Brave Intimacy: February 2025

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Finds and Favorites

I have some favorite mugs
That loved ones have bestowed
And favorite treasured knick knacks
Dispersed through my abode.
Good books and tidy baskets,
Containers, toys, and cards--
Some useful and some joyful,
Most kept with warm regards.
My turquoise shelves, my craft stuff,
My hutch, my Christmas gnomes--
So many things are showcased
Or used within my home.
And though I am a thrifter,
With favorites yet to find,
The ones I love are certainly
The best, most favorite kind.

Hello, sea urchins,
Sea nettles, sea snails
Hello, octopi,
Giant squids, blue whales
Hello, sea turtles,
King Crabs, manta rays
Hello, reef sharks,
Moon jellies, Morays
Hello, mussels,
Clams, cuttlefish,
Dwarf pygmy goby—
Barely making a swish
So many creatures
Inhabit the sea,
Yet few do we know
In their intricacy
Amid kelp and seaweed
There’s exploration
In sea caves, vents,
And rocky formations
Yet much marine life
Remains on the Q.T.,
So we say “Hello, ocean”
And embrace mystery

Grand Canyon Culture

The Grand Canyon--
A sight that is wholly unique--
And it's cultural past
Adds to its mystique
Many tribes have lived
Throughout the coulee
And have formed
An intriguing history
The Navajo, Yavapai, Paiute
Are some who helped
The land bear fruit
The Hopi put "dry farming " to use
To cause the arid
Land to produce
The Skywalk,
Made to see the sights,
Extends from the Canyon rim
At great heights
The Hualapai manage
This great resource,
Which enhances
Viewing appeal, in course
Their Village demonstrates,
For visitors there,
How indigenous people
Did traditionally fare
Switching Canyon levels,
As the seasons demanded,
The Havasupai
Together banded
Living along
A rich tributary,
They hunted--and gathered
All they could carry
In storied stone homes
Or dwelling in cliffs,
The Grand Canyon tribes
Utilized nature's gifts
Pueblos,
Another dwelling kind
Were homes where
Art and craft skills shined
Through songs and customs
Generations old,
These people's made the Canyon
Truly Grand to behold

Monday, February 17, 2025

By Nature

By nature, I'm a writer;
It's always been the case.
It never was a question
But simply commonplace.
I always had a pencil--
For I had tales to tell--
And penning little rhymes,
Which I could do quite well.
I can't begin to stop it--
I write, as I breathe air.
I'm born to be a writer,
With thoughts I'm meant to share.

Extra! Extra!

Extra! Extra! Get the facts
News to learn and marvel at
Be pulled in by that which awes,
Fascinates, and makes you pause
Follow fast event reports,
Human interest, even sports
Answer the mesmerizing call
Extra! Extra! Read it all

Feel Inspired

Majestic mountain vista
Supremely wooded glen
The ocean roaring, rumbling
The master writer's pen
A horse--wild, free, and running--
And spirited, with zeal
A pianist's arrangement,
Whose playing makes one feel
Emotions deep, impassioned,
And reveling in the present
The joy of treasured friendships
That makes the time spent pleasant
The laughter of small children,
The wonder in their eyes,
Reminding one to linger
And take life on for size
So many things can move us,
Make solemn or excite
To feel inspired is blessed
And keeps our hearts alight

Good Tips & Good Ideas

Life is full of tips,
Ideas for slight upgrades
Or revamping of systems
Worthy of accolades
"There's always room for improvement,"
Or so the saying goes
But which ideas to choose;
Which ones are best--who knows?
It can be overwhelming
Or make you feel deficient
When faced with countless options
To make life more efficient
Though sparking some excitement
When initially they're found,
To implement takes effort
To which most folks aren't bound
So when it comes down to it,
Though useful, full of rizz,
Most wonders of enrichment
Remain simply "good ideas"

Sunday, February 16, 2025

If

If I were a book,
I'd sit through the ages
Til someone or somebodies
Opened my pages
If I were a keychain,
I'd jangle-dangle free,
Swaying back and forth
With the turn of a key
If I were a mushroom,
I'd grow a large dome
And be nature's stool
For a frog or a gnome
If I were a spacecraft,
I'd soar--no restraints--
Exploring the cosmos,
The heavens' grand paints
And if I were you--
Well, that's easy to cite;
I always know best
For another man's plight
And if it were me
With resources to chance,
Well...it's hard to predict
Acts or plans in advance
So...if I am me
(And indeed, that is true),
I should not act as if
I know what's best for you
For in fact I might know
And a helpful way show
But my attitude shouldn't
Be that of a pro
For if I'm (yes!) human,
I stumble and fall,
And no one pays heed
To a proud know-it-all

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Capturing Life

Take pictures, be present,
Let fun fully begin.
Collect small mementos;
Let memories sink in.
Experience new things,
Both silly and stirring,
With those that you love
As time's still enduring.
And while you're enjoying
Each point of your story,
You'll be capturing life
In all of its glory.

Beautiful Once Upon a Time

A "happily ever after"
To tie up all loose ends;
A story where unlikely
Conversants become friends.
A seeker finds the gold.
A young man finds a wife
Of rare and noble quality,
To lead a blissful life.
All foes end up defeated,

And ancient spells are ceased.
A frog becomes a prince,
And Beauty tames the Beast.
A series of good fortunes,
With underdogs contending;
A "once upon a time"
That leads to a beautiful ending.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

The Sphinx

The regal Sphinx
In stillness
Winks
As if to hide
The thoughts it
Thinks
And when I turn
My head, it
Blinks
As if it were
A solemn
Jinx
Yet steadfast stands
The frozen
Sphinx

Know a Reliable Way to Pick a Tortoise

Identify its sex
By checking bottom side
Make sure its many needs
You're able to provide
Can you offer space and safety
Is this animal your best fit?
Do you really want a tortoise,
Or will you grow tired of it?
Estate info will be vital;
It'll probably outlive you!
And the tortoise's next owner
Will need to know what to do
Make sure you know its history
And also preferred types of chow
And since it's a centenarian,
First find out how old it is now!

Help When It's Too Heavy

When it's too heavy, set it down
And get perspective fresh and new
You cannot see when it's stacked up,
And you might miss a blessing too
Take time to watch what makes you laugh
Put on some music for your soul
Talk with close friends who hear your heart,
For they will help relieve the toll
Take time alone--but not to fret
Drive to the beach and watch the waves
Lean on the wisdom you have gleaned
Commission prayer warriors and braves
Authentic hugs can boost one's spirits
And even snacks can help one rally
Don't fall lost captive to the "musts"
Life's worth much more than just a tally
God's got a promise for your quagmire
And a solution for your mess
Stop looking where the pit is deeper,
For that will lead to more distress
At Jesus' feet, a drop-off station
For all your cares and trials lies
When it's too heavy, give Him leeway
Then, in His strength, you will arise