Another leaf falls
Bridging summer and winter—
Turning autumn’s page
Breathing much improved
Allergy sufferers’ praise—
Fall’s frosty morning
Photographer’s dream
Autumn’s bursting colors wave—
Camera smiles back
Note: Being red-green color blind, I couldn’t recognize the contrast in colors until I looked at this photo.
The true worth of a race must be measured by the character of its womanhood.
Our children must never lose their zeal for building a better world.
Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) was an American educator, philanthropist, and civil rights activist. A daughter of former slaves, she made a significant impact in the lives of many.
Written in June, 2019, this light-hearted poem takes a curious look at names of professional sports teams.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Sports teams abound
Loyal fans cheer on
Unique names astound
What is a Laker?
Honoring “Land of 10,000 Lakes”
Minnesota becomes Los Angeles Lakers
What is a Dodger?
In Brooklyn, dodging the trolley tracks
Becoming baseball’s “Dem Bums”—the Dodgers
What is a Canuck?
Referring to a French Canadian
Now hockey’s Vancouver Canucks
What is a Celtic?
Honoring Irish, Welsh, and others
Now a trademark of the Boston Celtics
Who are the Knickerbockers?
Remembering Dutch settlers’ trousers
NBA Knicks shortened from Knickerbockers
Why the Wizards?
Depicting violence as the NBA’s Bullets
Transformed into the energized Wizards
What is the meaning of the Mets?
Official team name of baseball’s Metropolitans
Becoming New York’s “Amazin’ Mets”
What’s with the Jazz?
Utah certainly doesn’t fit today
Formerly in New Orleans as the Jazz
Why the Cleveland Browns?
Sounding like such a simple name
Founded by their coach Paul Brown
Pausing now to catch an exciting game
Let’s hope their name brings them fame
We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.
Winston Churchill (1874-1965) served the United Kingdom as Prime Minister from 1940-1945 and later from 1951-1955. He unwavering leadership during World War II lifted the spirits of his nation in the darkest of times. He was also a prolific writer with countless published works.
Growing up with little
On life’s other side of
Prosperity’s tracks
Feeling little love
Orphaned and now alone
Facing endless trials
Not famous and rich
Walking distant miles
Mansion never lived in
Dreaming of special place
Emptiness drains time
Leaving drifter’s race
Searching for happiness
Another evening fire
Nomad’s life stirring
Finding what inspires
One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man.
To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.
Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915) was an American writer, philosopher, and artist. Much of his work became more recognized in the years following his death when both he and his wife perished with the sinking of the RMS Lusitania during World War I.
From Psalm 121:1-2: “I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Dark perils come knocking
From where will “real” hope come?
Dreaded illness stalking
Hearing death’s haunting drum
His steadfast assurance
Calvary’s lasting love
Heavenly insurance
Breathing from God above
Forever life’s keeper
Never pausing to rest
Eternity’s doorkeeper
Refilling life with zest
Tomorrow’s sunrise beams
Hope reborn and glowing
Healthy spirit fills dreams
Believing and knowing
This poem touches upon a personal reflection of my own Dad, who contracted Covid several months ago. Despite being vaccinated, his underlying health conditions put him at great risk from the disease. I give thanks every day that he has recovered and can look forward to his upcoming 87th birthday.
Bible history is filled with people who began the race with great success but failed at the end because they disregarded God’s rules.
From Proverbs 13:13: “Those who despise a word bring destruction on themselves, but those who respect a command will be rewarded.”
The writing of this poem is inspired from the works of American poet, Walt Whitman (1819-1892).
Escaping life’s hectic pace
Finding nature’s retreat
Breathing her refreshing air
Freedom’s open love seat
Waking to blessed sunrise
Living off nature’s land
Sowing seeds, fertile harvest
Freedom’s new motherland
Pursuing nature’s rhythm
Feeling never alone
Answering only to God
Freedom’s sturdy jawbone
Sleeping under nightly stars
Filling mind, mellow dreams
Sharing nature’s melodies
Freedom’s harmony beams
Experiencing new joy
Tasting nature’s flavor
Discovering Father’s gift
Freedom’s grace-filled favor
Happiness, not in another place but this place . . . not for another hour, but this hour.
I dream in my dreams all the dreams of the other dreamers. And I become the other dreamers.
Walt Whitman (1819-1892) was one of America’s most influential poets. His writing prowess was not only evident in his poems, but also in his work as a journalist and essayist.
Big Sky Buckeye 