This
tree
stands –
lights and
ribbons encircling –
like a million other trees.
(remember the popcorn
and cranberry strings? Paper
chains and brightly decorated cookies?)
look! what a cacophony of ornaments!
laughing like stars –
they silently chart our course
across a lifetime.
oh cats, where has the time gone?
Sun’s first rays pick at the blinds teasing them open just a little then its long fingers stretch across the room and tickle my face Outside the world moves in slow motion gulls doze on a diamond sea whose only movement is a ripple as it turns over in its sleep A few birds lazily…
Where is the nutcracker who stands sentry by the front door? or tiny train going round and round looking for Christmas? small fairy sled that’s carried generations of rosy cheeked babes sits in an upstairs corner – waiting. the cats wait too – lazing in a slice of winter sun. Now grown children pop chocolates…
& then it was Christmas Day! sleep – silent snow blankets the earth with only an occasional whisper the world is at peace. even the cats sleep on…
Sticky notes that framed my computer fill the waste basket – one by one – like fall’s last leaves dropping from trees (the business year is winding down) Out back little jenny-wren has taken up residence under the patio table, darting for cover when we open the door well sited near the feeder, yet nearly…
No feral cats roam the island sit on windowsills sleep on forgotten front porches Trimmings that made houses homes days holidays seasons special. Gone. war came. duty called. Then the world changed. Snug in St. Maggie’s Dale cats hiss and scamper sneak around corners bivouac under a chair Jimmy the dog has come to stay…
I remember paintings larger than life bold, bright colors everywhere in contrast to the quiet house Dreary Seattle days found you hands stuffed in jacket pockets wavy blonde hair dancing down the street – though not like the affected young Harkness dancers who advertised their artistry striking a pose along the seaside Married, yes and…