Excursions of the Mind

Slumber

2009-07-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

copyright 7/09

Riding on a rainbow of light
Flickering notes of air
Urging you on to find the peace you seek
on the other side

Your senses heightened
aware of color, sounds and light
Feelings of weightlessness in a dream
Pulling you forward into the quiet

Angels glide airily around you
sighing breaths of warmth and comfort
Soft engulfing waves of serenity
ease your mind into silence

A calming breeze
Eyes closed relaxed
Sleep envelopes
only to awaken the Spirit that resides
to open doors to the other world that awaits
As you finally slip into slumber
A rest sought after
A rest much needed
A rest so sound
and finally found

Wandering Grace

2009-07-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

copyright 7/09

Who knows
When the wind blows
Do our thoughts soar to God

Do Angels carry around our hearts
Do Souls cry for unfinished dreams
Do Tears fall unheard

Will you find the answer

On your path while you travel
down the roads you choose
Always winding
this way and that
Sometimes long and sometimes short
Always learning, listening, watching

Follow your goodness
What God imparted at birth
Leave your heart
on all you encounter
Life was meant to ponder
as you wander

God's graces with you as you go
Greens, blues, silver and gold
Gifts are presented to you
Some that walk and talk and see
One so special on four legs he walks
Still comes to you in your dreams

A friend so rare so kind and true
to share your path and to help lead you
on the brightest road to follow
Searching to find who you are

God's graces always present
As you travel
Searching to find
The 'who" that He made 'you'

Angels carry our hearts
Souls cry for tears
Tears that are always heard
And answered

On Horse's Wings

2009-07-07T08:19:00.000-07:00

copyright 7/09

Life can be so sweet
if you get off your feet
and soar through the clouds

With legs wrapped behind horse's wings
Together as one
Holding his mane in your hand
Feeling the wind in your hair

As you fly so high
Free and light
In God's sight
Angels accompany you
on your flight

A love that will never die
On horse's wings you fly

One heart
One breath
One dream
One love

On horse's wings you fly

I need Money

2009-06-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

copyright 6/09

I need money
It is sooo not funny
Horses need shoes
and a shot or two
Whatever am I to do?

I need money
and it's not funny
What happened to the tree
that dropped cash down on me?
Blew away in the cold wind
after the market freeze came

I need money
man, it really isn't funny
Want a new car
Can't catch that star
It's way too far

I need money
yeah, I know, it isn't funny
Tried to win lotto
and that hasn't worked

Should have used that dollar
put it to better use
buying HRT for me
so I don't blow a fuse

I need money
it is actually funny
Got everything I need
Home,husband and animals
All who I can still feed

God drops gifts on us every day
somehow, someway
the money will appear
Maybe even today!

DAD

2009-06-19T06:21:00.000-07:00

copyright 6/09

So many years
Yelling in each other's ears
Battling all through Prep School
Never giving in
Everything was your way
or the highway
No matter what I said

Live in my house
Live by my rules
So I moved out
and lived at school
The nuns were easier to handle than you

Thirty years older than me
A good father you tried to be
Kicking and screaming all the way
Rebellion and bad choices
you dealt with me every day

Today your memory fails
and your hearing is nearly gone
But I will always remember the days
when everything would go wrong
You were always there to say
You're safe and sound
Everything's going to be okay

So now on this special day
It's my turn to you I say
Dad, you're safe and sound
Everything's going to be okay

Hope this poem makes you glad
I love you very much
for being MY Very Special Dad

Writer's Block

2009-06-19T04:36:00.000-07:00

copyright 6/09

Writer's block
Is it a street
or a neighborhood?
Writer's block
How did I get here
through blank spaces in the mind
Trying to unwind

Doors closed shut
Need to open
Thoughts non existent
Empty road
No expressions

Argh!
Writer's block
No one home

Three Gifts

2009-06-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

copyright June 2009

Three gifts I was given
pen in hand
Writing and Riding is who I am

Who would have known
only One always knew
that my true path
would always come through

Believe in yourself and conquer
dreams showing light and wonder
Knowing before it happens
Feeling the thought
God comes through
all that we do
Writing and Riding
bring out what is true

The third gift one very special
was given to me to use carefully

Messages come in loud and clear
letting me know what will be
Doesn't matter what it is
The universe opens up and the answers appear

Tune in to how it feels
as the thoughts come and go
Time doesn't exist
as you well know

This other place that seems to be
between two worlds so apart but so near
Always present if you have the ear
to listen intently and learn
that the universe is there
to meet all that you yearn

It can happen anywhere
eating lunch or shopping
When a thought pops in
and you suddenly know
what's around the corner
for you or a friend in tow

Over the years it settled in me
that horse and pen will always be
the best way to connect
with what has always been around me
Some say they're angels
Some say they're family
I say thank God for these gifts
that I may always see
at any age in any place
what is most important to me
always dear is my family

One horse very special
an old soul is he
helping me along
on this most interesting journey

Sister Bernard

2009-06-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

copyright 6/09

Sister Bernard I will always remember
Tiny woman, brisk and brittle
With an Irish brogue she spoke
She never sounded little

Assigned to write stories
I handed mine in
about an alien from space
trying to fit in with the human race

She said I had talent
a gift as it were
"Correct the punctuation" she said
"I want to enter it there"

A contest of creativity and writing skills
I was just seventeen
and ignored her requests
made earnestly every day
until finally put to rest

She was so disappointed
I did not comply
She believed in me
I let the opportunity slip by

Sister Bernard was my biggest fan
me, at seventeen
Such a shame
I was so in between

Now as I look back
Thirty plus years or so
Sister Bernard always comes to mind
and the way she tried to show
An early Angel trying to lead me on
to the path I would eventually know

A passion still growing
writing to write
back then I didn't know

Thank you Sister Bernard
for doing your best
Believing in me even though
I never met your requests

I took the long road
as often some do
And got here eventually
reaching our goal

Navy and Gray

2009-06-03T04:26:00.001-07:00

copyright 6/09

Stately elegant halls
we walked through every day
Marble floors, oriental rugs
French Provincial they say

Black and whites stroll the corridors
meeting us in classes one by one
To teach us Math, History, Latin and more
Navy and gray is what we wore

Pressed button downs under our navy blazers
Plaid skirts and navy knee socks
always sliding down to our loafers

No makeup allowed
Clean washed faces abound
as we sauntered with our books
down the great marble halls

Our homes were our suites
each to her own
Connected by a bathroom
a bed, dresser and desk
We could do our homework
throwing items through the door
laughing quietly trying not to be heard
by the nun in her room at rest
just down the hall

Mass in the Chapel every morning at six
Black and whites waking you up
God awaits your voices
You cannot be sick

At night in the dining room
all of us met
Every age short and tall
bound by the same regret
We were eating dry hamburger
while in the next room
Nuns were fed steak
on their dinner break

All us girls got along
Some from countries so distant
Oil families, Senators and celebrities
Still all the same, teenagers one
Determined to seek out the most fun

I remember the day everyone quiet
with Sister Bernard sitting in English
while secretly being planned
what seemed to be a harmless little riot

First my roommate stole my shoe
tied it on a rope hung out the window
While Kelly and Margaret went up to the roof
and rolled fifty toilet paper rolls down all the sides
White paper streaming past the glass
while everyone ran around in their class

Nuns mouths opened wide
They were totally surprised
All this toilet paper falling down before their eyes

Kelly, Margaret and crew
and their grand plan a success
a last hurrah before graduation
What could the school really do?

Cab Calloway and Captain Kangaroo
were some of the fathers that we knew
Quite a cast of characters were we
moving together through puberty

Choir and Spring Musicales
we had alot of fun
Playing sports nothing undone
Basketball, Field Hockey, Horseback riding too
Walks on the grounds
Mother Mary watching us do
Statues and grottos for sneaking cigarettes
some joints even made it through

We never got caught
in all our misdeeds
Now they're great memories
some Grand indeed

We gave all the nuns
a really great run
seeking out fun
and in the end
We were all one

My Last Ride

2009-06-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

copyright 6/09

It was a beautiful Winter's day
Sky clear and sunny
Groomed horses all frisky
from the crisp morning air

We set out on the trail
walking our horses over the steep bridge
mounted at The Pavilion
using the picnic bench table

With Janet and Kathy, our saddles not the same
One Hunt Seat, one Western, and me on Dressage
Janet on Molly her thoroughbred mare
Kathy on Thunder her kind quarterhorse
Me on Cliff my big guy, my warmblood

All of us happy
All of us chatty
walking through warm up
ten minutes or more

I said, "let's trot" having passed the big gully
laughing and talking everyone merry
Three days past Christmas, Hannukah more
we needed this time with our horses
to recharge, get back to who we are

As we passed behind the house with the fountain
a big Blue Heron flew out
large wings spread full, very wide
Cliff in the lead spooked
as the bird flew out and behind
He jumped, startled, towards the canal
it all happened so fast
I knew what was to pass

I felt his legs get tangled
in slow motion we rode
while he scrambled around, going down
I was thinking, ..sit back..sit back
Oh no, he's not catching his stride
Mind racing yet clearly
I leaned back as his legs started to fold

Looking for my moment to dive
His nose hits the dirt
A thud, a grunt, sand sprays out from the side
his nose, then his cheek hit
as he went down on his right side
His rump high as I gear up to leap
lean to the left, don't want to go into a heap

The momentum is so great
there is no escape
Flung from an equine catapult
I surely did dive
holding reins and dressage whip
taught never to let go
I flew in the air, did a flip on high
Landing first on my head
then neck and my back

A sudden burning down my neck through my spine
My head hurt as I gazed up reins in my hand
What a beautiful bue sky
However did I land?

Thoughts getting clearer
remembering the trip
Airborne, flying high
Man, the ground looked so soft
Landed hard, not what I thought

Slowly turned, following reins in my hand
there was Cliff a little dirty
there at a stand
Looking at me on the ground, his eyes wide and snorting
My friends dismounted
"are you alright, are you alright?"
"yeah I'm fine",
brushing myself off
Knowing deep down inside
this is over
My last ride

"I need a leg up, I'm a little sore"
Janet cupped her hands small
standing only 5'2" tall
She hoisted me up
my size never phased her at all
Cliff was fine, I was not
Riders parted our ways
Cliff and I slowly, them at a trot

We rode back to the barn
my body losing adrenaline
Cliff knew I was hurt
On the buckle we rode
Each step closer
I was crumpling lower

Determined to reach our goal
Thank God for no dogs on the road
Reaching the barn friend and farrier there
I couldn't dismount
All I could do was shout
"Connie help me, I can't get off!"
Holding Cliff, Troy eased me down

Barely walking into the aisle
Connie removed Cliff's saddle and bridle
He was fine, thank God, none the worse for wear
She hosed him for me
Gave him hay
Put him away
While Troy good intentions
tried to stretch out my back
but to no avail

Pain soared through my body
as Connie tried to pull off my boots
I hit hard as she yanked
falling against Cliff's stall
banging into the wall

Cliff's watchful eyes alert
knowing more than anyone
how badly I was hurt
Boots off, brushing off dirt
Connie walked me to my car

Opened the door thinking everything will be alright
I can drive myself home
I've done it before, even at night

Thinking it through
on what I should do
But wait, what is this?
I can't bend my neck down
couldn't lean in, nor slide
Connie's face dropped to a frown
Determined, a way was found
to fold and manipulate me
into the soft driver's seat
All comfy I was finally in behind the wheel
focused and ready to tackle
the next ordeal

Made it across town my daughter was waiting
Went straight to bed
took off my breeches and shirt slowly
now my left arm too painful too heavy to hang
We wrapped it up close to my body
and I laid my myself down
careful, the throbbing pounding in my head
"Call a doctor", she said
"No, I'll be fine", I responded
"Just need to get rest"
While she shook her nurse's head

I was in bed for weeks
only able to doze
on my right side body battered
mind jumbled and confused

Couldn't eat, always dizzy, unable to stand
Tara did the best she could
running errands and helping me
with the work in hand

After X-rays and exams
had a concussion
and blood clot in the brain
broken collarbone and more
Neck fractured and damaged
hopefully not beyond repair
Still dizzy and fragile
I ski-ed down the stairs
falling and again breaking my collarbone
How much more?

Eight months I was down
unable to speak
Words halted and stuttering
Mind frazzled, body weak

Then suddenly in August
a cloud was lifted
Went back to work with a vengeance
even though I was pale and wilted

Pushed through the days, months, even a year
Seeing doctors for pain
needles put in the head and neck
What a drain

Finally they called me in one day
told me I had to be on my way
Couldn't keep up with the quotas is what they said
rather a political move
as I had won all the awards that day
for Betty Boop an up and comer,
the new golden girl
I was in the way
I smiled and accepted that day
packed up my things and waved
walked out happy free at last
to do what I craved

Twelve years and counting
Thankful for every day
Limbs aching, damage done
Still can't stop me
in any way

Bless God for small miracles
no matter how they come
An injury, an accident
Who knew that it would be the one
to send me hurtling through time
and through strife
To get to this spot, this place,
in my life

A painful journey with lessons to learn
When all is said and done
it was needed to occur

Met my husband and moved
brought my horse to our home
Puppies three, now horses two
A happy family has grown

Together we stay
a bit older and worn
But worth it every day

Alphabet For Life

2009-05-31T09:43:00.000-07:00

This is not an original post, I am just referencing it because I would like to think we can all be like this.

Accept differences
Be kind
Count your blessings
Dream
Express thanks
Forgive
Give Freely
Harm no one
Imagine more
Jettison anger
Keep confidences
Love truly
Master something
Nurture hope
Open your mind
Pack lightly
Quell rumors
Reciprocate
Seek wisdom
Touch hearts
Understand
Value truth
Win graciously
Xeriscape
Yearn for peace
Zealously support a worthy cause

Prayers Spoken Softly

2009-05-30T04:34:00.000-07:00

It seems these days nothing is safe
Not your home, not your money
It's take take take

This stimulus package is nothing but bunk
In order to keep food on your table
You have to sell all your junk

Families in strife
This is no life

Don't reward greed
Take care of those who work for their keep
who learned what we sow, we shall reap
Not steal from the poor to give to the rich
Where is the justice in this big ol' heap?

Nowhere to be found
Off hiding behind government sheep
who say "yes sir, yes ma'am"
"whatever you want"
To keep their positions and fodder their seats

Martha went to jail
for an act Congressman and Senators
do everyday without fail
She has more class than anyone in Washington
taking the heat voluntarily
for what they deem their right

They underestimate us
Belittle and poo-poo us
We will have the last laugh
Judgement comes eventually
On those who reward greed
instead of those who earn their keep

We will prevail
some think to no avail
We know right from wrong
We were raised to be strong
Never give up, never stop trying

Help the needy
Shut down the predators
False security on all channels
Time to release the truth
Give back to the people
who need the most aid

No more lies
No more spies
Liberty is our creed
It's what we need

Give us medical, support the aging
We know who you all are
Peacocks and hens
Constanly primping
Always staging

Time for prayers spoken softly
it's our only escape
from all the greed and deceit

We are all family
firm in our beliefs
Why our ancestors came here to get some relief
from losing their homes
to be able to speak

So it's time for prayers spoken softly
Save America's soul
Give back our country
Save America's soul

American Free

2009-05-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

Cliches smiches
I'll say what I please
Don't care what anyone sees
They're my words as plain as day
I'll speak them clearly
Who cares anyway?

Life these days is crazy
Overwhelming
Makes you lazy

How do you cope
when out of your scope?
wash your hands
don't touch, just hope

Jobless nation
nothing clear
No paychecks
No retirement
What happened here?

Where were we?
Mindless moving forward
Till a brick wall shows up in your face
saying go home, you have no place

Out of the wind
blowing loud and steady
our Saviour comes all ready
to challenge the evil
running rampant among us

Triumphant swords overcoming tyranny's rule
of mandating laws of destruction
no religion in school
no "In God We Trust"
What is this, is this a must
This is not us
Americans Free
The government should let us be

Where is our leader
Hugging enemies overseas
Apologizing for us
Embarrassed of us he sees

The world is watching
as history unfolds
This leader is not leading
He is bowing to robes
and promising away our futures
to be our children's woes

Four years goes quickly
and hopefully soon
another will come and take his place
The damage that has been done
will not be our doom

Integrity, dignity, character lost
Respect and honor
Should not bear a cost

Get out of our way
and be proud to say
I am an American in every way

Ingenious and brave are we
Americans Free
Surive, adapt and flourish
Just let us be
and this Country will soar
like it did before
What do you think the eagle stands for?

Certainly not for seeking out prey
it stands for regal, proud and strong
Americans protect and right the wrong
So again I say
Get out of our way
Be proud, don't falter
Honor each other without fear
Don't represent us with shame
Looking for us to blame

It's Memorial Day and where is he?
at Camp David fiddle dee dee
Ceremonies with military voices
Emotions evoked veterans remembering
Honor our brave and fallen
It is a very small token
for all they have given us
for all these years
Americans are we
Americans Free

THE BEACH

2009-05-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

Perfect breeze
waves crashing
whitecaps rolling
children playing, laughing, splashing

Sun's rays warming, cherishing your skin
Strolling beachers, touching shells
Salty sprinkles fill the air, touch your face
Calming senses

Toes caress soft grainy sand
cupping soles, instep softens
Sundresses blowing around tanned legs
Hand in hand, mothers teaching learning

So much peace
God's graces abound
Give thanks for creation
solid, yet air, wet yet sound

Coming Home

2009-05-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

Back home again
always on the phone
Talking talking all the time
never listening not wanting to hear
The truth is waiting
all so very clear

Blaming blaming never good enouogh
So many gifts, so much talent
wasted words on anger spent
old memories that won't go easy
Get rid of anger, let it go
a future ahead so bright so bold
Dreams awash in blues and gold
Life is waiting for you to unfold

Write your music, sing your songs
God's listening waiting to hear your voice
Once you release it, all will rejoice

copyright 5/09

Tatoo

2009-05-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

I want a tatoo
What should I do?

I want a tatoo
its time is overdue

I want a tatoo
not just anyone will do

I want a tatoo
midlife crisis
what about you?

I want a tatoo
I must be out of my mind

I want a tatoo
nothing of the kind

I want a tatoo?
Nah, nevermind.

THE POND

2009-05-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

Clear blue skies pond calm and still

Sadie pony shining black and white

munching green grass at will

Cliff's chocolate tail swishing in the wind

as he stands napping in the shade

Noisey mower growling across the water

getting closer, horses prick their ears, lift their heads

Ducks fly in overhead

aiming aptly for a smooth pond landing

Pink paddle feet outstretched

speckled brown wings as open flaps

Heels down, toes up skiing to a classic glide

Splash, then ripples break the glassy surface

One, then two perfect landings

paddle to the grassy blind

now hidden and safe a nap they will take

Pink, blue and purple dragonflies dancing

Golden spotted black

no end to their prancing

Landing here and there greeting all with care

Hello, hello, good morning say the pair

Mama duck quacks hi, fluffy baby too

Cliff nods a wink while Sadie takes a drink

The pond is awake with life and glee

It's a happy day, summer is here to stay.

Pink and Green

2009-04-22T07:35:00.000-07:00

copyright 1/09
Family can be a drag
like putting my head in a brown paper bag
Always judging
weighing every word
Never giving any credit
to what I say

All those private schools
getting the best education
what's wrong with trusting the fact
I'm a very smart brat

Maybe that's it
too smart to fit
So much snobbery
stifled emotions
highway robbery
in it's pure form
always having to conform

Pink and green
Country Club teas
Debutante parties
running rampant on the greens

Creativity stifled
trying to belong
Destiny always steering
surrounded by celebrity

Where was my star
waiting from afar
No time to linger
wasted years pointing a finger
Ignore troubled times from the past
God has your plan, it's a clear path
open your mind
and you will find
dreams of glory are not far behind

Your Best Chance

2009-04-22T07:32:00.000-07:00

copyright 1/09
So wrong
for so long
Open your eyes
for such a surprise

He was there all the time
waiting in your heart
Things don't have to rhyme
just don't be apart

Give all to each other
there is no other
No holding back now

Best chances are peaked
when you both are tweaked

Can't keep his mouth shut
while I try to write
a love poem in all it right
But he won't be quiet
So he will lose out on all it's glory
by being a pain in the ass for wrecking my story.

Souls Collide

2009-04-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

copyright 1/09
Anticipation
Excited Scintillation
Dreaming of
Hoping for
Nothing contained
Souls recognition again

Delight and glowing
Warm and tingly
Inside out
Outside in

Instant smile
Always beaming
Joy abounds
from familiar sounds
Quickly knowing deep inside

Souls collide
no place to hide

Love so deeply felt
like a runaway train
nothing can stop

Without a thought
Without a care
All misery gone
from past heartfelt woes

Oh God what do I do
Be his friend, he will come to you

All time non existent
No distractions here
His love is strong
and will not falter

Show your worth
keep it simple
He'll bow to your heart
as you smile and flirt

Anxious anticipation stirred inside
waiting, wanting so much to see
how the time has changed us
Alterations, no not me

At the sea thoughts all racing
back to him you can plainly see
How else could it be?

Never felt like this
hard to keep control
Must be patient
let it flow

Will he, won't he
yes indeed
He did thank God come to me

Souls collide
No place to hide

Love Lost & Found (copyright 1/09)

2009-04-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

cppyright 1/09

Love lost
Love found

Nearly dead
searching for hope, wanting life
Golden days, balmy nights
Finding new ways
paths gone dark, now floods light

Second guessing, thinking too hard
Maybe yes, maybe no
Will he, won't he
do I want to know
dare I guess

Keep it simple, keep it slow
stay true as you grow
Have faith in God
your wisdom lost you will find

Gifts unfold before your eyes
love around you all the time
Don't go looking, let it flow
it will find you when least you know

Helpful, happy stay in truth

Churning tension
Mind in chaos
Hold head high
All will pass

Gods grace comes freely
No stone unturned
To make you happy

Lightness breeds in faith
Surrender so complete
Resting soul all encompassing
The release a total and amazing feat.

A life worth living

2009-04-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

copyright 1/9/09
It was dark and dreary no hope in sight
The moon was full with clouds abundant
rolling slowly past the lone dim glow
Love's wanting, clawing need to know
that life is good in God's true light

Why banter needless words you know
for unknown reasons yet to see
Love's patience understanding woes
may change quite suddenly when real truth grows

Then dawn breaks dark to light
with blues and grays and white
A bright fresh day to begin anew
in God's great glory your spirit grew
and brought you here to seek what's true

A world of colors opening up to you
reds,greens,yellows and blue
God giving everything for you to find
His simple plan so easy so kind
no fear no darkness in your mind
Keep soaring reaching for who you are
and as you pause it's all quite clear
Right in front of you is all what's dear
Look and rest and all appear
Souls aiding you on your journey
colors bright and wondrous for you to touch
Reaching out as you travel
your path all aglow
with love and clarity as you go

No need unanswered
No crisis in sight
All appears in love and light
Embrace the truth
Life dwells fruitfully there
A place to cherish and build upon
A life worth living
All darkness gone.