of hate
respite from words spewed
like foaming waves upon the shore.

Where people listen
see beyond semantic walls
smile, consider, reflect
as conscience takes a pause.

Take me there, now.
Please

IMG_0665

Photo taken in Bermuda in 2015.

 

 

A Promise

Skeleton trees rattle outside my window
the moon, their spotlight
as branches click like castanets.

No mouth, no heart, no head
just limbs flailing in the winter wind, so alive
though sap was spilled in days gone by.

They tap upon the glass as if to remind me,
seasons do change. Just keep in step
and move with us, partners in the dance.

The gift of greening shall evolve
and music shift to spring-time waltz,
nature’s present in days to come.

I smile, looking through the pane
today’s impossible will bloom tomorrow.
And I shall wire rose buds together,
a welcome wreath upon my door.

stockvault-bare-trees--night103029

Motivated by the Sunday Whirl, Wordle 233. Create a poem using these words/forms of these words: head, mouth, present, wire, change, gift, possible, spill, skeleton, moon, keep, step. Each Sunday a different Wordle is given! Very fun to take up this challenge. Photo credit: Heather Elaine Kitchen

My Hope for All

A new born babe
whose being passeth all understanding,
shall bring joy into the world,
familial love magnified
in a humble manger scene.
And generation after generation
will celebrate the light.

Families will give thanks
as the smiles and laughter of youth
remind us on Christmas morn,
every winter solstice, and every dawn,
hope and love are the true gifts.
May we strive to kindle light and kindness
and spread peace throughout our world
on this day, and forever more.

stars

For all readers, may we celebrate the joy and innocent hope that each newborn represents, no matter the place of birth, the status, ethnicity or religion of the parents. And for those who celebrate Christmas, I wish you the blessings of the season. May everyone have a happy and healthy new year! 

 

The March

He watched in amazement from the fifth floor window. He told Melinda it would never work. Her eyes damp, remembering.

But they were coming in droves. From the subway stop. Riding bicycles. Pushed in strollers. In school uniforms and ragged jeans. All colors. All sizes. Children of hope, many with handmade signs.

Hundreds bowed their heads in prayer, and then began to walk from the old Transportation Building to City Hall. Melinda held the banner high. No More Hurting People. Peace Now. Her locket caught the sun and gleamed at him. Their son’s picture within the small gold heart.

roger-bultot-2

98 words. Written for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers.  Photo by Roger Bultot.