Steadfast mountain calm against austere forces…winter’s mind empty
Avalanche cleanses, a retreat on practicing letting go
Longer days, wildlife emerges…begins walking meditation
Samuel Peralta instructs us on the Asian form of Sijo today at Form-For-All at dVerse: http://dversepoets.com/2013/04/25/form-for-all-from-out-of-asia/
Posted by Bodhirose on April 25, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/04/25/sijo/
He only showed up
after we girls went to bed.
We heard him outside…
always at the window.
The hedge and shrubs
would rattle loudly.
The windows…open to the
night air would be tapped.
A grunting and
shuffling could be heard.
Other times he was under
one of our beds.
There was always scratching,
snorting and bumping.
The mattresses would
heave and rumble.
We screamed…LOUD!
We YELLED for Mom!
She came storming into
the bedroom. She knew who
the monster was. She had
nabbed that rascal before.
RUSTY!!! Are you
teasing your sisters again!!!
Brian Miller encourages us to face our monsters over at dVerse Poets: http://dversepoets.com/2013/04/13/poetics-monster/#comments
Posted by Bodhirose on April 14, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/04/14/monster/
General store in Kinikinik, Colorado; Photo Wikipedia
Hiking through the
national forest near
Kinikinik, Colorado,
we hear a bird calling
“peeweep, peeweep”
over and over again.
Never catching sight
of that elusive bird,
(he must not have
been on our radar)
we move on.
Suddenly, I inhale
a tangy gnat and
begin to cough! Ugh!
Our binoculars are
trained into the canopy
of the trees overhead
hoping to add a new
bird to our growing list.
Someone points to a
large branch of an aspen
where a heavy-lidded owl
is perched. He eyes us
silently. “He must be
too hot to hoot” pipes up
the group’s comic.
“Rum, rum”…I murmur.
It’s now getting towards
noon and the once
heavily dewed ground
is drying out. Our trek
leads us to the edge
of a river where we heard
tell of a river monster that
dwells within…Ogopogo.
Who wants to take a dip?
Not I. Timid, I’m it!
We follow the bank of the river
where it opens up to a meadow
flecked with colorful wildflowers.
We also are on the lookout
for butterflies and other
common wildlife in the area…
Sh…Tom sees moths!
And Dee saw a seed.
A mockingbird serenades
us with solos as we continue on.
Stop…what’s that?
Aha!
Now I see bees, I won!
Today I’m guest hosting over at dVerse Poets for the Form-For-All. I hope you’ll join the fun…we’re playing with palindromes. Words, letters or lines that read the same forward or backward. Mine are in bold type. http://dversepoets.com/2013/04/11/meetingthebar-palindromes/
Posted by Bodhirose on April 11, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/kinikinik/
Leaning back in the canoe,
my face turned to the low,
winter sun, I rest my eyes.
The even and
meditative strokes
of the oars gliding
through the mirrored
spring water bring
calm and contentment.
Late morning on the river
is quiet…most birds and
animals having fed are
taking a siesta and are
hidden from our curious eyes.
One lone, stocky
alligator is spotted
on the shaded bank. He too
is at ease and makes
no move as we paddle past.
My fingers drift lazily
through the cold water
and I lift a few
droplets to refresh
my warmed forehead.
Words have little
value here…a reverence
is kept for the sanctity of
this grandeur. A chorus
of wind rattles a stand
of bamboo and my
heart flutters with joy
as I merge with nature’s
most tender gift.
Joe Hesch opens the bar for Open Link Night # 91: http://dversepoets.com/2013/04/09/open-link-night-91/
Posted by Bodhirose on April 9, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/grandeur-on-the-river/
This was deep winter in Boston
and I was on my way to the
head ashram down the street
and around the corner for sadhana.
Walking briskly through the just-before-dawn
snow covered streets, my head was down
watching my steps. I gripped my
coat tighter around me against the biting wind.
I was on my own this morning…running behind.
I didn’t want to be late.
I didn’t want to slip on the ice.
Enormous, dirty
hills of snow lined my path
the entire way…so I took
to the middle of the street
which was clear.
No traffic had to be avoided
Lifting my head, my gaze
fell on an outline ahead in a
snow bank to the left.
I couldn’t quite make it
out but as I quickly
approached closer, yes,
I see it clearly…a figure,
stretched out on his back
…is he injured…sick?
I’m now almost in
line with the supine
man who is now
staggering to his
feet and mumbling
something at me.
There’s no mistaking,
he is completely naked!
Quickening my pace,
I rush past him as he’s
still attempting to get
to his feet. (He’s moving
in complete slow motion.)
One last glance back before
I round the corner, I see
him standing in the
middle of the road
staring after me.
Kelvin explains the Anecdote to us at dVerse Poets: http://dversepoets.com/2013/04/06/poetics-the-anecdote/
Posted by Bodhirose on April 7, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/04/07/you-couldnt-make-this-stuff-up-an-anecdote/
Image from Bluebell Books
Only memories of that astonishing time
remained to mull over on this quiet
day lounging in her garden.
Sipping raspberry leaf tea and perching
upon what had once been a magical
carriage, she mused on the turn of events.
Yes, she had met her Prince Charming and yes,
they had married but she quickly came to realize
that she preferred an unfettered life.
Her domineering and tyrannical mother-in-law
would have kept her enslaved and downtrodden…
hadn’t she already experienced that?
She reflected on her selfish stepmother and crabby
stepsisters and knew she had made the right decision.
Taking another sip of tea, she stretched and smiled.
No, she preferred a life free of manipulation and
control…the freedom to tend her pumpkin patch
with no one to answer to but herself.
Hanging on a low branch of a nearby tree,
the glass slippers remind her of what she
had almost lost…again.
Mary invites us to write on Modern Day Mythology at dVerse Poets. Pick a character and put a spin on the story that we are familiar with. http://dversepoets.com/2013/03/30/poetics-modern-day-mythology/
Posted by Bodhirose on March 31, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/03/31/cinderellas-close-call-2/
A birth unheralded, shameful, undisclosed
Single parent…if barely that…and poor
Her life already stretched—too much imposed
Her own childhood was bleak with slamming doors
What is there for me…her newborn implores
A spark is lit: I must be strong and love
Stand tall, fight against all that I abhor
Allow gracious good to reign…in stead of…
Looked back in the archives and decided to try another huitain for our dVerse Open Link Night. Grace is our hostess: http://dversepoets.com/2013/03/19/openlinknight-week-88/
Posted by Bodhirose on March 19, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/03/19/in-stead-of/
Couple
Walk hand-in-hand
Gray, slow, stooping with age
Quiet words exchanged bringing smiles
Their life
Tony instructs us on the Cinquain for Form-For-All at dVerse Poets: http://dversepoets.com/2013/03/14/form-for-all-the-cinquain/
Posted by Bodhirose on March 14, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/03/14/their-life/
If born a girl in today’s world,
extra pressure may be your toil.
Not quite as valued,
somehow less than,
a grim reminder to stay vigilant.
Keep your head, be heedful of those
who will try to demean you
and keep you downtrodden.
Stay in school; be a good girl.
Education is freedom
from many world woes.
And as you grow stronger
and can see what is healing,
spread the word among others like you.
The power is yours to be a strong vortex.
Women carry strength
for nurturing and care
but also for perseverance
against prevailing crosswinds.
The families’ core is a woman’s heart.
Have pride in yourself; take good care.
And if you should falter and ask what’s the use,
just think of me and the millions alike
who carry you close in our collective hearts.
Support The Girl Effect: http://www.girleffect.org/
Claudia hosts tonight at dVerse Poets for Open Link Night: http://dversepoets.com/2013/03/12/openlinknight-week-87/
Posted by Bodhirose on March 12, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/the-girl-effect-we-have-a-situation-on-our-hands-2/
Several months ago, I moved from the Orlando area…busy, bustling, heavy-populated to Sebastian where my two daughters live. It’s small and quiet but still the Florida that I grew up with. I love the beauty of my home…nature abounds in all her glory.
Quiet, it sleeps nestled along the river
that merges with the Atlantic.
Inlets allow entry of myriad
sea life easily spotted by
a walk along the edges.
Waterfront winds for miles;
I never tire of the
drive along the coast.
Pelicans diving into the
shallows, dolphin
slowly undulating through
the waves, their fins
breaking the water
while osprey and
eagle fish for lunch.
Men fish too, seafood
is abundant and fresh,
sometimes plucked
minutes away from
where you may be
enjoying it.
Our house sits in almost
constant sunshine…open
and welcoming, flowers
line the walkway up to
the bright red door.
Doves, Blue Jays,
Mockingbirds,
Cardinals and Red-
Bellied Woodpeckers
are daily visitors to
the bird feeders and
baths situated among
the lush greenery.
On occasion, a fox
has been spied
in our backyard
on an early morning
forage for food…
or maybe a mate.
Bing Images: Pelican, Indian River Lagoon
Manatee: Bing Images
Bing Images: Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Warm most of the year,
The Sunshine State is
aptly nick-named.
Subtropical, our home
is verdant and flowering
most year ‘round.
We have gators, lots
of gators—almost all
bodies of water have
an alligator in it.
We’re home to manatees,
those gentle, slow-moving
“cows” of the inter-
coastal waterways who
are vying with motor
boats for their lives.
Wikipedia: Florida Scrub Jay
We also are host
to a special
one-of-a-kind
bird found no
where else in our
country…the Florida
Scrub Jay.
It is endangered
because of loss
of habitat. It is
a stately blue-gray
and has an endearing
quality that I have
never seen in another
bird…they will take
food from your hand.
Wherever you go,
in whatever place
you find them, they
will fly out of the
scrub and eat peanuts
out of your open palm.
Very cool…I hope
they survive…
Pamela Sayers hosts us today at dVerse Poets for sharing the places we live: http://dversepoets.com/2013/03/07/oh-the-places-we-live/
Posted by Bodhirose on March 7, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/sebastian/
Photo by TheFoxandtheRaven
The steady rain drenched her,
sweet drops mixed with
her salty, hot tears…was
she still even crying?
She had suppressed her feelings
her entire life…her despair,
her disappointment, her
humiliation and anger.
Even smiles and joy
had been tempered with
reservation and uncertainty.
Tonight, a flood of emotions
Came like the rain, unstoppable.
A strength she didn’t know she
possessed, a power from within
took a firm grasp and she finally
Gave them a voice before
she turned and walked out the
door. “No, you can’t hurt me
any longer. I won’t allow it.”
Joining in with Magpie Tales for Mag #158 using the above photo as a prompt: http://magpietales.blogspot.com/
Posted by Bodhirose on March 3, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/03/03/tonight/
Some time ago, my oldest brother, Bill, approached me asking if I would like to collaborate with him on having him put music to some of my poetry. I jumped at the chance and felt very honored. He is an accomplished musician and I was thrilled that he thought enough of my writing to want to work on something together. At the time, my oldest daughter was pregnant with her first child…my granddaughter, Mira. I immediately thought of this lullaby that I had written long before and proposed that he write some music and sing it. He loved the idea and this is what he came up with. I gifted it to my daughter and her family first and I’m now making it public…I hope you enjoy it. I love how it turned out. Click on the link below to hear.
O precious babe let your drowsy eyes sleep,
Let go of your woes and relax into peace.
Mother is near to protect and keep peace,
Guarding your cradle all while you sleep.
Dream, sweet darling, of angels aglow,
Keeping you safe, surrounding you whole.
O dear child, of pure, white soul,
Rest in quiet, tranquil glow.
Dearest mine of sweet delight,
Lay down your head, may sleep not delay.
Dream of cuddles, warm baths and bouquets,
Of lulling songs and bedtime delights.
Hush-a-bye
Lull-a-bye
Sweet babe so dear.
Sweet dreams are yours, good night, good night…
Image via Wikipedia
Posted by Bodhirose on March 3, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/03/03/hush-a-bye-lull-a-bye-music-and-performance-by-bill-walters/
Photo of Ikebana: Wikepedia
shallow bowl or tall vase
intuition guides
meditative silence seals the elements
ornamental placement
of triangular formulation
symbolizes sun, moon, earth
perfect alignment
creates balance
Fred hosts tonight at dVerse with ideas on short verse–check it out: http://dversepoets.com/2013/03/02/poetics-an-evening-of-short-verse/
Posted by Bodhirose on March 2, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/03/02/ikebana-the-way-of-flowers/
Painting by Jan Odum: All Rights Reserved
I used my sister’s painting of a sea turtle as my inspiration tonight. Thanks, Jan!
As if held in mid air, undulating waves
support your massive-shelled form
our eyes lock…human and turtle merge.
For an instant, I see your life engraved
in my mind…struggles, survival…warm
currents drifting you on long-distance surges.
You mirror my own life enslaved
through my making, a land storm
not the sea, just held on the verge
Of contentment, joy, my soul saved,
and yet I continue, like you, to conform,
to deny myself freedom, afraid to emerge.
We follow paths seemingly diverge,
yet here, we meet, our lives converge.
Samuel Peralta invites us to try a Trireme Sonnet and other interesting ideas at dVerse Poets: http://dversepoets.com/2013/02/28/form-for-all-on-midwinter-magic-realism-and-a-trireme-sonnet/
Posted by Bodhirose on February 28, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/lives-converge/
Oh government servants you work and work
so of course you deserve all those endless perks
For days your sessions go overtime,
vacations you need to rest sublime
Limos must pick you up and deliver
‘cause driving your car may give you a quiver
Oh please, let us pick up your tab
for health insurance and your gift of gab
For fancy dinners where you drink and schmooze
working tirelessly so you never lose
Schemes and scams line your pockets,
hey, what about us, we put you in office
Shameless greed, you’ve had it made
It’s way past time for a new upgrade
Ok, we’ve had it, that’s enough,
try living like the rest of us…it’s tough
Tried my hand at an Epigram for tonights Open Link Night # 85 at dVerse Poets; Joseph Hesch is our host: http://dversepoets.com/2013/02/26/open-link-night-85/
Posted by Bodhirose on February 26, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/02/26/entitlement/
Google Images
Remember as a child
when you didn’t
think better…or
worse about yourself?
You just let yourself
be and you were
perfection personified.
You had a space in the
world and you innately
knew that yours was as
important…and not less
than…anyone else’s.
That was your birthright.
If you’ve lost it, only
you can find it again.
Anna Montgomery introduces Graffiti poetry today at dVerse Poets: http://dversepoets.com/
Posted by Bodhirose on February 21, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/02/21/birthright-graffiti-poetry/
Once consumed by love’s façade,
I spiraled low and hit the ground.
Was here before when love was new
but this time loyalty took too much.
It whittled me into a contorted shape,
barely recognizable with a severed heart.
What I thought was true, found was a ruse
…used against, not for benefit.
Oh foolish girl, you believed again
in someone else instead of you.
What pushed aside and hid so deep
your own well being and sense of meaning?
It wasn’t strengthened to take forefront,
not yet developed to ward off peril.
It’s okay, I’m here and stronger, we’ll heal
the wounds that love did hazard.
I’ll comfort you and shore you up,
hold you close and tell your worth.
We won’t allow another time
that undermines our soul to shine.
Hallelujah!
Mary invites us to be inspired by Leonard Cohen, his poetry and music over at dVerse Poets today. I always get goosebumps everytime I hear his song “Hallelujah”…so his words helped create mine. http://dversepoets.com/2013/02/16/poetics-leonard-cohen-and-place/
Posted by Bodhirose on February 16, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/02/16/loyalty/
Oh had I been born without
this contrast that settles
deeply about my head
and shoulders. The same
leadenness that weights
my feet with each step.
I see there is light, for
it glows brightly at times…
for periods here and there.
My heart feels it and gives
a tiny leap of recognition.
Yes, the soul lifts and
begins a whirling of its
energy and a surge of
joy emerges from the dark,
lighting my path.
But would I have become
who I am if not for
the experience of darkness?
Knowing what I know
of the shadow self?
I think not.
Even though…I’m left with a
lingering malaise of
the memories of the pain
inflicted, dealt with,
held onto, lived through and
died through, by lifetimes built.
A blunted gloom lurks just below
the surface…just right there,
waiting for any opening to
show itself and disperse
that light…as if a candle
flame being extinguished,
without warning.
Karin Gustafson hosts today at dVerse Poets and asks us to reflect on “bright shadows” however that may show up for you: http://dversepoets.com/2013/02/02/the-poetics-of-groundhog-day-bright-shadow/
Posted by Bodhirose on February 2, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/02/02/shadow-self/
O open-hearted Kindness, reigning peace
Your model of piousness brings me peace
Sacred sweetness emanates, giving freely
Like honey-amber richness, flowing peace
What path may bring you near, I do not mind
Searching, my alertness finds your peace
Your grace shines forth in joyful, loving glory
Mending my brokenness through your peace
Elevated calm permeates my soul
When bathed in happiness by your peace
I beseech thee, O My Beloved Loving One
Surround me in completeness to know peace
May it always be thus between us two
A connectedness, entwining the Rose to peace
Check out tonight’s guidance by Samuel over at dVerse Poets to learn the art of the Ghazal form at our Form-For-All: http://dversepoets.com/2013/01/31/formforall-ghazal-sonnet/
Posted by Bodhirose on January 31, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/01/31/loving-kindness-a-ghazal/
Midnight tolls and those awake are grieving
Loss, lament, the dark, make all seem sharper
Shadow-outlined sorrow feels believing
Thought-inflicted loops become a carper
Diminished hope has shriveled with the gloom
Alone, denied another’s caring soul
Deep gray blots out the shining of the moon
Out to the depths, wading beyond the shoals
Wee hours slowly pace an endless sentence
Of cheer removed from hearts congealed with pain
And allocate themselves to life’s repentance
Belittled by illusion’s veiling bane
At last deep sleep gives nodding rest a chance
And dreams prevail that lift that veil to dance
I entered this poem in The River Muse’s Winter Writing Challenge 2013 that was inspired by a sonnet written by Luke Prater. Kelly Letky was chosen the winner. Your entry did not have to be in a sonnet form but I did use it as a base for mine.
I’m publishing it for the first time for dVerse Poets Open Link Night # 81: http://dversepoets.com/2013/01/29/openlinknight-week-81/ Claudia hosts tonight.
Posted by Bodhirose on January 29, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/01/29/midnight-tolls/
Sister and brother-in-law
came for the weekend.
Long conversations over
dinner, sipping tea, laughing.
She is lovingly called
Aunt Birdie by my daughter.
She loves bird watching as
do I. We hope to see some
nature this weekend.
Kayaking is in the picture
for Sunday…a good day
for sighting alligators, birds
and manatees in the river.
Small Stone # 25 for Writing Our Way Home for the Mindful Writing Challenge: http://www.writingourwayhome.com/
Posted by Bodhirose on January 26, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/small-stone-25/
Went to Orlando today
to see Mom and a sister.
We had lunch and then
Mom and I went
shopping. She ended
up having to wait in
a chair while I
scouted around
getting the things
she wanted.
Her back and sciatica
kicked up and she
couldn’t shop.
I was glad I could
help her…it was a good day.
Mindful Writing Challenge Day 24 for Writing Our Way Home: http://www.writingourwayhome.com/
Posted by Bodhirose on January 24, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/01/24/small-stone-24/
Laundry today,
Mira’s and mine.
Folding tiny onesies,
bibs and blankets,
bring a warmth inside
thinking of her.
Fresh sheets on my bed
Will feel good tonight.
Day 23 of Small Stones for the Mindful Writing Challenge: http://www.writingourwayhome.com/
Posted by Bodhirose on January 23, 2013
http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/small-stone-23/
Thanks for coming by. I welcome your visit.
