This Dawn

Among the many blessings
     in my life
I am still an active
     Daughter, Sister, Wife

Well into middle age
     with no children to my name
These family ties that we still have
     lift us and sustain

For now, my home is full
     with Husband, Sister, Mom
Moments now - memories later
     prayers of thanks this dawn

Unwelcome Here

If only

it could be

this easy

Protecting

our family

and friends

From heartache

and illness

and losses

All hurting 

that never

quite mends

Boldly it

offers a

warning

That trouble 

here will be

defied  

UNWELCOME

the mat says

quite clearly

Happiness

only

inside

We're Meant to Be Here

It's no secret that I love the home we have established in Prescott, Arizona in the community of Talking Rock.  Recently I wrote this rhyme, which I have also applied as lyrics for a "campfire" song.  It's been fun to work it out, accompanying myself on my ukulele.

TALKING ROCK RANCH

Way out West
Far from city lights
Where coyotes sing on
Bright and starry nights
There is a place
Nestled in the plains
Where rabbits dance
In fragrant summer rains

It’s Talking Rock
We’re meant to be here
In Talking Rock
It’s so darn clear
We’ve found our home
No need to roam…
Talking Rock,
Talking Rock Ranch

In desert heat
And winter’s falling snow
Where toasts are shared
And treasured friendships grow
There is a place
A mile high
Where sunsets paint
The canvas of the sky

It’s Talking Rock
We’re meant to be here
In Talking Rock
It’s so darn clear
We’ve found our home
No need to roam...
Talking Rock,
Talking Rock Ranch

We’ve found our home
No need to roam...
Talking Rock,
Talking Rock Ranch

C'mon Chicago Spring!

Snow, you can go

I’m done with you this year

Gray, you can’t stay

The skies will soon be clear

Wind, ditch the chill
You don’t need to howl and moan
Rain, you’re to blame

For my melancholy groan

Friends, share the cheer
There’s better weather out there
Spring, do your thing

I know you’re hiding somewhere

Sun, bring the fun
We need your warming grace

Heat, set the beat

Let’s dance to a livelier pace!

Hither and Yon

Steel and Concrete

Broad-Shouldered

Smart and Determined.

Glittering Lake and

Manmade Canyons.

Planks and Stone

Cowboy Spirit

Tough and Friendly.

Desert Scrub and

Granite Mountains.

Hither and Yon

Loving Life

Calm and Energetic.

Hard-Earned and

Well-Played.

The Milky Way

I saw the Milky Way last night
Clouds of stars strewn like diamonds
Across a grand black velvet cape
Wrapped all around us

I saw the Milky Way last night
While holding hands in the dark
We saw a shooting star
And gasped like kids

I saw the Milky Way last night
Space, Captain Kirk's frontier
Bright and deep
It felt like mine

My Dream

I had a dream.
In it there were warm, starry nights, blue mountains, and rolling green hills.
Birds flitted and sang, and native beasts boldly hopped and prowled.
The sun painted gold streaks with a broad brush.
When I breathed, the air was sharp and fragrant.  It sated my soul.
I was wildly exhilarated and at peace.
I wanted it to last, but I awoke.
I’m chasing the dream, and I’m gaining on it.

Poetic License

Face
Same angles and planes
But softer

Hair
Shot with silver highlights
More natural

Frame
Aging civil warrior princess
In training

Heart
Of super womangirl
Seeking essential self

© Laurel Anne Bailey 2010