Nothing is Permanent

 

I was sad to receive word last week that that my childhood neighbor had passed away at age 94. He was such a creative and talented man and father of a my childhood friend and playmate. When I saw him two years ago, he still had many good memories to share. It reminded me once again of the impermanence of life.
       It has been over fifty years since I lived next door in my childhood home, which now gives the impression of impermanence as you can see. This evening Merril, at d’Verse Poets Pub, asked us to write a poem that reflects on the significance of impermanence.

Nature reminds us
Everything in life changes;
The sun still rises.
But houses deteriorate;
And good friends and neighbors die.
***
Photo: Dwight L. Roth

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Live With Passion

As the cold of winter sets in
Warm your heart at the fires of passion.
Search out people of authenticity
Those who dare to live and bare it all.
Warm your spirit with Words of Life
And music that stirs your soul.
Live the life of your dreams // while you can;
Appreciate the passion of your children.
Stir joy and happiness into the smiles
Of your grandchildren;
For without family, the fires of passion
Tend to go out.

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

Routine

He sits alone, with his best friend, at the bottom of the steps;

resting from the long descent to the beach.

His dog is as old as he is when divided by seven;

Together they share this walk each day…

Stopping to sit under the giant fir tree.

its crooked trunk leans away from the ocean’s wind;

Providing shade and comfort for many a climber.

His dear old friend patiently waits for his master;

Realizing it will only be a few short years left

For both of them to share this  beautiful spot.

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

 

Anchored

On top of Grandfather Mountain is a long metal swinging bridge. The winds coming across the ridge create extreme stress on the bridge. In order to keep the bridge stable, there are several heavy cables anchoring the bridge to the solid granite rock below. As a result, there is little chance of damage to the bridge. As we come to the last day of 2019, it is important to remember to stay anchored in 2020! What are your anchors?

New year has arrived

Every year has challenges

Stay anchored in truth

Remember what’s important…

Family // Faith in God // and Friends

Photos: Dwight L. Roth

 

One Stitch at a Time

This quilt was made by my wife’s grandmother. She put a lot of love for her craft into each quilt. Back then the quilts were stretched across a quilting rack and stitched by hand. She and her friends would get together and spend time quilting and enjoying each other’s company.  You can see the beauty of the stitches in the floral design. These days quilts are still being made, but many are done on a long arm sewing machine.

One stich at a time

Friends creating a fine quilt

Love in each stitch

Needles pierce through cotton cloth

Winter snow remains outside

 

Photos: Dwight L. Roth

 

Peace of Mind

“What brings you peace of mind and cleanses your spirit?” This was our question for the d’Verse Poets Pub poetics this evening. For me it is not just one particular thing. I love sitting under the trees and watching nature hum all around me. Music soothes my soul, both listening and playing music on my guitar with others. I love going to the Nursing Home each week where I read stories and play music and sing with them. I always come away renewed! But, I have found that posting on my blog each day brings me the most peace of mind. If I have been busy all day, all that mind clutter goes away when I sit in my chair and begin writing a poem and finding a photo or two that I can add to it. Sometimes it is the other way around. If I have no particular inspiration, I look through my photo files and am always able to find inspiration. Connecting with all of you is most rewarding. It is not so much the likes on my posts, but the comments and personal interactions that make what I do here worthwhile. So, for that I say thank you for your support and encouragement.

Sharing thoughts with you
Connecting with such great friends
Brings joy to my soul

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

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Locks

Traveling up the Rhine River, we passed through several locks, where the ship enters and is raised to a higher level. We went through most of them at night, but on this evening we came to a lock just before sunset. It was an interesting experience to see the water filling the lock and watch us rise. The opposite doors slowly opened and we moved on up the river just as the sun was setting.  It reminded me of life.

Rocks in our life stream…

Pause // close the door behind you

Let good friends lift you;

Move to a higher level

Let negative pain behind.

Summer sun drops low…

Enjoy the evening orange hues

Tomorrow // new day

Photos: Dwight L. Roth

Posted on https://dversepoets.com open link night!

The Edge of Inspiration

Beyond Imagination
I have been pushed and shoved all my life
Thanks to friends who cared…
Seeing more in me than I see in myself
Learning to do more than I could ever imagine
From computers to art // writing memoirs // and poetry
Publishing books on Amazon //and writing a blog…
Things I never imagined ten years ago
Susan // Kym // and Tom
Encouraging // urging // helping me
Opening doors to new worlds of wonder
Imagination that knows no end
Wonderful friends all over the world
Communicating with me every day
Keeping me on the edge of inspiration

Photo: Dwight L. Roth
I am reposting this one again after thinking through my writing process on yesterday’s post.  I am forever thankful for friends, who I mention in my poem, who have urged me to move into the world of writing. Without their encouragement, I would not be writing this blog.
It is such a wonderful thing to be able to learn to know all of you. Your great writing and words of encouragement, given to me in your comments, keep me coming back for more. I have learned so much form all of you at the d’Verse poetry group. I am now writing poetry that I never even heard of two years ago! Thank You All!!

 

Remembering a Life

Today we planted a flowering pear tree in the back yard to remember Ruth’s father. Some dear friends gave us money awhile ago to make the purchase. With spring in the air and temps in the high sixties, it seemed like a good day for this project. We are looking forward to seeing it bloom each spring and thinking of Dad.  It will be a great addition to our yard.

A day to reflect

Memories of dad will blossom

With the warmth of Spring

**********

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

First Kiss

He was tall with brylcreemed hair
Sixteen // a new driver’s license
She was petite // a spring flower
Fourteen // hormones tingling
Her cute irresistible smile drew him.
In the shadows of the church hallway
A first kiss // never to be forgotten
…Though so long ago

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so today De asked us to write a Quadrille of 44 words that included a reference to a kiss. I wrote this one in memory of my first kiss!

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