Our Children

How fast they grow leaving us behind

Dependent creatures with insatiable needs

Little bundles of joy crying at every whim

Now grown, mature, and independent

It was our original goal from the start

Sort of like wanting to go to heaven

Just not now

Life moves on and so do they

Taking our hearts leaving an empty chair

Sometimes detours got in the way

We tried our best not to get in their way.

Although we worked so very hard

Some will stay,

Needing our nurture and strength

Yet another day.

Whatever the outcome life moves on

Slowly leaving us behind to observe

With pride and joy the persons

They have become.

And… whether they go or stay

We love them anyway.

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

My Most Shining Moment

In June of 2007, my two sons and I drove from North Carolina and Virginia to visit my mom in Eastern Pennsylvania. She was celebrating her 93rd, and last birthday. She passed away in August of that year. It was a wonderful visit. She was so happy to see her grandsons, and the love was felt all around. Though our visit was short, it was a very meaningful time for all of us.

My mother’s love shared

 Summer’s most  shining moment ,,,

August she was gone

***

Photo: Chris Roth

Photo: Don Ziegler

Lillian at d’Verse, asked us to think about our most shining moment. She referred to the end of March Madness when they shoe clips of the most shinning moments of the tournament! Our assignment was to write a Haibun of prose, followed by a traditional Haiku, describing our most shining moment. There are several that I could have chosen, such as our wedding, births of our boys, our 50th, etc. , but I decided to choose my last visit with my mother.

Join us at: https://dversepoets.com

Learning From Children

Racism, hate, and discrimination are all  learned from the example of adults who show these attitudes. Children don’t think about skin color or ethnic roots. They just see one another  as God sees us, full of love and acceptance. Perhaps adults could learn a lesson from their children.

Sweet friends full of love

Not bothered by skin color

Love begins at home

***

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

 

What We All Seek

So many people
all with differing views
in our changing world
looking for love and kindness
Seeking Authenticity

Some seek their truth
Answers that define us all
Uniqueness shines through
Reveals how different we are
Seeking Authenticity

So many voices
lost in the thundering roar
crying to be heard
claiming their place in the world
Seeking Authenticity

We are a mix
like it or not // here to stay
Proud of who we are
As the wheels… go round and round
Seeking Authenticity

My Zinnia Photo: Dwight L. Roth

Today at d’Verse, Anmol shared that in the midst of all that is going on, June is Gay Pride month. He asked us to write a poem that relates to this. I decided to look at what I feels is the motivating factor underlying all that is happening, and that, I believe, is being recognized as authentic! I decided to use the Tanka form for this poem, and do several stanzas.

Join us at: https://dversepoets.com

A Needed Reminder

God loves His children

Message needed for our world

Love is colorblind

***

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

 

Crowning Glory

Years of nurishment

Rhododendron blooms purple

Crowning Glory

Each flower uniquely shines

Just like each of us

*****

You my dear surpass all others

Blooming beauty shines within

Love for all to share

Beautiful  gray hair reflects

Your outer Crowning Glory

*****

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

Today’s poem is written as a Tanka, the third five line Japanese poetic form shared on d’Verse this week. .

https://dversepoets.com

Tanka enjoys a long history in Japan. Originally known as waka (short song), the 5-line verse poem was the medium of literary exchange during the Heian era, the golden age of ancient Japanese culture. Courtiers and emperors alike composed them. Lovers would often share their devotion through the exchange of them.

The second stanza of the poem above reflects the true intent of the tanka.

 

Passing on the Love

One of the greatest things that happens is when skills of the older generation are passed on to the younger one. Some skills like quilting are almost a lost art. Sharing this experience strengthens the bond of love in a very special way.  This time together will not soon be forgotten.

Stitch by loving stitch

Skills passed on to granddaughter

Sharing Grandma’s Love

Photos used by permission: Anna Roth

Mother’s Love

A mother’s love passes
on for generations to come
Love your children well

****

Photos: Dwight L. Roth

Stay With Me

Stay with me and hold me close

While others fear and express their woes

Our promise was for better or for worse

*

Stay with me head to head

While others live in fear and dread

With you I will always make my bed

*

You stayed with me cheek to cheek

Through 50 years with weather bleak

And still it’s you my heart does seek

*

And if this time should be our last

As Covid  ravages // steals our gasp

Let me stay with you as life shall pass

*****

Photo of statue at the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton, Alberta… Dwight L. Roth

 

Holy Week

We enter this holy week together
Christians and Jews recall God’s protection
Stories of hope and love for each other

Faith strained in the midst of dark hopelessness
Prayers rise and lift us beyond our distress

As we see the Sun/Son rise hope is renewed
New life is ours on the path now pursued

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

Today at d’Verse Frank Hubney asked us to write a seven line Chaucerian poem. It is in iambic pentameter and has a pattern of ABA BB CC. Hopefully this is close to the real thing!

Join us at: https://dversepoets.com