Darkness Approaches

it is early evening and
a drink has found its way
into her hand while a
heaviness settles
inside her heart

her feet hit the hot concrete
of a texas back patio
warmly, they wander across
lightly, they fall in a pattern
leading to an edge

she settles herself there and
the moon looks down
upon her quietly
showing her
only half of himself

she ponders the idea
of seeing only part
of someone
and wondering what else
might be there

the day has slipped away
as quickly and blindly
as usual, leaving behind
only the memory
of how hot it was

the sky tells her to look
it wants to remind her
that the day was bright and strong
by painting the edges
of her world

the streaks of a sunset
almost gone and forgotten
linger on the horizon
in blue, orange, purple
and gold

she wants to soak those in
remember them, cherish them
she wants to capture them
and carry them with her for
later

she knows that darkness approaches.

wonder and light

it’s in every wide-eyed stare
that seems to light up
his whole face

while softening mine

it’s in the way he views lights
sweetly breathing the word,
“wowwwwwww”

my heart stops for a moment

it’s in the excited, rising
pitch in his voice as he says
“Santa” and “Cwissmas”

that puts a twinkle in my eyes

it’s in his sincere concern
when he asks me with
worry stitched across his face
“Am naughty, Santa bwing no pwesents?”

i have to stifle a laugh

it’s in the mirth with which he replies
“That’s wight! If I good, Santa bwings
pwesents! on CWISSMASSSS!”
when i remind him there’s still
hope

i love him no matter how naughty he is

it’s in the way i can feel the joy
as he does because he
reminds me how to

i have a reason to let go and smile

he runs the years back
on my rusty clock
just by being himself

the ultimate gift in life

he is wonder and light
and i am grateful.

The rhythm of our lives.

He shifts his weight
And moves on

From miles away
He says he loves me
I say it back
Then he moves on

It’s quiet at night
So much emptiness to fill
With nothing

For a spell
He returns

I stand in the kitchen
Like a cliche
I balance on heels, making dinner

Laughter floats in waves
Through the house
Echoing off the walls
Like bouncing balloons

It swells and ebbs
It rolls back and forth
Like tickle fights

There’s football on TV
My feet find comfort
His hands find my back

Our bed is warm again, briefly

Then he shifts his weight
Says he loves me
And moves on again

Takes his music and goes

Alone, in the quiet night
I can remember the melody
And hum it myself

We stay behind
Hold it down
Occupy our time

Here and there

We shift
and wait.

Stripes at my back, my heart on my sleeve.

Today’s Photohunt Theme: “Stripes”

my favorite stripes in a warm time
run up behind me in a line
I lay back and close my eyes
the time of solace and rest flies

quite soon I hear the little feet
marking out a quick-paced beat
a giggling is drawing near
the favorite sound my ears could hear

my eyes open and see his face
filling up my eye-view space
he’s grinning, asking to join me
I reach out, pull him up quickly

now a different kind of peace unfolds
of tickling, laughter, hugs and holds
and just as rest can make me whole
this connection refuels my soul.

Haiku Friday

There’s nothing quite as
crappy as your little one
being really sick.

Crying, whimpering,
headache, fever, pathetic…
a sad little boy.

Sleeping on the hard
floor in his room is no day
at the park either.

We do what me must
to give them comfort, though, right?
Yeah. *hobbles away*

Once more, for good measure.

Long time readers will
remember the story of
our last, moldy house.

What a trial that was!
We have been in this new home
for a whole year now.

I could never say
thank you enough times to those
who helped us get out.

To all of you who
stepped in to help us move then
and are still around

I want you to know
that I think grateful thoughts of
each of you often.

And now we’ve got a
whole year of new memories
in a better home.

So much has happened
in this year that has now passed.
It’s remarkable.

March 2008………………………………………………………………………………………………………….March 2009

So, once more I say
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you all
Thanks so very much.

And yes, I can figure out how to make anything into a tribute to him. Neener.

Today’s Photohunt Theme is “Four”

A Braden burrito, one hand sticking out
Just four days old… fuzzy head, little pout
Sleeping so soundly, a thief in the night
Stealing our hearts while we put up no fight

After four weeks of learning, he pursed his lips well
And our stolen hearts continued to swell
Just beginning the journey of parenthood
Much already learned, much still not understood

In four short months time it became very clear
Nothing else had ever been so very dear
Or so frustrating right in the very same minute
Your patience is tested and pushed to the limit!

We have not yet gotten to the next four in line
only half-way there, but there’s plenty of time
No need to rush things or hope time would move fast
I’d rather cling and make each moment last

But by now we’ve learned that it never ends
The journey of parents just stretches and bends
Every challenge is met, then a new one appears
Little victories fade, and there will be new tears

But for every moment that passes a new wonder is born
Your spirit is lifted even as it is torn
The child will bring joy, laughter and mirth
To each piece of your life, every day after birth.

For all the fours had so far
And those still to come
I am blessed and happy
That he is my son.

Clean the shirts on their backs by putting one on yours.

The putrid piles of
clothing in my house are proof
of this one truth: I

hate doing laundry.
But at least I have the means.
Some out there do not.

The term that is used
is “natural disaster.”
I’m sure the victims

feel anything but
natural picking up the
pieces of their lives.

I have not suffered
severe destruction but
just thinking about

the devastation
after floods, hurricanes, and
twisters, I shudder.

At such desperate
times, I can imagine that
all help is welcome.

Tide is offering
practical help to those who
need it in this way:

You buy a shirt here;
proceeds provide clothes cleaning
service for victims.

So now even if
I am not cleaning my own
family’s clothing…

I can take comfort
in knowing that I’m helping
clean laundry elsewhere.