My Icy Shell

In icy snow I stand,
Inside my shell,
Keeping out the arrows.
and the pellets
that bounce and lie dead
around my frozen toes.
I was proud of my shell,
Built for protection,
Until the inside became
very cold, empty, and lonely.
Feeling safe and yet
regretting.
Wishing for some warmth
to free my soul.

I Wanna be a Singer

Our  family of seven huddled around the radio, listening.  TV wasn't available yet in our mountain town in Northern California.  For as long as I can remember, I loved singing along with the radio.  My family encouraged me.  The songs I loved to sing most were, "The Tennessee Waltz," and "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer."

Mom and Dad thought my singing was cute and had me sing solos in church.  I stood in front of the congregation, wearing my red gingham dress with a white pinafore.  My hair had a permanent.I stood next to the piano, looking at the people smiling up at me, making me feel special.
I sang "Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam."  I got confused about the part saying, "A sunbeam, a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam."  I kept singing it over and over again.  I could have gone on forever, if someone hadn't stopped me.

During Grade school I continued singing,  I especially enjoyed singing in the restroom, where the hollow sound resonated.  In the ladies room at school, I was alone, singing and singing, really belting it out.  I studied my face in the mirror, trying to capture just the right look.

Suddenly, a little girl entered the room saying, "The teacher said, to tell you your disturbing the class."

I was embarrassed, but when I returned to class the teacher invited me to sing front of the kids,  I was thrilled as I sang,, "The Wayward Wind," and "The Banana Boat Song."  The kids really liked it.  One of the girls told me I was as good as Elvis.

I told mother once, "I want to sing in a choir.  Maybe, even the Tabernacle Choir."

I sang in the choir in high school.  We sang at schools, churches and at Christmas we sang in the mall.
On Easter, after lots of practice our choir performed, "The Messiah."

My sister, Jan also liked to sing.  Being a soprano, she could hit the high notes.  I sang alto and we did duets for family and church activities.  Years later, Jan trained her voice and became a professional opera singer.

My dream is to express joy, passion, and comfort during sad times.  It sometimes brings peace amid chaos.

Popcorn Seed

A popcorn seed I planted,
watered it and watched it grow
It started as a point of a leaf, 
and Grew green and tall.
inside mother's flower bed.
Like the ugly sister
at the princess ball

Conspicuous,
she stretches her leaves,
Reaching for the sun.
My popcorn plant,
the only one.

Mother grumbled,
"It's got to go!"
I pled with tears to spare my plant,
So innocent and wanting to grow.

She yanked it up.
chopped it down.
My popcorn plant, 
Lay dead on the ground.

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.