Trousers

Pixabay

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These are not trousers

A thing to merely wear

They are the expression of love

Of deep concern and care

I did not see the need for them

They were not a thing requested

But they were bought for me all the same

That I would not be neglected

Oh what a gift of foresight

As other garments met their fate

As I took them from my drawer

Memories they did stir

Of how they were given on that day

As a token of love by her

These are not trousers

Something that I wore

These are the fabric of love

And oh – so much more

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Padre

dVerse – Poetics: Object Poems

My late wife had the uncanny ability to take care of my material needs, even when I could not see them. This prompt allowed me to recall the day recently, when I was forced to retire some tried and true clothes, to find that I was not in need of going out to replace them, because she had purchased some of my favourite brands before her death. I told her at the time it wasn’t necessary, as I had plenty. Little did I know.

True Sharing: A Cinquain

Pixabay

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Little
Loving tokens 
Not presents expensive
No gold or incense from three kings
Love gifts

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Padre

Colleen has challenged us to write a cinquain on the theme of holiday traditions. Here is my take on true meaning.

Comfort Never Puerile

Pixabay

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The comfort

Of a loved one’s hugs

Is never a puerile thing –

Though a parent’s arms

May memories of childhood’s

Peace and tranquillity bring.

And a lover’s warm embrace

An adult world can help you –

Bravely face –

Moments united against all fears

Their cheek against your face

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Padre

Prompt’s: Student’s word of the day – Puerile

Fandango’s FOWC with Fandango — Comfort

With Me Abide

Pixabay

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Come and with me abide

In a world of our own making – rest

A place where our every dream comes true

An intimate lovers’ nest

Come and with me abide

In each other’s embrace remain

Cares melt away

As we snuggle side by side

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Padre

dVerse – Abide

Have

Pixabay

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They say there are the haves

And yet others that have yachts

Then there are the most of us

That are the have nots

But if that is the way we measure our net wealth

Aren’t we devaluing things like love and our good health?

Look at your children as they go about their play

Do they know you love them at the end of the day?

It isn’t about the computer screens,

Or the toys with which they play

It is hearing your encouragement,

And feeling the security within the home where they stay

It need not be a mansion, or stately manor vast

It just needs to be a loving home,

In which that love does last

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Padre

(The) Devout of Africa

Pixabay

“I had some yarn in Africa”*

 

It is amazing what faith and determination can accomplish.

There are many, when misfortune befalls them, that will bemoan their lot and blame the world.  Others will turn to criminality or immorality to “make ends meet.”

This is not the story of one of those, but of a woman of faith.  Her’s was a faith in her God, herself, and in the principles of enterprise and thrift.

She had found herself in the situation of having to provide for her own needs, and those of her three children.  She had practical talents in arts and crafts, but little monetarily.  What she had – she invested; not in speculative ventures, but in real feet-on-the-ground practicality.  She knit, she crocheted, she fabricated slippers.  She above all believed in her principles.

She secured for herself a market place.  While only a stall on the pavement – it produced.  It produced income.  It produced an outlet for her creativity.  It produced an enduring example of what true character can achieve.

Through it all, her devotion remained strong.   Through her servant nature, her children were not only provided for, but believed themselves secure.  And secure they were in her love.

She had some yarn in Africa, but she wove more than mere crochet.

 

Padre

 

*With apologies to Meryl Streep

Where Are The Flowers?

Photo by Kristina Paukshtite on Pexels.com

Where has that rose-scent – heady gone?

Has it dried and blown away?

Leaving just the husks left behind –

Like from Miss Havisham’s wedding day?

Or have they been picked with bright intent –

And now with tears – gone far away?

Like the blooms of which Pete Seeger sang

On tombstones now displayed

Where has that rose-scent – heady gone?

May they fresh in your vase be found –

Each day with enduring and pure emotion

And may you with your loved one dwell

Roses a symbol of an undying devotion

 

 

 

Padre

 

Photo Challenge #323

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mothers’ Fears, Mothers’ Tears

Pixabay

I had two very moving and very similar conversations earlier this week, one with a Black American woman and the other a White South African.  They resonate in my heart, as they are not isolated.  I had one almost identical with an African-American woman a couple of years ago as she prepared to return to the USA.   Why moving?  They are moving because these are godly women, wanting no more that what’s best for their families, safety for their children, and to be able to live their lives without being targeted just for the colour of their skin, or the perceived “otherness” prescribed on them by others. Each is in my prayers, and each needs to be stood up and protected by those of us who have the means.

The distant cries of those oppressed

Tears of  worried mothers distressed

They seek not to – political be

But just to live and  – be happy

Yet fears for their little ones

Their hearts do fill

Helplessness overwhelming 

They too often feel

Let us who have a voice to speak

Call out for the justice that they seek

 

Padre

 

A Shoulder

Pixabay

When feelings long buried – towards the surface climb

When dark and painful memories – their ugly heads rear

When emotions overwhelming – from within you explode

Remember peace and comfort are for you – ever near

 

There is for you – One – who unlike any other –

All of these burdens – will help you bear

And there are among your sisters and your brothers

Those who will bestow their love, and show you that they really care

 

Padre

 

 

 

 

Her Every Command

Image by WagnerAnne from Pixabay 

“Honey do” and Honey don’t

Every word – to be obeyed

Even if contradictory

Leaving you dismayed

 

You may think you’ve heard it all before

Same old thing – on another day

Have you listened close enough

To think why it might be that way?

 

Listen carefully – Don’t just hear

Find the meaning in the things she may say

Her words may not be about the things you do

But in how you understand, and love each day

 

Padre