Shepherd’s Story

A winter's poem I wrote a few decades ago. In December the sky darkened but a star cracked the blackness to perch like a red bird on the waiting finger of an evergreen tree. Hiking through the field we knelt on damp leaves and knew: the Earth will heal herself. Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Blessed … Continue reading Shepherd’s Story

Happy 4th

I’m writing this on Monday night, and I just heard the news that 46 people—most likely migrants—were found dead in a trailer near San Antonio, Texas.  Last week, Roe v. Wade was overturned.  Last month, 19 children and 2 adults were shot to death in Uvalde, Texas, in yet another senseless example of unrestrained gun … Continue reading Happy 4th

Don’t Eat the Moon

This poem continues my theme of December oranges, but also serves as a holiday warning: don't let this season try your patience and drive you to exhaustion! Remember, the smartest thing to do on the longest night of the year is sleep. If I can pluck the moon from the sky I may find it’s … Continue reading Don’t Eat the Moon

Juicy

Continuing my December theme, I give you my own personal ode to oranges. . . Oranges are loud. Oranges are splashy. They are not subtle. They are not shy. They may be as big as softballs, but they consider themselves to be miniature stars, small globes of fire, a reflection of the solar energy that … Continue reading Juicy

My Mother’s Orange Tree

On December 7th, 1941, my mother was at her friend Louise’s house.  They were picking the first oranges of the season when Louise’s mother came out to the yard to tell them the news that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. Every year after, my mother commemorated the date by picking, and then eating, the … Continue reading My Mother’s Orange Tree

November Musing

I hardly need to say this because we all know it, but hey, it’s been a weird couple of years.  This November I am grateful for family members and friends who have accompanied me on this journey.  But I also want to say I am so grateful for Writing, the actual activity, the practice of writing.  Writing has … Continue reading November Musing

Happy Fourth of July!

I pray and affirm that the people of our country are compassionate and kind. We believe in fairness, democracy, and freedom for all. We are willing to work hard to create a community where all are welcome, safe, financially secure, and valued for their unique gifts and perspectives. I celebrate my home today, and look … Continue reading Happy Fourth of July!

Easter Greetings/Pandemic Edition

I think I can say without fear of contradiction that this has been a weird year. And hey!--suddenly, it's Easter again. It feels rather surreal. Like many people, I have done very little to celebrate holidays during the pandemic. That's okay; I'm all for downsizing the fuss and nonsense and commercialization. Truth be told, I … Continue reading Easter Greetings/Pandemic Edition