I Pretend

chickenwearingshoes

(internet photo)
My tongue lolls
like a dog on a hot day.
It hangs out
day ’til night
to catch shooting stars
from our first date.

No clouds are too dark or too grey
to dampen the spark you ignited.
I stand in the rain.
Your scent washes from my hair,
so recently twisted through your fingers.

My squeaky-balloon shoes
squish along the sidewalk
each step one further from you.
If I had a rooster right now
I would make it wear these noisy shoes,
take away the annoyance of your departure.
Already your absence is a giant egg beside me.
The truth as much a surprise to me
as seeing a rooster wear shoes.

A quart-berry basket full of water
is easier to manage than your absence.
I would powder my nose with an ax
rather than be away from you.
I would eat plastic grapes, breathe fire,
drive a truck with a screwdriver
if it meant I would be back with you.

My mind has shrunk to the size of a pea
my body no longer exists.

I want to wash your feet, honor you
for blessing me with the gift of your love.
As each step takes me further from you
I walk like I have a tail between my legs.
I pretend it isn’t mine.
I pretend you are still with me.

Take Time

Take time to listen
messages are there
what is it you have asked for
requested through prayer

If you don’t listen
how will you know the reply
rushing along through your days
won’t provide answers; tell you why

Rustle of leaves
breezy applause
nature acknowledging
she approves your cause

Geese honking
vee formation across sky
possibly directing
what you ought to try

Sighting playful squirrels
scampering, on the run
when was the last time
you let go, just had fun

Rippling water
continuous flow
changing patterns remind us
we too move rapidly but also need to move slow

Take time for silence
a gentle part of your day
take time to listen
answers are coming your way

Max

This post was inspired by my brother’s dog. Credit for “love sponge” goes to my wonderful friend, Janet 🙂

Spunky little schnauzer
full of pep and vigor
velvety soft curls
an ebony blanket
comforting souls
looking for solace

Bushy eyebrows
cover deep set dark eyes
but cannot hide
intelligent personality
or playful energy

Spirited miniature love sponge
generous with your affection
quivering enthusiasm
visible in the vibrating wagging
of your stubby tail

Desire to please
supersedes all
passionate devotion
sealed with a dynamic sloppy
muzzled kiss

A Dream

I dreamt I was
walking a path
full of mazes and illusions
twists and turns forking in alternate directions
temptations to wander and explore

I met a wizard
a small man with white hair
a wizened face full of wrinkles
that gave witness to the passage of time
yet his dark eyes still held
a boyish look, an impish playful twinkle

He seemed to be holding a secret
he was bursting to tell
I could not continue
along this strange path
without having to go around
this little man

He spoke
voice level gentle soft but earnest
No one comes to me unless called

I thought it was an illusion
I had heard no call
but as I attempted to pass
one hand went up
fingers pointing to the sky

A beautiful book appeared
filigreed cover glowing
with swirls of blue and green and gold
moving like flowing water
Next the cover looked
like a glorious peacock feather
with the eye of the feather staring directly at me

The timeless druid
asked me to write
I had no pen
but my thoughts went to the parchment
as the book unfolded before me
words leapt from my mind
to the waiting page
they danced and twirled and spun
beautiful pirouettes
a ballet of ideas and fantasy

I giggled as I orchestrated
this lovely performance of words
not sure how it was happening
but grateful for the wizard’s magic
his guiding slight of hand
allowing me a glimpse of creativity at play
with reverence I gently closed the magical book

The wizard had been watching
this sublime act
so his words upon acceptance of the book
were completely unexpected
Don’t eat crackers

When this comment was met by my stunned silence
he continued saying
the meaning of the words would be clear to those
needing to hear them

It was a strange dream