Gentle

Your soft voice,
Pleasant Smile,
I read your gentle eyes,
Crave your gentle touch,
Your arms caressing me,
Holding me tight.
feeling love, and
 Endulging.

Guts

Growing up in different schools,
different neighborhoods,
Mom affectionately worried,
Saying I was just like her.
Shy, withdrawn, scared.

As I grew
watching Mom struggle,
I saw much more to her
I saw strength, honesty and bravery.

Now I am a writer,
and people are amazed at my guts
that amaze and remind me of
Mom.

Remembering

As we wander along
Down different roads
Gradually separating
our endearments.
Reflecting on decades
of friendship, laughter
and song.
At the end of my day
Relaxing in my bed
My memories are all horror stories

An Important Person

Introducing Tara
A young adult,
Twisted in her wheelchair,
Her speech tangled.
Reaching out to her caregivers,
Making them feel useful
Her laughter brings them joy
Tara is one person among millions
Teaching kindness and affection.
Her contribution.

Gollywhallupers

I was three years old when Mom and Dad were leaving me home with my brother and sisters.  I wanted to go with them, but they didn't pay attention to my screaming tears.  As they walked out of the door, Dad gave me a warning, "Look out for the boogie man and don't let the Gollywhallupers get you."

When Mom and Dad returned, they tucked me into my bed.  In my bed, I was thinking about Gollywhallupers, wondering what they looked like and if they were scary.

Suddenly, I saw a pink animal with a head resembling Miss Piggy and the texture of a gummy bear.  She stood at that foot of my bed, bigger than me.

"What are you?" I asked.

"I'm a Gollywhalluper.  My name is priscilla."

"No. You can't be a Golllywhalluper. You're not scary enough."

"Most of us aren't scary.  The actions of a few gives us a bad reputation.  I'm here on a mission to change our reputation, one child at a time.  Is there anywhere you would like to go or see?  I'll take you anywhere.  I prefer some place pretty.

After some thought I said, "I want to go to Holland.  I would like to see the tulips, the wooden shoes and Dutch dresses with aprons and a hat.

"That's original.  Most kids want to go to Disneyland."

"I can go to Disneyland anytime."

"Close your eyes." Priscilla told me. "Come fly with me over the nation, over the ocean on our way to Holland.  Put this little plastic flute in your bag and enjoy.  When you want to return, play the tune, My Favorite Things on your flute.  I will come carry you back to your bedroom."

I woke remembering my trip to Holland.  I thought it was a dream.  In the kitchen, my dad was fixing breakfast saying, "Did you sleep good?  Did you run into any Gollywhallupers?"

"Yes, Dad.  I had a wonderful dream."

I went to my room to get dressed when I spotted something poking out beneath the bed.  When I pulled it out, I realized it was a wooden shoe.

"Priscilla, How did you do this?  You've got to come meet my father.  He thinks you're scary."

"We gollywhallupers only visit children, especially when children are told we are dangerous."

"I can't just forget about it.  I want to tell the world."

"Most of the world has never heard of Gollywhallupers and the ones who have are frightened by us.  You can help by telling the children.  Adults can't comprehend anything that they can't touch.  A child's innocence let's the magic in.

Next time your dad is leaving the house and telling you, "Watch out for the Gollywhallupers."  You can pretend to be frightened,  You and I have a secret."

Run Away Mind

Lost in the chaos of the crowd.
my mind runs away

to a place I don't remember.

In the background

distant voices

barely audible

Jabbering things I don't understand.

Upon my return

I feel embarrassed,

hoping that nobody missed me.

Another Day

Waking up early 
Going through the motions
of my morning routine.
Overdosing on caffeine,
Planning my day
of TV, the computer
and visiting with friends.
Resting on Sunday.
Looking forward to Monday.
Another day,
Another week.
Another Christmas,
Gone.
And we start over again.