Poetry Friday - Body Parts - Unseen, but Felt

 

created by Linda Mitchell

It's Poetry Friday, and Janice Scully, is hosting HERE on her blog, Salt City Verse.  Her post today celebrate's Carol Labuzzetta's new poetry anthology and showcases some wonderful nature poems from it! In a bit of a chuckle, Janice also writes about patience and, yes, impatiens! Thanks for hosting us, Janice! 

The challenge here at the end of May from the #PoetrySisters: "In May we’re writing in the style of Lucille Clifton and are writing poem about body parts ala "Homage to My Hips." Are you in? Good! You have a month to craft your creation and share it on May 31st in a post and/or on social media with the tag #PoetryPals. We look forward to reading your poems!" 

       Whew, like Lucille Clifton! That's my first thought. But I read many poems by her and wondered what and where I could find my words. Then May happened. Here's what I have, no picture, only reflecting. I've had three friends pass away this May, full of sadness for their families and for me, too. I am grateful beyond measure to have known each one and had many joyful times with each, though it has been a bit overwhelming to know each one is gone and to find ways to think of the loss. I have written of what has been a special  "body part" during this month.

This Body Part, My Heart

 

Despair stays wrapped 

and stored away

at the bottom of my heart.

Sometimes it startles me

by mingling with joy and gratitude.

I know my life is more than 

a box of despair.

Yet it appears

because I care.

 

               Linda Baie ©

#PoetryFriday - Giving A Thought

           Poetry Friday is with Susan at Chicken Spaghetti HERE.  She's sharing a poem with some sage advice! Thanks for hosting, Susan!

             Lots of good things happened in recent weeks. My "whole" family was able to have our Christmas together last Saturday. I am happy to have new volunteers at the used bookstore where I work and was able to get outside walking because the sidewalks are finally becoming clear of ice from the snow a few weeks ago. And, I've read a few good books. However, a couple of sad things have also happened. My daughter has many cats, some feral outside; some inside. One of them was hit in traffic a week ago and died. A volunteer I've recently spent some time with also lost her cat to a sudden illness. I don't have pets anymore but remember with much love a cat I had years ago named Max. Then, on the way home this week, I spied another cat by the side of the street, clearly dead from being hit. I needed to write.

           Someone’s Cat

 

Someone’s cat was lying on the side

Of the road

On my way to work this morning.

He was curled like his brothers,

Looking comfortable in sleep.

I wondered if someone’s hand

Was missing that soft gray fur,

If someone’s lap was missing his warmth?

I imagine the bowl of cream

Left out

Untouched.

I hear a voice calling for him

Out a back door.

“He’s always been there before.”

But if no one is 

Waiting,

Calling,

Crying,

Then I will give a thought to this gray cat,

And grieve for his passing.

 

                                  Linda Baie ©