Summer 2023 Poems

This is not a complete list: more poems can be viewed on the main Poetry page.

“Words”

Something honey-like in the right words

That make you feel settled and sure.

It's bittersweet to write them down

Though I like to see them written out.

Bleeding out and through each page

Are pretty words and advice like sage.

Finally was able to string them together

Like fine beads on a chord of leather.

Something beautiful in clarity,

The things you thought but couldn't see.

From your brain and out in words

The thing you thought is now heard.

“Cloud”

Settled over my head,

Resting in my brain.

Wishing I were dead,

Thinking I’m insane.

Parted for a moment,

Letting in the light.

Felt the pain relent.

Got restored sight.

“Hot”

We began to melt.

Hot was all we felt.

Yet we persevere.

Walking down the road,

Couldn’t feel my toes.

Things were getting weird.

Summer heat came in

Fogging up the wind

And jamming all my gears.

Walking to the side

Sweating on each hike

But we’re getting here.

“Crafts”

Hello, hello, little ones

Let’s make a day and have some fun.

Stickers and pens at a table.

Make it fun, I know you’re able.

Bonus points if you use the dog.

We have plenty, no need to hog.

Come and go, in and out.

Voices once quiet begin to shout.

Having fun with some friends,

Hours fly by, then they end.

“Middle”

Shirt inside out and backwards.

Shoes on the wrong feet, they hurt.

She walks the middle of the road.

Where she’s going, no one knows.

She’s got a tangle in her curly hair.

Left one of her socks on the stairs.

She’s wandering into the unknown

As she walks the middle of the road.

“Limes”

I got lime juice in my eyes

My eyes began to cry

But the rest of me giggled

At the joy, oh so simple.

I was out with my friends.

As the meal just begins,

I started squeezing limes

And I ended up just fine.

Pain and pleasure make amends

Hand in hand like best friends.

“Helper”

I like being able to help out

But sometimes I can doubt

How helpful I actually am.

When people ask

I can never pass

Up, but maybe I can.

It’s always fun

But I always won-

-der what could be.

Always a tad stressed.

Could I be blessed

If I did things for me?

“Nothing”

Turn the page, please

‘Cause I cannot stand it.

Push this away

The moments too candid.

I did nothing today

And it was pure bliss

Till the sun went down

And my time I missed.

“Pink”

I was awake to think

And get myself a pretty drink.

I put on a pretty thing

That made me want to sing.

Mirror me is smiling

Right over my little sink.

I am transforming

Because of a color: pink.

“Trying”

I’m trying, I promise.

Trying to be honest

With you.

I’m down. I’ll get up.

I just need a minute

Or two.

Two steps forwards

Trying hard to not

Go back.

Done cutting chords

I’ll hold on with all

I have.

“Rain”

Rain and work don’t mix.

It makes us angry, it makes fits.

But today it was calm.

One threw her mind away,

Another just wanted to play.

A morning balm.

Rain outside the porch walls.

Inside the house, a mother calls.

Today it was calm.

“Sick”

Up at four, mind a-racing.

Both legs sore. I took to pacing.

Up all day, slowly yawning.

Would you say something new is dawning?

Bed at nine, eyes barely open.

Wasted time, I continue to hope in.

“Quiet”

Peace settled over the house, and silence reigned.

We almost forgot yesterday, and all of its pains.

Chaos long ruled over us, but now it rests.

Loved the adrenaline, but this is for the best.

After the hectic month and hectic year,

It’s nice to have some rest, finally draw near.

“Dating”

Round table discussion

About where we’re going.

So much we don’t know.

More that we are knowing.

Everyone in a lull,

Each one is waiting.

And for one evening,

We talked about dating.

“Walk”

As the sun began to go down,

We began to walk.

Footstep by footstep,

We talked and talked.

Walking in the unset,

Mile by mile.

Our worries pass away,

While by while.

Nearing a destination

As the sun goes to bed

Feeling sweet relief

As I have cleared my head.

“Charge”

Holding the reins,

Finger on the trigger.

Heed what she says,

Don’t try to figure

It out for yourself.

Someone else is in charge.

It’s better for your health

More helpful by and large.

Guiding the hand,

Leading the way.

Helping you stand.

Brightening each day.