It is not the mere absence of strife and pain
Nor just the quiet to releave one’s brain
Peace is a state of heart and mind
In which the soul bliss can find
It is found in the breeze on a summer’s day
It is the laughter of kids at play
It is that by which your hopes are restored
And in the knowledge of the love of the Lord
Padre
There are the haves and some have yachts
Often overlooking those that have not
Some have privilege – being born that way
Others most struggle to make their way
While all are in the image of their creator
Things like gender can be a negator
The UN says in rights and dignity
We are meant to be one
But for many the recognition has yet to be won
So look beyond the book and its cover
And let us just strive to love one another
Padre
Salt water streams flow down my face
As the anguish of loss my emotions fill
Mirrored by the raindrops of my heart
Wishing you were with me still
You have departed and from me gone
I pray that the separation shan’t be too long
And in the place where you abide
I shall once again be by your side
Padre
The shallow exhale of breath
A quiet midnight sigh
Relaxation so intense
As on the pillow you lie
The day complete
And in company sweet
You snuggle into repose
And enjoy a moment
So serene
Before your eyes you close
Padre
Tom Hanks said, “Stupid is as stupid does,” and it was stupid indeed.
“What?” you might ask.
Well telling your sergeant that he yells too much is one of those ultimate stupid acts. But stupid does help us learn as well, and I am certain I will have a lot to reflect on after I finish cleaning every toilet in the Third Marine Division.
Padre
Tuesday Writing Prompt Challenge: Tuesday, February 16, 2020
Breezy mount overlooking Jerusalem’s walls
Olive groves providing dappled shade
Viewing golden dome and temple mount
Beyond the valley of graves
The scene – one of inspiration
It my soul did touch – fulfil
And then I descended from its height
To the Old City on the opposite hill
Padre
—————
Jayden stood at the living room window and watched the falling snow. It was steady with large fluffy flakes that seemed to settle quickly into a thick blanket. There was already over eight inches on the ground, an accumulation virtually unknown in his region. His boss had phoned about a half an hour before to say that they would be closing the workshop today. Closed, Jayden mused. It had been the first time since his divorce that he had had a weekday off. Since the divorce, flashed through his head. He pondered the circumstances of of it. She had said he was a workaholic and never had time for her anymore. Was she right? Why am I feeling so wound up by a few flakes of snow? I just want to get to work. Is that too much to ask? Jayden checked himself, and took a deep breath, How could such a tranquil scene as falling snow bring on such a blizzard of thoughts?
Padre
Disoriented
Whereabouts – without a clue
Now what shall I do?
Padre
Tuesday Writing Prompt Challenge – Write a haiku about being lost, without using the lost.
It was a fitting end of the year. As if 2020 didn’t have enough turmoil, New Year’s Eve stuck true to form for the year. Ken had left work at Seven along with his manager, Sally who had just driven off, when he discovered the double whammy of having left his phone in his employee locker, and his car battery flat. To make matters worse, snow had begun to fall and the temperature was dipping to minus three. There was no one else about in the car park so he decided to trudge towards home in hope of flagging someone to make a call to the breakdown service for him. Though he caught the eye of a few drivers, they seemed disinclined to stop much less lower their windows to a stranger in the age of Covid. Ninety minutes later Ken finally arrived home to find his girlfriend frantic with worry at his late arrival. He calmed her and explained the circumstances of his delay. Then taking a very chilled bottle of Prosecco from his bag, he filled two glasses and toasted the end of 2020 and beginning of anything else.
Padre
Today’s prompt—Use “the end and beginning” in any form of writing
Ali chopped a bit of salt pork and tossed it into the bubbling pot of black eyes. It would be a meagre dish but warming all the same, just as their little cabin at the edge of the forest was. As cold winter rain pelted the cedar shingles of the roof, she took a glance at the old coach clock on the mantlepiece and wondered when Jess and the boys would return. They really shouldn’t be out in weather like this, but the chores still needed doing. Just as she as pondering this, the door opened and Junior and Cole stomped mud off of their boots on the porch before entering. Jess wasn’t far behind, and soon the entire family were safe in their warm winter refuge.
Padre
Tuesday Writing Prompt Challenge: Write a piece of prose or poetry that uses the words black eyes and cold winter rain.
