Emerald moss gently hugging slender branches
as they arch up to the misty moon
while no one glances.
Lest they see a dewdrop form
before the warm sun rises
on the early morn
When beast and sparrow
sing their welcome
on the morrow.
Oh! The rosy glow of the sun
kisses the tree tops
as it breaks over glorious mountains.
My heart swells
at the beauty
of God’s creation.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Dawn
I'm not sure of the title of this piece and I'm not sure of how I want to arrange the stanzas. I've tried several different arrangements but I couldn't get this to indent when I typed it straight in.
Emerald moss gently hugging slender branches
as they arch up to the misty moon
while no one glances.
Lest they see a dewdrop form
before the warm sun rises
on the early morn
When beast and sparrow
sing their welcome
on the morrow.
Emerald moss gently hugging slender branches
as they arch up to the misty moon
while no one glances.
Lest they see a dewdrop form
before the warm sun rises
on the early morn
When beast and sparrow
sing their welcome
on the morrow.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Truth in the Mirror
I know lying is wrong. I know stealing from others is wrong. I learned it all in the bathroom mirror when I was seven.
“Ding, ding!” sang the bell on the Popsicle truck. “Ding, ding”.
I ran for home to ask Mom, “Can I buy a popsicle?”
“No, “ Mom says. “We’re going to have dinner in a few minutes.” She turns back to the hot stove, working hard to get everything ready before Dad gets home from work. She’s not paying attention to me as I crawl up on the piano bench and slip a quarter from her purse.
I run as fast as I can to the corner where the popsicle truck has stopped. The tinkley music plays as I give the man the quarter. “I want a cherry bomb” I tell him. I blow into the paper cover and tear the paper away. I have to quickly start licking the icy cherry bomb as it drips and melts in the hot August sun. I gobble it down as I walk back to the house.
Daddy drives up and after he puts his lunch box and thermos on the counter Mom calls us to dinner. As we sit down at the table everyone is looking at me. Mom takes one look at me as asks, “Teri, did you get a popsicle after I told you no?”
“No, Mom”, I say as I shake my head. Does she know? How could she know? Nobody saw me.
“Look at me. Are you sure you didn’t eat a popsicle?”
“Uh,uh” I say, as my eyes widen and my head drops.
“Okay” she says. “Go look in the bathroom mirror”. What? I slowly scoot my chair back and walk down the hall to the bathroom. As I stand on my tiptoes and peer into the mirror I know I am in big trouble. My lips and chin are stained cherry bomb red! My brother and sister are silent, eyes big and heads down.
“Oh boy, I’m really going to get it now” I think as I sit back at the table.
“Now, says Mom. “Did you eat a popsicle before dinner?”
“Yea” I whisper.
“Where did you get the money?” Mom demands.
There was no use lying now - double trouble! “Out of your purse”, I mumble, afraid to speak any louder. I know what I did was wrong. I was excused from the table to go wash my hands and face and wait in my room for what would come next.
I’m lucky my parents loved me enough to teach me right from wrong. Instead of the spanking I deserved my parents shared their disappointment in my behavior and high expectations for future behavior with me. They helped me become a more responsible person.
I know lying is wrong. I know stealing from others is wrong. I learned it all in the bathroom mirror.
“Ding, ding!” sang the bell on the Popsicle truck. “Ding, ding”.
I ran for home to ask Mom, “Can I buy a popsicle?”
“No, “ Mom says. “We’re going to have dinner in a few minutes.” She turns back to the hot stove, working hard to get everything ready before Dad gets home from work. She’s not paying attention to me as I crawl up on the piano bench and slip a quarter from her purse.
I run as fast as I can to the corner where the popsicle truck has stopped. The tinkley music plays as I give the man the quarter. “I want a cherry bomb” I tell him. I blow into the paper cover and tear the paper away. I have to quickly start licking the icy cherry bomb as it drips and melts in the hot August sun. I gobble it down as I walk back to the house.
Daddy drives up and after he puts his lunch box and thermos on the counter Mom calls us to dinner. As we sit down at the table everyone is looking at me. Mom takes one look at me as asks, “Teri, did you get a popsicle after I told you no?”
“No, Mom”, I say as I shake my head. Does she know? How could she know? Nobody saw me.
“Look at me. Are you sure you didn’t eat a popsicle?”
“Uh,uh” I say, as my eyes widen and my head drops.
“Okay” she says. “Go look in the bathroom mirror”. What? I slowly scoot my chair back and walk down the hall to the bathroom. As I stand on my tiptoes and peer into the mirror I know I am in big trouble. My lips and chin are stained cherry bomb red! My brother and sister are silent, eyes big and heads down.
“Oh boy, I’m really going to get it now” I think as I sit back at the table.
“Now, says Mom. “Did you eat a popsicle before dinner?”
“Yea” I whisper.
“Where did you get the money?” Mom demands.
There was no use lying now - double trouble! “Out of your purse”, I mumble, afraid to speak any louder. I know what I did was wrong. I was excused from the table to go wash my hands and face and wait in my room for what would come next.
I’m lucky my parents loved me enough to teach me right from wrong. Instead of the spanking I deserved my parents shared their disappointment in my behavior and high expectations for future behavior with me. They helped me become a more responsible person.
I know lying is wrong. I know stealing from others is wrong. I learned it all in the bathroom mirror.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Oops!
Evidently I didn't follow directions. I posted before I asked for specific help on my 23.2 Seconds piece. The more I think about the piece the more I think I could have added additional details, but I didn't want it to be too long. Also, I'm not sure about the ending. I seem to have problems with endings. Any feedback you may have is appreciated.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
23.2 Seconds
Crouched on the edge of the starting block, muscles wound tight like a spring, waiting for the crack of the starter’s gun. Swimmers, on your mark … BANG! The clock starts at the sound; almost simultaneously with swimmers knifing into the pool with just a hint of a splash. Air bubbles race from nostrils, seeking the surface as the body is forced through the water. Arms slice into the water. Cupped hands pull back. Legs and feet kick out a rhythm, throwing droplets of water into the air. Breathing syncopated with whirling arms. Stroke, pull, kick, breathe. Stroke, pull, kick, breathe. The body is propelled through the churning aqua water.
The lane markers bob up and down as swimmers fly through the water. The arm stretches forward to hit the wall, head down, legs curled, flip turn and push-off. The power in the thrust of uncoiled muscles takes the body half a pool length, like a spear thrust through the air. Water glides off the head as it breaks the water’s surface. Stroke, pull, kick, breathe. Stroke, pull, kick breathe. As a hand slams on the wall the splash rains down on the deck and the clock stops. Only fifty yards and 23.2 seconds from start to finish.
The lane markers bob up and down as swimmers fly through the water. The arm stretches forward to hit the wall, head down, legs curled, flip turn and push-off. The power in the thrust of uncoiled muscles takes the body half a pool length, like a spear thrust through the air. Water glides off the head as it breaks the water’s surface. Stroke, pull, kick, breathe. Stroke, pull, kick breathe. As a hand slams on the wall the splash rains down on the deck and the clock stops. Only fifty yards and 23.2 seconds from start to finish.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
The Pink Party Dress
Pink chiffon, black velveteen sleeves, with pressed in pleats that crinkle when she sits. Layers of stiff netting make up the petticoat that holds the skirt just right. The front is tucked, with a rosebud made of ribbon and a "diamond" that glitters at the base of her throat. Oh, the place the pink party dress goes!
The first little girl to own the pink party dress was only six. She took the dress to a birthday party where drips of ice cream ran down the elegant tucked front. Her Mommy dabbed at the stain until it disappeared. The pink party dress played ring-around-the-roses, pinned the tail on the donkey and dropped clothespins into a glass milk bottle. Then back into her dark closet the pink party dress would go, nestled among the plain, everyday dresses, just waiting patiently for the next occasion worthy of such an elegant dress.
Thanksgiving is here and company is coming! The table is dressed with a fine lace tablecloth; and candles adorn her like the velveteen sleeves of the pink party dress. The little girl begs to wear the special dress. So, out comes the pink party dress, along with pink tights and shiny black patent leather Mary Janes.
When the little girl comes to the table she must sit up straight and act like a little lady. Put your napkin in your lap and be careful not to spill on the pink party dress. Hair all curled and tied up with a bow; but the little girl has grown and the black velveteen sleeves are getting snug. The hem barely reaches her knees. It won't be long until the beautiful pink party dress will live in another little girl's closet. The first girl loves the pink party dress so much she can't bear for it to leave.
The pink party dress didn't have to wait very long to find a new home. Another little girl lives in the same house! Though the stiff pink pleats have lost some of their crunch and the hemline of the skirt falls well below her knees, the new little girl is thrilled. Oops! She stepped in the petticoat and tore it away from the neat waistline, so now it sags below the hem. Her Momma stitches it back into place.
Off we go to a Christmas party! There are lots of little boys and girls all dressed up, but my little girl outshines them all when we walk in together! The twinkling lights sparkle bright on the Christmas tree all decorated with gleaming ornaments. We stand together to have our picture taken. Even though my rosebud is loose and has lost its diamond and my petticoat has been repaired we still look lovely by the dazzling tree!
We sit on Santa's knee and the girl whispers her wish in his ear. The jolly man gives her a peppermint stick and a wink. The sweet candy is sticky on the pink party dresses skirt. When the party is over the sleepy little girl is carried home. The pink party dress is put to soak to remove the candy stains, and then hung to dry. The pink party dress is then shut away in the dark closet, just waiting to see where they will go next.
But the next time the little girl begs to wear the pink party dress she has grown so much it won't fit anymore. Momma packs away the treasured dress with shoes and toy no longer wanted. The pink party dress is hung on a rack at the second hand store, waiting for another little girl to fall in love with it and take it home to wear to parties and special occasions.
The first little girl to own the pink party dress was only six. She took the dress to a birthday party where drips of ice cream ran down the elegant tucked front. Her Mommy dabbed at the stain until it disappeared. The pink party dress played ring-around-the-roses, pinned the tail on the donkey and dropped clothespins into a glass milk bottle. Then back into her dark closet the pink party dress would go, nestled among the plain, everyday dresses, just waiting patiently for the next occasion worthy of such an elegant dress.
Thanksgiving is here and company is coming! The table is dressed with a fine lace tablecloth; and candles adorn her like the velveteen sleeves of the pink party dress. The little girl begs to wear the special dress. So, out comes the pink party dress, along with pink tights and shiny black patent leather Mary Janes.
When the little girl comes to the table she must sit up straight and act like a little lady. Put your napkin in your lap and be careful not to spill on the pink party dress. Hair all curled and tied up with a bow; but the little girl has grown and the black velveteen sleeves are getting snug. The hem barely reaches her knees. It won't be long until the beautiful pink party dress will live in another little girl's closet. The first girl loves the pink party dress so much she can't bear for it to leave.
The pink party dress didn't have to wait very long to find a new home. Another little girl lives in the same house! Though the stiff pink pleats have lost some of their crunch and the hemline of the skirt falls well below her knees, the new little girl is thrilled. Oops! She stepped in the petticoat and tore it away from the neat waistline, so now it sags below the hem. Her Momma stitches it back into place.
Off we go to a Christmas party! There are lots of little boys and girls all dressed up, but my little girl outshines them all when we walk in together! The twinkling lights sparkle bright on the Christmas tree all decorated with gleaming ornaments. We stand together to have our picture taken. Even though my rosebud is loose and has lost its diamond and my petticoat has been repaired we still look lovely by the dazzling tree!
We sit on Santa's knee and the girl whispers her wish in his ear. The jolly man gives her a peppermint stick and a wink. The sweet candy is sticky on the pink party dresses skirt. When the party is over the sleepy little girl is carried home. The pink party dress is put to soak to remove the candy stains, and then hung to dry. The pink party dress is then shut away in the dark closet, just waiting to see where they will go next.
But the next time the little girl begs to wear the pink party dress she has grown so much it won't fit anymore. Momma packs away the treasured dress with shoes and toy no longer wanted. The pink party dress is hung on a rack at the second hand store, waiting for another little girl to fall in love with it and take it home to wear to parties and special occasions.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
The Drive-In Movies
When I was a little girl it was a special treat to go to the drive-in movies in the summer-time. We didn't go often so it was something we really looked forward to. Daddy drove the big white station wagon and Mom sat in front with him. My big brother, Rick, and I sat in the middle seat. My sister Beth, and my little brother Scott sat in the back-back seat that faced backward.
We got to wear our jammies because all four of us kids would be asleep before we got home! We always arrived early, paid admission and Daddy drove slowly through the lot looking for the best spot. Not too close, not too far back, and not by the Snack Shack. We didn't want to hear people talking as they went for snack or to the bathroom.
When we found the perfect spot, Daddy would back the car in and clip the speaker box on the car window. He would put the tailgate down and Momma would lay the seats down. Rick and I would spread our sleeping bags out in the middle. Beth and Scott would put theirs on the sides where the wheel-wells were, because they were shorter.
Mom and Daddy would put their lawn chairs by the tailgate and when everything was ready Daddy would take us down to the play yard at the bottom of the gigantic white screen that towered above us. We would swing, teeter-totter, and slide while we checked out the other kids in their jammies.
When the screen came alive with the advertisements for popcorn and soda available at the Snack Shack, Daddy would hurry us back to the car. Mom had our "from home" popcorn out and all ready for us. We munched our way through Mickey Mouse cartoons and previews of "coming attractions". That's what they called the other movies we might want to come back and see.
Finally the "feature film" would begin. The speaker box made the actors voices squawky and scratchy, but it was all part of the fun. We could wiggle around in the back of the station wagon, roll on our backs and gaze at the stars twinkling far up in the sky, and eventually drift off to sleep.
I don't remember seeing the end of many movies, but I usually opened my eyes when Daddy put the speaker box back on it's post. Mom put the lawn chairs in and we slowly crept out of our spot. There would be a long line of cars to get out of the movie lot. I was always afraid when we drove over the spike strip on the way out. It was at the exit so people could not sneak in through the exit.
I would slide in and out of sleep on the way home. When we got to the house, Daddy would wake Rick up to walk into the house, but he would pick me up, put me over his shoulder and carry me in. He would carefully tuck the blankets around my chin and kiss me goodnight. This was one of my favorite parts. Sometimes I would pretend to be asleep so Daddy would carry me.
There aren't many drive-in movie lots in the United States anymore. Everyone wants the best viewing, high-tech sound, and comfy, cushy seating at the movies now. Back then it was a great family experience under the stars, playing on the swings, munching popcorn, snuggling in sleeping bags, and being tucked into bed by my Dad.
We got to wear our jammies because all four of us kids would be asleep before we got home! We always arrived early, paid admission and Daddy drove slowly through the lot looking for the best spot. Not too close, not too far back, and not by the Snack Shack. We didn't want to hear people talking as they went for snack or to the bathroom.
When we found the perfect spot, Daddy would back the car in and clip the speaker box on the car window. He would put the tailgate down and Momma would lay the seats down. Rick and I would spread our sleeping bags out in the middle. Beth and Scott would put theirs on the sides where the wheel-wells were, because they were shorter.
Mom and Daddy would put their lawn chairs by the tailgate and when everything was ready Daddy would take us down to the play yard at the bottom of the gigantic white screen that towered above us. We would swing, teeter-totter, and slide while we checked out the other kids in their jammies.
When the screen came alive with the advertisements for popcorn and soda available at the Snack Shack, Daddy would hurry us back to the car. Mom had our "from home" popcorn out and all ready for us. We munched our way through Mickey Mouse cartoons and previews of "coming attractions". That's what they called the other movies we might want to come back and see.
Finally the "feature film" would begin. The speaker box made the actors voices squawky and scratchy, but it was all part of the fun. We could wiggle around in the back of the station wagon, roll on our backs and gaze at the stars twinkling far up in the sky, and eventually drift off to sleep.
I don't remember seeing the end of many movies, but I usually opened my eyes when Daddy put the speaker box back on it's post. Mom put the lawn chairs in and we slowly crept out of our spot. There would be a long line of cars to get out of the movie lot. I was always afraid when we drove over the spike strip on the way out. It was at the exit so people could not sneak in through the exit.
I would slide in and out of sleep on the way home. When we got to the house, Daddy would wake Rick up to walk into the house, but he would pick me up, put me over his shoulder and carry me in. He would carefully tuck the blankets around my chin and kiss me goodnight. This was one of my favorite parts. Sometimes I would pretend to be asleep so Daddy would carry me.
There aren't many drive-in movie lots in the United States anymore. Everyone wants the best viewing, high-tech sound, and comfy, cushy seating at the movies now. Back then it was a great family experience under the stars, playing on the swings, munching popcorn, snuggling in sleeping bags, and being tucked into bed by my Dad.
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