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

 

Taking Down Memories

Today I took the ornaments off of my Christmas tree, and packed them back in the box, to store until next year. I enjoyed looking again at each ornament, remembering that many of them came from my former elementary school students. Some I remembered; others had names on them. You may think an ornament is an insignificant gift, but mine have hung on my tree every year since 1970.

Gifts bring back mem’ries

Each one was a warm spot in my heart

Winter of my life

Photos: Dwight L. Roth

Our 50th

Yesterday was our fiftieth wedding anniversary. Our whole family came home to celebrate with us. It was a wonderful day together. I received this tile from my wife for our twenty-fifth anniversary. This year I wrapped it up and gave it back to her. A reminder of the fifty years we have spent together.  Like our relationship, it has been cracked, but not broken. Now it is cemented together and stronger than ever

Happy Anniversary, my love…
Fifty years have flown by;
Through the years one thing remains; our vow of commitment to stay together for better and for worse.
We enjoyed many great years together with our family and our church. Our faith brought us through the Valley of the Shadow of death and out the other side.
We love our wonderful children and grandchildren. We pray that each one will use the values and principals we have taught them to find their own way.
I love you as much today as I did when we said our vows fifty years ago. Our love has grown and changed over the years, but I believe the love that brought us together was God ordained and he has seen us through.
Happy Anniversary my dear…
I love you with all my heart. I look forward to our next 50 years together.
December 27, 1969 – 2019

Photo: Dwight Roth

 

A Birdhouse for my Grandson

This year we got our nine year old grandson his first tool box with real tools for Christmas. To help get him started, I cut out a birdhouse out of some scrap cedar lumber that I had in my garage.  I predrilled the holes and put in the screws. When I was finished I took it all apart and put the pieces and the screws in a zip-lock bag for him to put together. It will be a good project for him to complete.

Bag full of pieces

Grandson’s first Christmas project

Winter house for birds

***

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

Our Last Christmas Together

Back in 2012, we celebrated our last Christmas with my wife’s mother. She had just been diagnosed with and inoperable brain tumor. It was a time of very deep and mixed emotions. Her father was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, and in January of 2013 had to be placed in a care facility as well. As I look at this photo, I see that Mother has resigned herself to what is to come and greatly enjoyed our last Christmas together. On the other hand Dad was filled with anxiety at the anticipation of being left alone without his wife to care for him.  You can see that his smile did not hold the same resignation as Mother’s. The adjustments of aging and loss are much deeper than any of us can imagine. As we complete our fiftieth year together, I often reflect on that Christmas, and on what is still to come.

Enjoying Christmas

Knowing everything will change

Winter’s mixed feelings

****

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

Also posted of Frank Tassone’s Haikai challenge…

#Haikai Challenge #118 (12/21/19): Christmas/Hanukkah #haiku #senryu #haibun #tanka #haiga #renga

 

No Room

No Room at the Inn
Travelers came knocking on the door of the inn
After traveling all day tired, hungry, and thirsty;
The donkey needed fed // they needed a bed
A full inn afforded them nowhere to lay their heads;
Pregnant Mary needed a place to deliver.
Water broke // waves were coming on strong;
No time to look elsewhere for a private room.
The inn was no place for a delivery room;
Travelers standing around gawking at the sight
Of a new born baby coming ready or not.
The kind Inn Keeper suggested, “Perhaps the stable…
A private place to deliver away from prying eyes?”
The animals provided warmth from their exhales.
He did what he could to make them comfortable;
Brought water and a blanket as Mary screamed in pain;
He was not the villain in this story as portrayed;
Rather a compassionate keeper avoiding gossip’s scandal.
Why do we think they should have been entitled?
Unknown travelers from afar // they had no reservations.
Thankful for a private spot, it all came about
A child was born in private, and would soon,
In the course of time, change the world;
A Savior who is Christ the Lord!

Photos: Dwight L. Roth

Thoughts on Childhood

How fast they grow leaving childhood behind;

Once a beloved toy, the wagon sits tangled in weeds…

A place to store tomato baskets from the garden.

Back wheels missing, it sits all alone // a discarded wallflower.

Children full of love and laughter soon grow up;

Becoming young adults full of hopes and dreams for the future.

They gradually move on  // like fledglings from the nest.

Leaving childish things behind, they become young women and men,

Carrying our hearts with them // and our unending love…

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

 

Filling the Void

During the Christmas season, we often find we are caught up in the Holiday rush to find the right gift.  The commercial aspects of Christmas start before Thanksgiving. Stores and retailers all want to cash in as people rush to buy presents they think will make someone happy. In reality happiness is short lived, but joy is a part of who we are as a person. True joy is found in God’s Love, which is the real reason for the season.

Christmas is not about
Angels
Christmas is not about
Wise men
Mary and Joseph
The baby
In a manger, cold
Not about Santa
Coming
Nor gifts or presents
Wrapped tight
Not shining bright lights
At night

Christmas is our sign
His love
Permeating Love
Filling
A universal void
Our hearts
Filled by the great I AM

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

Open Link night at d’Verse Poets Pub. Join us at:  https://dversepoets.com

Forgiveness & Freedom

Forgiveness is the door through
the wall of separation
allowing us to exit
our bitter cage of choice.

Grace is the understanding
that frees us from ourselves,
opening the door of restoration
replacing bitterness with love.

Offering forgiveness to others
comes with no guaranties.
Forgiveness is the door we walk through
…to free ourselves

***

Today is open link night at d’Verse. The inspiration for this poem came as a spin-off from a post I read earlier this week. You can read it here:     https://essenceandlife.wordpress.com/2019/09/13/forgiveness/

Join us at: https//dversepoets.com

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

 

The Connection Never Ends

As family members get older and need more care, the importance of staying connected is vital. Visiting from time to time lets them know you are concerned for their well-being . Those who show their love and care are a lasting connection. People who make that extra effort are always greatly appreciated. We all remember when family and friends are there for us in our difficult times of life.

When you are there in time of need
showing compassion by what you do;
Your connection never ends
When you reach out to lend a hand
To one who struggles through each day;
Your connection never ends
When you show God’s love in time of grief
Just  giving a caring hug brings relief;
Your connection never ends
It is not what you say but who you are
Sharing yourself // expressing your love
That connection never ends

Photo: Dwight L. Roth