Thursday, August 10, 2017

Swapping Brings Joy - Always

          Poetry Friday is hosted by Margaret Simon at Reflections on The Teche, and she's celebrating birthdays! Happy Birthday, Margaret. May poetry always sing to you, but especially on your special day!


          I'm taking the next week or more off to travel to my brother and sister-in-law's home in mid-Missouri, to view the eclipse! I am excited. My daughter and the granddaughters, perhaps my son, will join us and we are preparing for an amazing experience! I hope some of you will be able to view it where you are! My brother owns an antique store in the town where we'll be and he told me an artist stopped by who told him she travels the world to view the eclipses and to paint them. We're planning to see what she creates this time.

         More poetry, more wonderful swapping! I received a special package this week from across the ocean, from Iphigene Daradar in the Philippines! It's a fabulous poem and painting, and you've seen other wonderful paintings and poems by Iphigene, so you know I feel honored. Here's a picture of both, and the poem typed for easier reading. 
        Thanks Iphigene for bringing smiles to me a few days ago, and continually since!





You Are

You are the stillness
beneath the raging ocean
the depths that soothe ruffled
feathers, doubtful voices
across online landscapes

A calm washing over nerves
filling them with stories
that isolate not, building
a quiet community of 
gentle reassurance

You are arms outstretched 
wrapping itself around 
unsure bodies dancing
against life's rhythm

You are a summer day
of sandy beaches,
Watermelons, and 
children's laughter

You are what
makes living easy,
days sweet and 
kindness worth being.
        Iphigene Daradar


42 comments:

  1. Iphigene really captures what you're about, Linda! I'm so glad she swapped with us this summer.

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    1. I'm glad Iphigene participated, too. It was wonderful to trade with her! Thanks to you, Tabatha!

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  2. Linda, this part of Iphigene's poem makes me visualize you in Florida with your family:
    You are a summer day
    of sandy beaches,
    Watermelons, and
    children's laughter

    Her last stanza is a great summation of your spirit.

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    1. Thanks, Carol, it was a lovely surprise to read the poem and see that the ocean was in it.

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  3. Hi Linda,
    Thanks for featuring the poem I wrote. The whole poetry swap experience has been interesting and challenging for me. I am just glad that you enjoyed the poem and the painting. :) Phew!

    -iphigene

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    1. I did very much, Iphigene, and love sharing. Thank you again!

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  4. You are a summer day of sandy beaches -- love! What a treasure, Linda and Iphigene! Thinking of you, Linda as you travel for your eclipse adventure. Write poems!! xo

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    1. I "hope" I'll be able to write, Irene, but with all the family there, it gets rather busy. At least will add some words to the journal! Thanks!

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  5. I really do have to join this poetry swap next time around. What treasures everyone has recieved! And yours from Iphigene -- "Watermelons, and children's laughter" sum up summer, don't they? -- Christie @ https://wonderingandwondering.wordpress.com/

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    1. Yes, I hope you will, Christie. It's been a lovely summer and Iphigene's poem is a marvelous capture of some of the scenes.

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  6. What a beautiful poem - it absolutely captures the simple goodness in life, a much-needed reminder in these stressful and troubling times!

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    1. I know, it is one I will savor, Jane. Thanks!

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  7. Calm and kind and reassuring. Yes, Iphigene's poem describes you perfectly, Linda! Enjoy your eclipse adventure. Connecticut is well north of the path of the total eclipse, and I'll be at a conference on the 21st, so I'll look forward to reading about your experience. Happy viewing!

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    1. Thanks, I was smiling big after reading Iphigene's poem! And we are very excited about this eclipse trip. I know I'll share!

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  8. Love the brilliant blue in the painting and the poem captures you so well, especially your love of the ocean. Enjoy your time with family and the eclipse. My husband is camping in Oregon with a friend. Somehow, the crowds and heat do not appeal to me. So I'll enjoy his stories and adventures when he returns.

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    1. Happy to hear about your husband's adventure. We are all hoping that there are no clouds that day! Thanks, Ramona!

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  9. Breathtaking--and so calming! Enjoy your trip to view the eclipse. We are staying put. We aren't directly in the line of total darkness, but expect to experience about 95% of it.

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    1. 95% is a lot, I think. Enjoy it Kay. Thanks for coming by!

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  10. Such a precious package! Both the painting and words are priceless!

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  11. Oh Linda! I really do love this gift. Iphigene did a lovely job expressing her fondness for you. And I hope I get to see the eclipse here at the ridge, too!

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    1. I hope you have a great view from your place, Kiesha. Thanks, and yes, Iphigene's gift is wonderful.

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  12. A beautiful, rich art gift and descriptive poem, both lovely, enjoy them! And fill us in on your eclipse adventure.

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    1. I'll be sure to share about the eclipse! Thanks, Michelle!

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  13. Another example of the wonder and beauty of the poetry swap! Safe travels and eclipse viewing!

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    1. The swap is special, I agree! Thanks for the wishes, Molly!

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  14. That poem is summer in all its beachy glory. I love it, and it brings the peaceful feelings of Linda B.'s poetry with it, along with Iphigene's sense of the depths and undercurrents. Thanks for sharing it.

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    1. You're welcome, Brenda, I love both gifts, and am still missing that beach every day!

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  15. So lovely, Linda! Thanks for sharing!

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  16. Thanks for sharing Iphigene's work. Enjoy your eclipse trip and don't forget your safety glasses!

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    1. You're welcome, Diane. The glasses have been purchased and checked to be sure they are the "approved" ones! Exciting!

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  17. I love that she captured you in all your various forms. Better than a painted portrait.

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    1. It is a nice poem, and as I've said a lot, I'm honored. Thanks, Linda!

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    2. Hope your birthday was terrific, Linda!

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  18. How lovely, and beautifully and artistically presented. I think Iphigene has your number, Linda.

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    1. Ha! Maybe so, Violet. Thanks much on Iphigene's behalf!

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  19. Iphigene has captured you in this poem, arms outstretched, calming, a summer day. What a nice gift! The poetry swap enriches and inspires.

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    1. It is a joy, isn't it, Margaret? I hope you had a wonderful birthday!

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  20. Linda, seeing ourselves as others see us is so very affirming. Iphigenia bestowed such a blessing on you. High praises for all poetry swaps! Those special communications guarantee smiles. Have a wonderful eclipse experience.

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    1. Thank you, Joyce. Hurrah for the poetry swaps. They are wonderful!

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  21. Lovely in all ways, especially the decorated version of the poem!

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