Big Sky Buckeye

A writer's journey continues

Power of Words

Posted on January 7, 2021 by bigskybuckeye

Words used every day

Little or much to say

Used in positive ways

Conveying life’s essays

Mindful, powerful voices

Daily, humble choices

Impacting other lives

Celebrate with high fives

Disciplined purpose speaks

Positivity seeks

Sharing tender kindness

Truthful, without blindness

Careful to help and heal

Offering a square deal

Words paying it forward

True and straightforward

Thoughtful expressions said

Weaving with tender thread

Replace evil with good

Words plain and understood

Honest lyrics in song

Carried through all day long

Life unfolds from our text

Watchful where words go next

**Photo by Anna Tarazevich on Pexels.com**

This poem was written several days before January 6, 2021. Its intention was to praise and encourage the positive power of words. The events taking place in Washington, DC on January 6 showed the negative power of words. How will our future words speak?

Incessant

Posted on September 19, 2020 by bigskybuckeye

This poem takes a different route from much of my usual poetry. It begins with the word “incessant” and carries this meaning throughout the poem with various synonyms. Using free verse, the number of syllables remains consistent with seven in the odd-numbered lines and ten in the even-numbered ones. Thanks for reading and enjoy!

**Photo by VisionPic .net on Pexels.com**

Early in the morning’s peace

Welcoming the incessant quietness

Predawn light creates shadows

Enjoying their unending playfulness

Cool, crisp air signals autumn

Witnessing the season’s ceaseless nature

Solitary doe walks nearby

Looking for tender grass, endless craving

Neighbor walking her collie

Moving with an uninterrupted pace

Front porch provides morning roost

Dreaming now of countless, unbroken thoughts

Past memories parade on by

Watching an ongoing video show

Former students fill the room

Flourishing with unflagging attention

Grandchildren always gather

Hearing constant laughter, bringing a smile

North wind gusts with icy chill

Feeling winter biting with nonstop bliss

Frigid cold invades the porch

Warming now, by persistent fireplace flames

Life has been kind, a blessing

Spending everlasting time with our Lord

**From the front porch, one can sit and watch the entire day unfold.**

America’s Renewed Declaration

Posted on July 4, 2020 by bigskybuckeye

From John 8:32: “And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

Blessed land stretching from ocean to ocean

Spacious skies wink at fields of abundant grain

Framed in by towering, majestic mountains

God’s Grace covering the land like fruitful rain

Lady Liberty extends her message of hope

Calling out, only demanding to breathe free

Ensuring freedom for the huddled masses

Keeping her torch lite, from sea to shining sea

Asking God to mend a nation’s ills and flaws

Lifting praises up to the Father above

His glory be forever praised here below

Liberty and freedom shall ring, filled with love

Forgiving our nation’s errors and transgressions

Healing hearts of discord, peace now safeguarded

Leading this nation out of its dark wilderness

Remembering an old path, long discarded

Nation founded from scratch, with lasting vision

“All men are created equal” crying out

Endowed from the Creator, come certain rights

Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness shout

“America the Beautiful” is a beloved song. You are invited to listen to this familiar song, as sung by Lee Greenwood

Living with Confidence

Posted on July 1, 2020 by bigskybuckeye

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.

**Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com**

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

Nature’s Endless Song

Posted on June 27, 2020 by bigskybuckeye

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

Posted on September 5, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

worms eye view photography of statue of liberty

Photo by Jamie McInall on Pexels.com

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

Photo by Ignacio Palés on Pexels.com

Wild Violet

Posted on February 27, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Photo by PhotoMIX Ltd. on Pexels.com

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

Posted on November 11, 2018 by bigskybuckeye

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!!

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