Welcome to Poetry Friday -- A Remembrance

 

         I'm both glad to welcome each of you and sad for this day of remembrance for what we know as "9/11". 

           My post last week was about remembering, and then, today is my week to host, and we are here, on September 11th, known for 25 years as "9/11", and we're remembering again. At least those of us who were alive- some growing up, some long grown. I am also remembering that it's my maternal grandmother's birthday. I named my daughter Sarah after her. She was not living on that day many will never forget, but I know she would rant and rail against those who did it, and if she could, step up to help in any way that she could. 

        I have been thinking about what it means to be a hero? Does it count if you didn't mean to be one, just jumped in to help save someone, and then, as so many did that day, kept going? I imagine each of you have numerous examples from that day.

         Then, I think about the day before, a Monday. The week before was Labor Day. Does anyone remember what they did that day? It started a full work week. Perhaps some were excited to start a new job? Or, maybe someone knew that the end of the week would bring good company, or simply another weekend of rest?

Let me tell you that life

can be hard-earned,

but still be lovely.

No matter the grief,

sometimes it comes with laughter.

We honor those still living,

also the lost,

those who gave with shadowed smiles,

walking in to help others--

Never forsaken,

remembered! 

          Linda Baie ©


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Poetry Friday - So Much Remembering!

     It's Poetry Friday, and Patricia J. Franz is hosting on her website, Reverie, here! Be sure to visit to read her wonderful words about summer! And visit all the other Poetry Friday writers! Thanks for hosting, Patricia! 

     SPECIAL NOTE: Still wishing all of you a lovely holiday weekend! I guess blogger commenting is back! 

      We ended August saying goodbye to so many people, great people, and you may know more than those I am thinking of: Dolly Parton, Tim Curry, Yayoi Kusama, and just yesterday, Gloria Steinem!  Among these, today I'm also remembering the poet, Wendell Berry! Of his poems, many know "The Peace of Wild Things", comforting all when feelings are low: "When despair for the world grows in me.. ."  

      I've also read some about him as a farmer, living all over the world, yet eventually he ended up a farmer in what he named Lane's Landing, in Kentucky. I've been to Kentucky numerous times because my grandson went to college there. It is beautiful land, one I'm not surprised Berry fell in love with.

       Though I've been in Colorado for a long time, I grew up in Missouri, with two grandfathers who were farmers. They, too, had gorgeous land, and when Joan Rush McCullough shared Shirley Thacker's recent Farmku, illustrated by Clara Elffers, I snatched it right away! 

       With those briefest of words, Shirley's haikus bring scenes depicting my own memories, then Clara brings them to life with her special print-making. Warm colors bring warm feelings on every page. Yes, I rode with a grandfather to gather the cattle each evening, gathered eggs from fussy hens, and learned to bottle-feed tiny lambs born a bit too soon. Here's a glimpse from the book!

          I am remembering, too, that today is the anniversary of my husband, Arvie's, passing. It's been thirteen years, and every day, something brings him to me. 

         Poetry's the gift we all love, right? In their own spectacular ways, Shirley and Clara in their book, Dolly in her songs, Tim in his voices, Yayoi in her paintings, Gloria in her strong voice, and Wendell in his words, all have given us poetry. 

         Hope you get to find and enjoy Farmku!

Poetry Friday - Speaking of Affordability

    It's Poetry Friday, and Mona Voelkel is hosting on her website here! Be sure to visit to see what she has shared, from a plaintive wishing rock! And visit all the other Poetry Friday writers! Thanks for hosting, Mona! 

       I've been walking out a lot, mostly early mornings or during twilight, when it's much cooler. My mail comes late, really! So I often have a mile circuit that ends up at the mailbox. My neighborhood shares banks of boxes! 

      And, as I shared last week, I am reading the news, fussing about much of it, and doing what I believe is helpful to those in need. People, lots of people, are complaining about the high prices, our recent crisis, it appears, of "affordability". Of course, think 'tariffs'! 

     Here's my tip for you: 

when stepping out

look everywhere as you go  

colors have no price tag

                Linda Baie ©

     I spent a bunch of time with Dolly Parton this week! Perhaps you did, too! And, I found this, among so many precious words.

         “If you see someone without a smile, give them yours.”

Poetry Friday - Lingering

   It's Poetry Friday, and Denise Krebs is hosting on her website, Dare to Care here! Be sure to read her poem about faith, which will make you realize the faith people do not lose! Thanks for hosting, Denise! 

       I hope all is going well with each of you, perhaps busy with writing, reading, with friends and neighbors? I was busy last week overseeing varied home repairs, not large, but taking time. I am still in charge of the bookstore inventory which also takes a couple of afternoons each week. It is always a delight to see what new books come in, and this time of year teachers appear to be culling their classroom libraries. We receive lots of books for kids, lovely for our customers! It has continued to be hot. I walk early in the morning, do any lawn work needed, and stay in, doing housework, reading or work the laptop! And I watch the shadows! 

Out the window - back yard! 

 

                                                                    Lingering

 

I like the way the shadows move,

and sit and watch the sun inform

from dawn until the eve

that which we should perceive.

 

In mornings our day stretches out

like pulling strands of yarn.

Then shadows disappear at noon.

I say “Oh no, too soon!”

 

In afternoon, the arc has moved.

Elongation is the goal.

Opposing morn; the lengthening slows.

Where do the shadows go?

 

                                                            Linda Baie ©

Poetry Friday - Another Time Together

  It's Poetry Friday, and Ruth is hosting on her website, There is no such thing as a God-forsaken town here!   Out of news that is often sad, she's brought us a poem showing "life is so fine"! Thanks for hosting, Ruth! 

In these days filled with mornings where one often dreads looking for the news, I found a quote that helps. I may have pulled it from one of your posts. I can't remember, but I love it, and read it every day, so thanks to whomever shared it! 

          “I shall no longer ask myself if this or that is expedient, but only if it is right. I shall do this, not because I am noble or unselfish, but because life slips away, and because I need for the rest of my journey a star that will not play false to me, a compass that will not lie…..Therefore, I shall try to do what is right, and to speak what is true.”     Alan Patton, “Cry the Beloved Country”

          And, I just got home from, the beach! My family again gathered for another trip to Costa Rica. I haven't kept exact numbers, but I believe this may be our 16th trip together to numerous beaches in the world, not too far, but far enough that takes us to new lands, new people, and to again being all together. It was a lovely and happy time!

 

night swim

each evening's view

Far from home,

A group settles.

Most leap

Into the waves,

Loving the hours we’ve

Yearned for in our memories.

 

                        Linda Baie ©