Magic of Ordinary Things


They're in the shadow of my day,
Although if I but look around
And see them in the light they’ve found -
We share that one light in some way.
It’s just a shift, a step or two,
That lets me turn to look at you.

Linked to dVerse Poetics. Gina is hosting with the theme of the magic of ordinary things.  Also linked to Debbie Roth’s Forgiving Fridays.

Morning Darkness
Morning Darkness

Christmas Lights


Advent Darkness

This darkness isn’t such that I
Can brighten it by light I bring.
No laws of nature taint the sky.
No bonds bind it so it can’t sing.

The power failed, but should we wait
For what might not come speedily?
Some of us would hesitate,
But darkness helps our hearts to see.

We’re thankful for the light that’s near.
Praise sound, but not with our ears solely.
Our voices stir the darkness here
Repeating, “Holy, Holy, Holy.”


Linked to K’lee and Dale’s Cosmic Photo Challenge with the theme “Christmas lights”. “Advent Darkness” was originally published last year by Ancient Paths Literary Magazine.

Morning Lights
Christmas Morning Lights

Winter’s Trees


Maple trees rest in the snow
Covered with their fallen leaves.
Winter’s wind will come and go,
But maple trees stand in the snow.
Their roots hold on. Let winter go
And have its way. Though some may grieve,
The maple trees wait in the snow
Covered calmly by their leaves.

Linked to dVerse Meeting the Bar. Jilly hosts with the theme of repetitive forms.

Preparing for Winter

Secret Ingredient


Listening to MacArthur Park
As winter turns my dreams around
I see forgiveness search the dark
To find bright angels carry sound.

Linked to dVerse Poetics where Amaya is hosting with the theme “secret ingredient” and to Debbie Roth’s Forgiving Fridays who keeps reminding me of what is important.

Also many thanks to KATiE MiA Frederick!il who posted a while back a YouTube link to Donna Summer singing Jimmy Webb’s MacArthur Park which brought back memories. 

The Shape of Snow and Ice

Tones and Textures


The tone of words one now cannot erase,
The texture of an isolated place,
The thoughts of cheer one thought one had before
Turn into thoughts of prison evermore.

Rejoice. That promise heard about midnight
Was not a dream but dawning of new light.

Linked to K’lee and Dale’s Cosmic Photo Challenge with theme of “unusual tones and textures”. Also linked to dVerse Quadrille where De Jackson (WimzyGizmo) is hosting with the word “cheer”.

Moon in Blue Gray Sky

The Warmth of the Dance


The music helps the fire throw heat.
Tom and Jane dance with the beat.
The wind turns snow until it’s gone.
Through cold or warmth the dance moves on.

When we let go then we may spin
And let whatever’s out there in.
Jane and Tom would understand
But now they’re resting hand in hand.

Linked to dVerse Poetics where Victoria C. Slotto is hosting on the theme of “fire” and to Debbie Roth’s Forgiving Fridays.

Caught Snow

Waiting From a New Perspective

I’ve been to Gillson Park many times. It is on Lake Michigan and there is plenty of parking. It is a little far for me to bicycle, but it would not be impossible. What’s impossible is not what’s important. What’s important is that there is a park here at all and there is a beautiful lake that waits on it like a servant.

There's a haiku here
somewhere waiting for me
to try to find it.

Linked to K’lee and Dale’s Cosmic Photo Challenge with the theme “from an unusual angle”. Also linked to dVerse Haibun Monday where Imelda is hosting.

Lake Michigan in Late November