Sometimes ...I write poetry. I wrote a poem for a Writing Contest at Vanderbilt University when I was actively working there. A few of my poems won.



Mother

The raindrops smacking down,

like children jumping puddles

wearing rainbow-colored boots.

When my mother laughed,

it was like the garden after a storm,

everything still dripping with mischief.

Sometimes we would have tea

on linen beneath the rose covered walls

nibbling lemon sugar cakes.

And she would laugh

as she filled English china cups

not mindful of the splashing

pouring down like rain.

Ancient Dance

How you sit there so arrogantly,

wearing youth like a prom dress.

I, too, once wore bright colored silks,

my body lean laced.

No one told me how the dress would fade,

becomes ill-fitting.

With envy I watch you escorted gaily to the dance.

Music heard just outside the door.

As I sit here in my impotent easy-chair

paralyzed, and aching to join.

I want to cry out and tell you "Dance hard,"

only leave when they push you away.

You don't realize that one day,

not so long from now.

You will sit, as I do.

just outside the music.

And you will long for yesterday,

As I long for another yesterday.

You'll long for the dance.

And you will miss the dance ... how you'll miss the dance.

(copyright 2004)