Built On a Challenge

Life is built on a challenge--
Or many a challenge, in fact.
It's the challenges we accept
That can make a true impact.
The challenge to follow dreams;
The challenge to be a friend;
The challenge to have good health--
The challenges never end.
We're challenged in academics,
Or sports if we're so inclined.
We're challenged to solve problems
To get ourselves out of a bind.
We're challenged by everyday choices--
And whether those choices will hold
Is the challenge to learn and grow,
That continues on til we're old.
Yes, life is built on a challenge
To be who we're meant to be,
So along the way, I'll challenge you--
And in turn, you can challenge me.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

In the Middle of It All

Buttin' in like a bunny in a cabbage patch
Pushin' like a chick that's about to hatch
Pouncin' in like a cat does, to catch a mouse
Diggin' dirt like a dog does 'round its house
If it ain't your business, just stay in your lane
'Stead of up in the middle drivin' folks insane 

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Creepy

Strangely-shaped mushrooms and odd ocean creatures
Misshapen forms with unsettling features
Nocturnal goblins and dark things with wings
These are a few of the creepiest things

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Innovative Beyond the Ordinary

Every newfangled invention
That makes its way into our hands
Helps make daily life smoother
And meet the public's demands:
Exercise, sleep, mattress comfort--
Each day more needs are addressed;
Kitchen tools, weight loss, storage--
Solutions that leave us impressed.
But every new innovation
Or discovery that sets the pace
Was extraordinary at first,
Before it became commonplace.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

To, From

To my daughter, my niece, my aunt,
My love, my son, cousin, and bro;
My co-worker, counselor, colleague,
My pastor, a friend that I know,
My sister, my nephew, my grams,
My uncle, my gramps, aesthetician,
Granddaughter, grandson, or boss,
My coach, my penpal, beautician,
My nail salon tech, my instructor,
My mentor, my sponsor, my pet,
My Amazon driver, my mailman,
The cashier I will not forget,
My food delivery person,
My Uber driver, my plumber,
My HVAC guy, my housekeeper,
The guy who sold me my Hummer,
My neighbor, my make-up supplier,
My publisher, manager, agent,
And even to Jake from State Farm--
And the doctor, when I am a patient:
I appreciate you wholeheartedly;
Just making sure you are aware.
From me to you, let it be known--
You're important; I see you; I care.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Your Home, Your Garden

Sometimes a home or garden
So exemplifies a look
That it winds up being featured
In a magazine or book.
But I've found what really matters
In such considerations
Is what truly makes you happy,
Whether rocks or pink impatiens
Or succulents 'round yard ponds
Or bushes sculpted prim,
A wishing well or birdbath--
Whatever strikes your whim.
A home can also spotlight
One's personality
In color or in content
Or both, as it may be.
Are tribal masks your thing
Or floral prints and hues
Or are hand-crafted woodworks
The elements you'd use?
Do you lean into boho
Or maybe minimalistic?
Perhaps you favor coastal
Or veer more realistic,
With traditional rich textures,
Damask, and even lines--
Or maybe gardenista
With lots of hanging vines.
The point is: what you choose
Is completely up to you,
Whether it be old-fashioned
Or a style that's completely new.
It is your home, your garden;
So remember, in your quest--
If you do you, the outcome
Will always suit you best.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Mom: Force of Nature

My mom was a force of nature-- 
Like a thunderstorm when mad,
But she'd always make me laugh 
If I was feeling sad.
She was my greatest champion, 
Even when I'd erred.
She loved without condition.
Her actions showed she cared.
She wanted to protect me
From hurts that she'd lived through; 
To spare me pain and sorrow, 
She'd do all she could do

My mom was a force of nature. 
Her laughter filled a space. 
And when she sang, her joy was like 
The sunshine on her face.
She liked to act "tough" sometimes; 
And tough she was, for sure-- 
For she'd suffered things that no one
Should ever have to endure.
Yet her generosity flourished;

Her heart was as big as the sky,
And she'd give you the shirt off her back 
Without a mere blink of an eye.

My mom was a force of nature--
A lightning bolt of spunk--
Not clouded by others' opinions;
She'd chalk them up as bunk.
She wasn't an intellectual 
And didn’t like watching the news;
And when politics came up,
Her "discussion" was to refuse.
She possessed a deeper wisdom 
And a faith like a mighty tree.
Yes, Mom was a force of nature, 
And that nature lives in me.