Father’s day always brings memories of my dad, who I always referred to as Pop! He was a caring and compassionate person who showed love not only to his family, but to everyone he met. He died at the age of seventy, back before heart bypass surgery was happening. Although it has been so many years, I still miss him.
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Photo: Dwight L. Roth
Photos: Dwight L. Roth
Written for Frank Tassone’s Haikai challenge Fragrant Breeze. He also reminds us of the anniversary of D-day and suggested we incorporate that as well.
On a trip to Myrtle Beach, we saw this truck parked on a corner, in front of a motel where everyone would see. The U.S. Army flag was kept unfurled with a rod. Many returning Veterans wanted all to know that though they came back home, some of their fellow soldiers did not survive. Patriotism and Pride runs deep this Memorial Day.
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Photo: Dwight L. Roth
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.
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Photo: Dwight L. Roth
Photos: Dwight L. Roth
A quadrille of 44 words today for the d’Verse Poetry Pub. De Jackson asked us to write using the word Cheer. The ornaments given to me by my students bring me cheer each Christmas as I put them on our tree.
Join us at d’Verse: https://dversepoets.com
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Photo: Dwight L. Roth
Appreciating the blessings of life reminds us that it is not the things we have but the people around us who bring out the love in our hearts. As our families gather, let us celebrate those in our life who have made a difference, both those present and those who have passed.
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Photo: Dwight L. Roth
Old Songs
Notes cling to the chambers of my brain
Hanging there stretched across my mind
The first three notes…………
Drawing me like a moth to a flame
Snagging me with silky smooth harmonies
Wrapping me tightly in a cocoon of pleasure
Lost in dusty webs of the past fifty years
Sucked in and stored away for evermore
Eight-legged bands are now long gone
Leaving me stuck in the recesses of history
In an egg sac // hatching out tunes of my own
Running here and there stringing new webs
Never forgetting how great it was
To be caught up in the old song’s web
Notes branded on my brain for ever
Creating an identity of who I am today!
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Photo: Dwight L. Roth
No excuse for hate
Not a political tool
Remember lives lived
Lift them high // show their faces
Erase haters from our view
No excuse for hate
Not fuel for the talking heads
Remember lives lived
Their joy // happiness // and love
Hater’s not mentioned
No excuse for hate
Guard the dignity of those
whose lives were cut short
Let their lights forever shine
Overcoming hate with love
Photos: Dwight L. Roth
During WWII, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japan, fear ran rampant in the country. It was during this time that anyone of Japanese descent was rounded up and put into camps in different parts of the country. When the war ended they are again allowed to return to the general population. My friend Jean’s parents were put in one of these camps. After she was born she was told about the experiences during that time. Jean, who now lives in Canada, is very proud of her heritage. She loves to sew quilts, lap quilts and quilted wall hangings. This is a beautiful wall hanging she made out of respect for her parents and her Japanese heritage.
Heritage displayed
Stories of the past remembered well
Shared with words and thread
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Photo: Dwight L. Roth
