Brave Intimacy: 2025

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Mystique: Fary-tale

An ordinary
Character becomes a grown
Up version of self

Adventure ensues
Hard choices have to be made
Things end happily

Wiser and sobered
By the lessons afforded
Him or her in quest

There is never a
Better telling of fulfilled dreams
Than a fairy tale

Impact: A Series of Haikus

Making a statement
With one's choices of mainstays
Or accessories

Dress to impress, don
Our gay apparel, put on
A power suit now

Everybody
Will want one if just the right
Person represents

Fads begin with a
Sense of confidence and sheer
Enthusiasm

New and trendy styles--
Quickly captured, repeated,
And enjoyed awhile

Something surprising,

Not fitting everyday

"Plain" parameters

In a Box

If you were handed a box
With a sandwich in there
Accompanied by
A fresh juicy pear...
And it wasn't your lunch,
Would you eat it?

If you got a package
In the daily post
With no indication
Of its intended host...
And your name wasn't on it,
Would you open it?

If a box was left, stealthily,
On your front mat
With a note saying "thank you"
And nothing but that...
And a baby was inside,
Would you raise it?

The circle--unbroken--united for life
Beginning, in love, with a husband and wife
Continuing on, through the years, steadily
Through mutual support, offered readily
Two parents, believing that "love never fails,"
Committed to family--and all that entails
Their children, through each stage--as moments unfold--
Grow up, knowing love that's abundant and bold
And through their upbringing, with bumps 'long the way,
Unconditional love is imprinted to stay
It's part of their souls, not a vague obligation--
A legacy passed to the next generation

A Quiet Life

A life of eternal pursuits,

Giving way to a meek disposition—

Not taking on more than is needed;

Avoiding all selfish ambition.

A healthily balanced existence—

Not seeking out drama or strife.

These are the characteristics

Of leading a quiet life.

A quiet life need not be lonely,

For love, aptly given, rings loud.

But "the one" remains most important,

Not the thund'rous, impersonal crowd.

This quietness doesn't mean "hiding,"

Nor trading grand prospects for fears.

It means speaking calmly, with impact,

So the message won't fall on deaf ears.

A quiet life isn't reclusive,

Not lived out by one who's unknown.

It's earmarked by pause and discretion

And words which, with wisdom, entone.

A life not of empty endeavors

Or thoughtlessly parlayed about—

It's a life that makes others take notice

With a whisper instead of a shout.

Feel the Groovy Beat

Hey, can you feel that beat--
That thumping 'neath your feet?
Do you feel it in your soul?
Are you 'bout to lose control?
It's a beat demanding dance,
So why not take a chance?
Shake your booty all around
To the rhythm of the sound.
Get folks boppin' 'cross the floor
In groups of two or three or four!
Feel the tempo in your brain.
It's not crazy...it's insane!
And it cannot be contained
Once it truly gets ingrained.
Your whole body boogies free
To this growng rhapsody.
As you rock with all you've got,
You just can't stay in one spot.
Take it out into the street;
Come on, feel the groovy beat!

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Laundry Secrets

Use dish soap to remove grease--
In particular, the Dawn brand.
And blood stains are not tragic
if you have peroxide on hand.
When drying puffy comforters,
After twenty minutes, fluff;
Then return them to the dryer--
That should keep them fluffy enough.
Clean your dryer vent every time--
And yearly, the entire vent.
Add white vinegar to the wash;
It boosts the soap power spent.
For stains, soak in cold water,
Even overnight for the worst.
Apply stain remover, rub together;
Wash, cold or warm--but treat FIRST.
The more stubborn a stain is,
The longer the soak before.
It's amazing what can come clean
Without a long-lasting chore.
Wash your towels only in cold;
Hot water will make them scratch.
Fabric softeners do the opposite
When towels are in the batch.
Laundry detergent sheets
Are better than chemical soaps.
They're also very effective
And bound to meet your hopes.
Natural cleaners like vinegar,
Baking soda, and lime
Will take out many stains
And save you fruitless time.
Essential oils extend freshness
And are also antiseptic,
They kill off bacterial nasties
And make washing clothes less hectic.
Vinegar and club soda
Will even take out poop.
Soak, rinse, wring, and scrub--
By now, you've got the scoop.
Simple folding--nothing fancy--
Will help put away laundry faster.
Then clean items won't pile into
A mountain too big to master.
Thus ends the sharing of secrets
For those who must do laundry.
They just might come in handy
If you find yourself in a quandary.

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Total Sliders...Yum

Almost anything goes on a slider
You can shred beef or chicken or pork
If a slider becomes extra messy
You can always resort to a fork
Put on pineapple, peppers, or onions
To add to the overall taste
Then savor the rich, tasty goodness
Do not eat a slider in haste
The really great thing about sliders--
You're encouraged to eat more than one!
Adobo, ranch, pesto, aeoli
The saucing is part of the fun
Each morsel should feel like a party,
A true total slider feed-fest
Dill pickles, fried egg, avocado
The epicure chooses what's best
No matter what combo of contents
Or toppings complete the display,
Be careful to not heap too thickly
So the contents will not slide away!

Saturday, January 11, 2025

This is Good Stuff

Introvert

Thoughtful, observant

Reasoning, composing, perfecting

Unwinder, decompressor, talker, initiator

Sharing, socializing, risk-taking

Friendly, approachable

Extrovert

How it Can Be

"You'll never know until you try"
Is what my mother said,
Along with other phrases
Like "Remember--use your head."
"Take a chance" but "Watch your step"
And "Look before you leap."
"Cross that bridge when you come to it"
And "Don't get in too deep."
"Don't take any wooden nickels"
And "Keep your eyes peeled."
The caution, "Don't get your hopes up"
Or the vow, "My lips are sealed."
See, some business is too risky,
But courage sets one free.
Use wisdom to assess the two,
And find out how it can be.

Berry Go 'Round

Berries in my muffins
Berries in my cakes
Berries on my oatmeal
Berries in my shakes
Berries in my crepes
Berries in my pie
Berries eaten slowly
Berries on the fly
Berries in the summer
Fresh and round and blue
Nothing makes a better snack
Than blueberries do

It's Home

A home's not made by painted walls
Or even a manicured lawn.

It's not defined by its roofline
Or even what street it's on.
A home's made a home by those within,
Who share a loving bond.
You can relax there, be yourself,
Be creative, and beyond.
It's a place you're not eager to leave,
For it is a solace to you.
Your home's where your heart's at rest
And your loved ones gather too.
It's where group meals are shared
And sentiments expressed,
Where you have a comfy space
And you're not required to get dressed.
Can a home still be a home
If residing solitary?
Absolutely; home reflects
The heritage we carry.
A home should be a place
That is welcoming to friends,
For the spirit of a home
Is a feeling that extends.
Therefore, your home may be--
At its pure and homey core--
A second home to someone
Who has found its open door.

Friday, January 10, 2025

Rock the Road

The road less traveled
Has bumps and craters,
Rough patches, detours,
And risk indicators.
But it's still the prime choice.
There'll be blessings throughout--
And peace for the journey
When taking this route.
Though trying at times--
And your nerves may wear thin--
This rare expedition
Holds beauty within.
And though unforeseen
It's incursions may be,
It's still the best road
That you ever will see--
'Cause Jesus goes with you,
And He'll steer you away
From smooth-seeming roads
That would lead you astray.
For you will find courage,
Your peace will increase,
And you'll rock the road--
For His mercies won't cease.

Thursday, January 9, 2025

The Classics

What are the classics of your life
That warranted instilling--
Moments that were meaningful
Or laughable or thrilling?
What annals became family jokes
Or stories that bring tears?
What tales of grand achievements
Or overcoming fears?
What anecdotes, told through the years,
Seem just like yesterday?
What treasured shared experiences
Perpetually stay?
And through these recollections
Of memory-reconvening
Do we find greater closeness
With those who share their meaning?

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Ground Ready

Remove the weeds
Till and nourish
Plant the garden
Help it flourish

Don't overwater
But keep it wet
Enjoy the lovely
Plants you'll get

Quality Collection

Some collect cars
To admire or restore.
Others comb rocks
Or shells from the shore.
There's no telling what
Certain folks might collect.
It's so individual--
The things they select.
It boils down to what
Satisfies or brings joy--
Old films, glass figures,
A vintage toy.
Collections reflect
What each "self" is about
And are fascinating
To check out.

Zoom

Zoom went the yellow car
Zoom went the blue
And as they zoomed,
The sound--it grew.
The blue turned left,
The yellow right.
The day was sunny,
Warm and bright.
It turns out that--
On obverse roads--
The cars were headed
To catch some toads.
The blue car
And the yellow too
Both arrived
At Toad Bayou.
As each car parked
(For there was room),
The blue and yellow
Cars went zoom.

Camp Barbecue

Burgers on the barbecue
Healthy fire a-cinder
Dad wouldn't let it shrink
He was always adding tinder
And dowsing with lighter fluid
To make the fire roar
He'd ask what cheese we wanted--
A choice of three or four
We spread the Best Foods Mayo
(There is no other kind)
And on sides of fruit or chips
Or potato salad, dined
Dad was always smiling
His joy was nothing new
At home out in the forest
At our camp barbecue

Community Spirit

Community spirit--let's hear it!
Potluck on our street--how neat
Like collective drums--boys are chums
Neighbors would care--today it's rare
If only briefly--kinship chiefly
Oh for the days--of neighborly ways
The heart does revere it--community spirit.

Brick House

That third little pig
Had an engineering mind
And built a strong house

A house made of brick
Is strong enough to outwit
A nasty old wolf

Vintage

There are memories--
Designs, appliances, cars
They're now called vintage

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Climb

Don't forget to look up
To see where you are going
The mountain may seem large

But know God's grace is flowing
You'll make it--yes, you will
Believe and keep ascending
You'll cross the streams and forests
Keep learning, growing, bending
There's much to be accomplished
And knowledge you will glean
Climb on, and meet each challenge
The summit's quite a scene

Sneaky

Three little squirrels were sneaking
To steal some nuts and seeds
From an unsuspecting chipmunk
Who lived among the weeds
But he was watching for them
And threw some sticks and bark
So their plan of being sneaky
Was not a walk in the park

Goldilocks

Goldilocks went in the woods one day
Her folks didn't know she'd gone astray
She found a house and opened the door
There were beds, chairs, and porridge galore
She fell asleep--and woke with a scare--
Face to face with a great big bear
She ran home faster than a squirrel
Her parents were happy to see their girl
But Goldilocks was even more glad
And never took off without Mom or Dad

Wishing You Happiness

Wishing you happiness, jokes that are funny,
A chair that is soft, and a day that is sunny.
May you throw yourself into your day with pep

And find new joys in every step.
But first, it's possible coffee is needed,
So that your snap won't be impeded.
Wishing you happiness, Shoes that fit--
And in your fine pursuits, stay lit.

Monday, January 6, 2025

Cousins

Not quite like siblings but cooler than peers
The people you party with, leaping through years
You hear the same stories and share family quirks
You plot crazy missions--and sometimes it works
It's never the same when one is not there
You're part of a gang fueled by jest and root beer
A cousin's a gift and a lively accomplice
To make family gatherings go cattywampus
Amid all the messes and times they may fight,
The cousin accord is a bond that is tight

Lemon Custard

Lemon custard, oh my word
In between chiffon and curd
Tart and sweet in unison
Eating it is so much fun

Mushrooms & Toadstools

Oyster and button and beech and maitake
Fat portobello and smoky shitake
Flowering, fruiting, or growing in rings
Shrooms are a few of my favorite things

Scarlet red waxcaps and golden ear clusters
Bright boho patterns on hip tie dye dusters
Milk mushrooms, wood ears, and gilled Angel's wings
Shrooms are a few of my favorite things

Chanterelle, creminis, and edible trumpets
Buttered wild mushrooms, with garlic, on crumpets
Varied morels that appear in the spring
Shrooms are a few of my favorite things

There is no stool
Like a toadstool
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember these marvelous shrooms
And then I don't feel so bad

Saturday, January 4, 2025

Light and Springy

Luxurious grass between the toes,
Soft to the touch like a satiny rose.
Angel food cake with a rebounding squish,
Light like a slice of a cloud on your dish.
A diversified salad with greens of each hue--
Petite, wide, and lacy--arugula too.
A volleyball leaguer who's quick to the net;
She stays attack-ready and won't miss a set.

A bloom-laden hillside of dainty florets

Says spring has come--time to let go of regrets.
Whatever sparks light, springy feelings in you,
Take note in your soul and bid winter adieu.

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Flying in May

Spring blossoms, birds a-lighting
On branches flowering anew
Bees buzzing 'round the flowers
To suck up pollen-goo
The butterflies appear again
To tell us spring is here
Small winged creatures flying
In May, this time of year

I'll Do It Later

How often parents' plain requests
Are met with mild rebuff
In the form of "I'll do it later"
'Cause they're doing other "stuff"
But sadly, in this synopsis,
The duties are oft unrecalled
And varied excuses given
As to why completion was stalled
It's then that frustration hits
For the parent who made the request
So the policy of doing it now
Appears to be the best

Bedtime

Bedtime should be a happy time
One's bed his sanctuary
A cloud to bask in slumber
And dream the imaginary
To clutch one's favorite blanket
And rest one's weary head
Let it sink into the pillow
And be glad it's time for bed

Open to the Possibilities

Just strolling along through life
Observant of all the new things
Flexible, frolicky, fun-bent
Like a puppet with alternate strings
I can go in any direction
The world is my oyster, they say
So I'm open to the possibilities
That present themselves to me today

Just Kidding

Somebody's sending Morse code
Or building a tree house maybe
Or the noise could be the rattle
Of the next-door neighbor's baby
I think it must be a peashooter
It's the boy 'cross the street, you'll see
Oops, I was wrong...just kidding...
It's a woodpecker tapping a tree

Let's Fall in Love

Meet me at my window
When night is fully black
Our parents may be rivals
But that can't hold us back
I want to get to know you
And gaze into your eyes
Let's fall in love, in secret,
Beneath the moonlit skies

Carrots

Garden's gold
Good for sight
Bunny's dinner
Crunchy delight

XOXO

Let me draw you a nice hot bath
With sweet-smelling salts that soften
A relaxing soak by candlelight
'Cause you need to relax more often
If the temperature cools too much,
Just call me--I'll warm it to perfection
I want you to be comfortable
With each element meeting inspection
I've put on some gentle music
Played at a background tone
So you can feel at ease
And enjoy your time alone
And here are some super-soft towels
And your favorite pajamas awaiting
So you can stay warm and cozy
Once you're done exfoliating

It's an act of love and warm thought
Like a single, perfect rose
Or signing a card to a loved one
With a series of x-es and o's

Finding the Key to Love

You have to frequent places
Where like-hearted people go
Don't compromise your standards

Let a 'no' remain a 'no'
Be careful with your feelings
Your heart deserves protecting
You'll never find the key
If you're busy genuflecting
True love is found as equals
The key is loving yourself
If you have to change who you are
That key will remain on the shelf

Every Step

With every step along the trail
There's business to be done--
A feeding here, a brushing there--
Small victories to be won;
A rabbit stew that represents
The daily hunt's success
And after resting through the night,
At daylight, on we press.
A town ahead is like a dream--
A country store, an inn--
Supplies to boost our spirits
Until our next ride-in.
We''ve sampled the local pie--
butter brickle a la mode--
A small treat to accompany
The staples we must load.
New shoes for tired, worn horses;
And grain--their finest friend.
In the morning, continue westward,
Every step coming nearer the end.

All Sing

The robiin, perched,
Up in its tree
Trills waking notes
For you and me--
And gearing up
To launch on wing,
In chirping hope
It hails, "All sing."

Alaska Spirit

Adventure laced with
A sense of rugged reason
And sun-kissed, fresh awe