something special

So now you’re encouraging me to continue

My practice of writing something special for you

At every stage of your life encouraging you

Expressing my love with words of sincere praise.

You’re established in a career so rewarding

Teaching children everything they need to know

So effective you get rave reviews all around

Yet not satisfied seeking greater challenges.

You model honesty in relationships

Considerate of everyone’s needs

Whoever you choose as a life partner

You’ll make sure if you can make it last.

All your life you have looked up to me

And I hope I never disappoint you

As my life is winding down yours is so alive

I am happy you are doing so well.

Now you have been places I’ve never been

And make plans perhaps to explore the world

I look forward to what the future will bring

Glad to be able to be here for you.

Hammock Park March 10, 2019

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jewels

These days there's no alarm to wake me

Jarred out of broken sleep tired to start my day

Rising in the winter darkness for so many years

Now just a memory receding into the past.

In those days the cold would get into my bones

Working outside doing what I had to do to get the job done

All the particulars flash back at me as I remember

Jumbled stories of hard times long ago that old people tell.

Now I can enjoy being outside in the south Florida warmth

Jumping over winter into spring experienced twice

As new life emerges leafing out with nests and eggs

To be followed by an encore when we return home.

With no black ice on the steps here to slip and fall

No snow drifts to clear away just to leave the house

No reason to stress about anything much

Just relax and take in the natural beauty of the place.

We are passing through this temporary juncture

Mindful of our health keeping active while we can

How sweet the sounds and sights and smells of the day

Jewels to us so precious to have and to hold.

Largo Nature Preserve March 9, 2019

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