Living with Confidence

A very early poem of mine was entitled “Still a Desperate Man” which was inspired by Eric Church’s top country music hit of “Desperate Man.”  If you missed the earlier poem, follow the link.  I want to thank Jim Borden of Borden’s Blather for encouraging me to write this sequel.  I encourage you to check out Jim’s blog with its wonderful and inspiring variety of posts.

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Waking up each morning, right on time

My alarm clock allows this day to climb

Feeling happiness—this life now rhymes

 

Driving to work in a brand new set of wheels

With low monthly payments, my wallet squeals

Feeling joy—kicking up these dancing heels

 

Returning from work, this day’s in the books

Satisfied with how that hefty, new raise looks

Feeling elation—inviting a new life’s chinook

 

Opening up the fridge, filled with favorite delights

Dinner tonight, taking taste buds to new heights

Feeling serenity—life marches in bright lights

 

Opening the mail one quiet afternoon

My love’s note makes this heart swoon

Feeling peace—love takes us to the moon

 

Looking forward to seeing her this weekend

Her love will always be a blessed godsend

Feeling humility—life no longer at loose ends

 

This incredible life now follows a new game plan

Sailing calm waters aboard life’s catamaran

No longer will I ever feel like a desperate man

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Nature’s Endless Song

I feel so fortunate to have so much of nature’s treasures not far from my front door.  Two metro parks are a short drive away, and their endless song always beckons me to return.  The photos used with this poem were taken in central Ohio at various times of the year.

Nature will never sing the blues

Her beauty sends out blessed clues

 

Walking with her in tranquil woods

Sharing her soul, always feels good

 

Moments cherished, singing with joy

Her spirit brings much to enjoy

 

Spending endless hours in her care

Filling with melodies to share

 

Life’s journey follows nature’s tune

Her endless smile reaches the moon

 

Smelling the essence of tall pines

Tasting better than vineyard’s wines

 

Cycle of living never fades

Nature coyly playing charades

 

Changing seasons bring new décor

Hearing symphonies, voices soar

 

Autumn sets up winter’s game plan

Spring fading into summer’s tan

 

Composing its endless, ageless song

Hearing nature, singing along

 

Coast to Coast

worms eye view photography of statue of liberty

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Sightseeing from Atlantic to Pacific coasts

Experiencing America, with much to boast

 

Lady Liberty’s gleaming torch welcomes all

Blazing autumn colors define Vermont’s fall

 

Appalachians conceal valleys, nestled with small towns

Nashville plays music for biggest “Country” hoedown

 

Florida’s Everglades house gators galore

Across America’s skies, bald eagles soar

 

Commanding Mississippi River slices through the land

Florida and California beaches offer up surf and sand

 

Interstate highways transport autos everywhere

Great Lakes provide a waterway, here to there

 

New Orleans offering its French Quarter to entertain

To the South, Rio Grande River creates a watery lane

 

America’s breadbasket reaps harvests from the Great Plains

Loaded grain, freight, and more journey on mile-long trains

 

Towering Rockies sing of marvelous beauty up high

Visiting out West, appreciating a Big Montana Sky

 

Seattle’s Pike’s Market, a distinctive place to treasure

California’s redwoods, their height is one to measure

 

Arid Southwest rains bloom flowers throughout the land

Grand Canyon’s brilliant scenery plays a winning hand

 

Finally reaching the Pacific coast at long last

The Golden Gate Bridge arrives much too fast

golden gate bridge san francisco california

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Wild Violet

bloom blooming blossom blur

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She returns annually to announce the arrival of spring

Heart-shaped flowers will bring vivid beauty that sings

 

She loves the cool and damp spring air

Shaded from the sunlight brings no cares

 

She possesses a cute and dainty look

Green fields invite a walk along a brook

 

She adores the color purple, dark is best

Sadly, others see her beauty as a pest

 

She loves to pause in gardens for relaxation

Butterflies seek her as a beautiful attraction

 

She experienced vigorous growth in her younger days

Ancient Greeks consider her a symbol of love that stays

 

She meanders now as a traveler seeking only fun

Looking out at a calm creek called Wild Violet Run

 

There really is a small stream called Wild Violet Run near Pickerington, Ohio in Violet Township, which is located in northwestern Fairfield County.

Writer’s Notebook

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Today, I am pausing to reflect on my writing journey.  Perhaps it is the teacher in me that wants to share these thoughts.  I am definitely a “rookie” when it comes to writing, but I feel energized each day with my writing, which never seems to be a chore.

These points are written in no particular order.  Just call them ramblings of a curious writer, who is enjoying his retirement while finding a new passion to fill some of his time.

  • Find a way to discover your inspiration to write.  For me, my morning walks seem to create a whirl of new ideas and interesting thoughts.
  • Establish a habit of writing frequently.  Many accomplished writers have said this in what I have read.  From my days of teaching fundamentals as a basketball coach, I understand and appreciate the use of repetition, repetition, repetition. Now translated into write, write, write.
  • Don’t worry about perfection.  Your first draft is an excellent beginning, but you should never fuss about what an initial start looks like.
  • Appreciate any feedback that you receive about your writing.  Draw encouragement from others who may follow, comment, or like your creation.
  • Perhaps this point should be at the top of the list.  Enjoy what you do.  Have FUN!!