No U-turns

On the road today, we are traveling to meet old friends. This is our first vacation since Covid started. As we traveled North to Ohio, the mountains in West Virginia were gorgeous.  but when we crossed the Ohio River, the clouds were spectacular. At my age, getting together with old friends is so important. Better to do it now rather than waiting for a memorial service in the future.

Life moves on

Seasons keep changing

No U-turns

Photos: Dwight L. Roth

Today at d’Verse, guest host Xenia Tran asked us to write a Haibun about a special September moment. Today was a gorgeous Fall Day to be traveling.

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North Carolina Bards Anthology

I am very pleased and honored to announce that my poem Shadows of Sadness was chosen to be included in the North Carolina Bards Poetry Anthology.  This poem reflects what I believe is the feeling of many in regard to what is happening in Ukraine as well as the division and violence happening in our own country.

Peace begins with you and me!

If you would like to read the poem, click on the link from my earlier post.

https://wordpress.com/read/blogs/113278318/posts/28668

Nature’s Spice

The mighty oak spreads high overhead against the sky

Loaded with thousands of acorns turning from hues of basil

to crushed chili pepper topped with shades of anise and coriander.

Leaves turn to cinnamon and paprika as they fall to the ground

to be crushed in a mortar of earth and ground with pestle of feet

bringing richness and spice, nature’s seasoning, to the soil below.

Acorns carpet bomb overwhelming the ground like falling peppercorns

Seeds for the future guaranteeing new growth

Providing food for squirrels and deer throughout the cold winter.

Some put down roots for the future of us all.

Photos: Dwight L. Roth

Today at d’Verse, Merril asked us to spice up our poems today by choosing three or more of the spices from a list she gave us. She said it could be related to cooking or how ever we wished to use them. I decided to use the metaphorically in nature.

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Punched and Planted

Digging trenches in my yard

Making way for new technology

Holes dug by hand

Steel bullet pushed underground

Compressed air punches it through soft dirt

Two tubes pushed and pulled through

Carrying fiber-optic cables

Speeding up internet communications

Traveling at the speed of light

Photos: Dwight L. Roth

Today at d’Verse, De Jackson asked us to use any form of the word Punch in our Monday Quadrille! Last spring Open Fiber came through our community and laid tubes for running fiber optic cable. The put two of them through holes they punched under the driveways and yards. Competition in the cable world is good for us consumers. They are still working at installing the actual fiber which is as thin as a hair.

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Actions

All of us react… some have courage 

Not equal and opposite, but forceful and empowered

Physics doesn’t apply to the soul being challenged

Stirred or spurned, the reaction is the same

Courage rises to the occasion, finds a way to overcome

To rise from the ashes and stand firm in what we believe

Find the courage to react, rather than do nothing

Your actions can change the world

~ D. L. Roth

Painting: Dwight L. Roth

Posting for d’Verse open link night….   https://dversepoets.com

Food Chain

Feed Mill grinds grain

Peterbuilt transports to farms

Milk eggs chicken and beef

***

Photo of McCracken’s Feed Mill in Manhiem, Pennsylvania: Dwight L. Roth

After the Storm

Hurricane had past

Not a window left in place

Murmur of black birds

Floats quietly through the house

And not a soul left in sight

*****

Artwork by: leemadgwick.co.uk

Today at d’Verse, Sarah introduced to the artist Lee Madgwick. She gave us several of his pieces to choose from and asked us to pick one and write an ekphrastic poem about it. Lee gave her permission to use his works in our prompt.

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Tearing Up Nature’s Garden

“Hi Jim,” said George, when he saw him coming up the old wooden porch steps.

Old Blue woofed his welcome and licked Jim’s hand as he scratched the old dog under his chin.

“Did you hear about the new development they are building on the way to Windy Gap? It is going to have 200 houses and a swimming pool,” Jim said excitedly.

Old George had a sad look on his face as he nodded and rocked back and forth.

“You know, Jim, they are clear-cutting a lot of trees and wildflowers to make to make that happen.”

“Seems we humans are always busy tearing up Nature’s garden.”

“I guess I will just have to plant more flowers. And ‘I’d like, too, to plant the sweet alyssum that smells like honey and peace.’ It will be a haven for beautiful butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.”

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

Prosery today at d’Verse.  Sanaa asked us to write a story using this line, “I’d like, too, to plant the sweet alyssum that smells like honey and peace.” from the poem, “What I would like to grow in my Garden” – by Kathrine Reigel. Our story must be only 144 words.

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Destroying Elegance

Yesterday morning when I went out on my deck to fill the bird bath bowl, I noticed this gorgeous spider’s web hanging on the downspout! I am always in awe when I see such a beautiful piece of Nature’s artwork. I immediately got my camera and took a couple of photos. I am sure the neighbors thought I was shooting at their upstairs windows, but this was too good to miss. Sadly, when I went back out at noon it was gone. Not a trace left to see. I am thinking that a bird might have flown through it.

Spider’s Web

Even elegance

has its minor flaws

Gone in an instance

destroyed by lack of perception

or intention

Start over or go hungry

Perhaps in a new location

Creativity is never completely destroyed

Like matter, it just changes form

and life goes on

***

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

Unasked Questions

Seems we all remember things we wish we had asked our loved ones when they pass. Today Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96. I am sure that her grandchildren and great grandchildren will one day reflect and think about what they wish they could ask her about her life as Queen!

Both of my parents have passed on, and I still think of things I wish I had asked them. When we are young and active our thoughts are distracted with the cares of life. By the time we think about it they are gone, and our chance has passed.

Answers to questions not asked, get scattered with the ashes.

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

Today at d’Verse, Bjorn asked us to create our own aphorism. An aphorism is a statement that presents a moral or philosophical idea in a metaphorical way. Aesop’s Fables are great examples.

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