The first assignment in the writing course I took at Regent College was predicated on a statement Sylvia Plath had made – that she could not put a toothbrush in a poem. Our assigment was to do exactly that, (bonus marks for making it a love poem.) Dare I say that many bristled at theContinue reading “Sylvia Was Right”
Category Archives: Poetry
Let Your Light So Shine
I find this simulated image of a black hole slightly terrifying – that gaping hole of nothingness from which there is no escape. To me, it hints of the isolation, anxiety, and despair that many people are experiencing right now, in the middle of the Covid 19 crisis. Not unlike that bleak painting by EdwardContinue reading “Let Your Light So Shine”
Cohesion
I’m beginning to lose track of how many days we are into this lockdown and this is perhaps a funny title to serve you in the middle of this time when we are all called to isolation. But the apostle Paul prayed that our hearts would be knit together in love, Col 2:2. Let’s learnContinue reading “Cohesion”
Sun Dried Memories
I’d heard people bragging about their grandchildren, pulling out bulging wallets of photos, sharing every brilliant word or act. I was mildly sceptical and completely unprepared for the emotions when ours arrived. I’d never known my own grandparents so was unaware of the strength and potential power of that bond. We lived in the sameContinue reading “Sun Dried Memories”
Morning at the Laundromat
Is there a more challenging relationship than marriage? I certainly haven’t found one. Yes, parenting stretched me – lots, it still does. But marriage, marriage killed me. Which I kind of suspected from the beginning is what it was meant to do. After all, if the two are meant to become one flesh- it seemsContinue reading “Morning at the Laundromat”
How Can These Things Be ?
I was surprised when the counsellor I was seeing told me it would be good for me to attend Alanon. Apparently he didn’t get that I wasn’t the one with the problems – he assured me I was. And, although I was naively surprised, ( if I’d asked my friends…) it also suffused me withContinue reading “How Can These Things Be ?”
When the Bough Breaks
A few years ago a back hoe levelled a part of our yard so we could build a patio. I was shocked to see the size of the tree roots that were exposed some 50 feet away from the towering maples on the edge of the yard. I cowered under those trees once during aContinue reading “When the Bough Breaks”
Pronouns
No, I’m not going to ask you for yours or offer mine. I wrote this long before that was a topic of discussion. Years ago I took a writing course at Regent College in Vancouver BC, taught by the wonderful Luci Shaw. It was a smallish class, possibly 30 people, from around the US andContinue reading “Pronouns”
Houseguest
When I was buying a new bed a few years back, the saleman asked me how long I wanted my guests to stay. Apparently there are beds that are comfortable indefinitely, for three days or maybe not even overnight. I’m sure we’ve all had guests we can apply to each of those categories – noContinue reading “Houseguest”
Just Jammin
Over the years I have written dozens and dozens of little ditties, on birthdays and anniversaries, for friends and relatives to honor them and/or poke fun at them. Writing for my grandchildren has been a way for me to communicate the delight I have in both them and poetry. A BREAKFAST POEM FOR LUKE Continue reading “Just Jammin”
