Poetry Jam "At the Mouth of the Bear River"

At the Mouth of the Bear River

Symbolic crosses proudly stand

listenening prayer-like 

as gentle waves beat 

an age old rhythm of worship 

to the designer of all mankind. 

Overlooking the shores 

of Little Traverse Bay,

do antique windowpanes reflect 

lingering shadow spirits 

being denied heritage, language?

Were many a raven head 

bent in prayer

before the snowshoe priest?

Were souls uplifted reading holy words

from the white man’s book, 

and like the Petoskey stone

washed clean and smooth?

Or, when the bell tower majestically rang,

did spirits rejoice;

Petosega’s tribe

revived and refreshed 
due to the rays

of the morning dawn?

At the mouth of the Bear River,

this “Little Church by the Lake”

embraces its history and today

some pray for grace 

to forever warm this land of renewal,

while others still place heart and hope

in the circle of the rising sun.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens, revised March 31, 2012

* * * * *

The above mission, St. Francis Solanus Indian Mission Church, resides in the small Northern Michigan town of Petoskey.  It is nestled along the Little Traverse Bay shore and a wonderful bike path.  I often paused here and wondered about this place and was very happy when it was

renovated.  Limited tours during the summer are offered. 

This is linked to "Poetry Jam"  theme: Another Point of View: Strange Gods

IGWRT's - Fireblossom Friday "Beloved Hands"

Beloved Hands

Inside warmth familiar

her hand rested,

leather smooth

against her cheek,

and remembered

the gentle hands of a strong man

intimately trailing low

calloused hands soothing away

a daughter's tears, a son's fears

disciplined hands teaching

fairness, perseverance

encouraging hands wrapped

about hers, offering security

patient hands caressing

many a fevered brow

helping hands willing

to lighten her load

faithful hands pressed together

leading them in prayer

remembered

and slowly slipped his gloves

into the box, reluctant to let go.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, March 30, 2012

This is for Imaginary Garden With Real Toads "Fireblossom Friday", topic: Bodies.   This is the second time I have reworked this poem and I think this is my favorite version.  

IGWRT's -Poem Sketching & dVerse-Live in the Moment "The Sentinel" and Friday Flash 55

The Sentinel

Sentinel ever vigilant
gargoyle-like she stands,
ready to defend
her youthful charge

silhouetted silently
amongst swaying sweetflag
as the dewey eve
comes a night-tripping.

One last pebble thrown,
one last birdsong tweets,
she grabs his hand,
ushers him homeward;

today's voyage
soon tucked away,
his dreams of tomorrow rippling
beneath crisp, alabaster sheets.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, March 29, 2012

* * * * *

This is linked with Imaginary Garden with Real Toads: "Poem Sketching", the challenge being to create a word list, or word sketch.  I did this by picking out words from each of these photos I took of the other evening and then used "Dictionary.com" to expand my choices.  I thank you, Ella, for this really fun exercise!

I am also linking this with "Friday Flash 55", a story in 55 words, no more, no less!

I have also linked this with dVerse Meeting the Bar "Live in the Moment" with host Victoria C. Slotto who's beautiful blog is "liv2write2day's Blog".  These photos were taken almost two evenings ago and I immediately came home and started penning this poem as I was so filled with "the moment". 

Sometimes Poetry Needs No Words

Sometimes poetry needs no words.  This is not me and Sebastian, but it will be soon!  This is Kate and Kleopatra, a half Friesian, half Arabian horse.  

Open Link Monday with IGWRT's "The Garden Path"

Magenta Park - Favim

The Garden Path

A garden path beckons
its whisper a gentle breeze,

"Relax under my parasol
of soothing violet,

savor mint julep with weary eyes,
feel cool magenta
drape about your shoulders,

shed all pretense,
and shroud yourself within
my protective embrace."

I hesitate,
ponder her pebbled path,
and take a life-saving step her way.

by Margaret Bednar,  Art Happens 365, March 26, 2012

* * * * *

It is "Open Link Monday" at Imaginary Garden with Real Toads.  The photo above is one Kerry put up to welcome us today at The Garden", and I really loved it.  I might start a new challenge for myself every Monday by responding to a photo and give myself only 15 minutes to write it. Is this a good idea?  I don't know ... readers might hate my feeble attempts :)  This poem took me less than 10 minutes.  Kind of fun to go with my first response, type up a whole bunch of words and images and then go back and edit like hell.  :)

Magpie Tales #110 "An Old Acquantance, and "Do We?"

Image:  Duane Michals

An Old Acquaintance

An old acquaintance I can't completely shake
peers over my shoulder, creates self doubt,

insecurity.  Ignore her at times,
I do, but rather persistent is she

often makes me rethink my strategy
but mostly she is best ignored, defriended,

as my eyes desperately seek even a small reflection
of a more productive muse, Ms. Creativity.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, March 25, 2012

* * * * *

This is for Magpie Tales #110.  I guess it is known know as "The Mag" as many poets have become quite familiar with this weekly challenge.  Thank you for being an awesome host, Tess!  I reworked this poem from a "One Stop Poetry" challenge on 4-3-11.  Not sure if it is better, but new life has been breathed into it, I hope.  

Below is a short audio clip of a graduate student, Sarah Mitchell, talking about a photograph taken by Duane Michals in 1967 "This Photograph is My Proof".   I found it quite moving as I am looking at 22 years of marriage in May... and it sparked another poem :)

Do We?

Do I still hold his hand, cling
to his every word, laughter
spill from my pores as he
makes corny jokes?

Do I hold him close
before he leaves for work,
remind him of what awaits
upon his return?

Does he still call me
throughout the day
ask me, lovingly,
what I am doing?

Does he bring me
bouquets of fresh flowers,
often dropped hurriedly,
knowing they can wait a bit for water?

After twenty-two years,
do we still nourish each other?

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, March 25, 2012

IGWRT's Mary's Mixed Bag - "The Scryer"

The Scryer

My little Nostradamus peers trance-like
into his own mirror of Galadriel
visions reflected for but a moment
before he's off throwing
a pebble into another scrying pool
changing the color, ebb, and flow
of nature's Magic 8-Ball
of fate once again.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, March 24, 2012

* * * * *

This is for Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Mary's Mixed Bag Friday, theme: "Poetry of the Ordinary"
Hop on over and take a look at numerous imaginative creations to this prompt!

I have also linked this to "Magpie Tales #122".

Scrying - a  magic practice of seeing things physically in a medium (cyrstal, stone, mirror, water, fire, smoke)

Nostradamus - A famous 16th century scryer.

Mirror of Galadriel - a basin filled with water in which one may see visions of the past present and future, appearing in The Lord of the Rings.

Sepia Saturday "Going Out"

Photo:  Courtesy of Flicker Commons

This is linked to Sepia Saturay:  theme "Going Out".  My camera battery charger is hiding, so instead of photographing my own sepia images from my "box" I found this one on Flicker Commons.  I'm playing around with watercolor portraits and using this image for a reference.

Looks to me like these ladies are all decked out at the race tracks (could that be a racing program in her hands?),  A thread I was reading hinted at the possibility this was Monmouth not far from the New Jersey shore.  It could also be a horse show at Monmouth.  It is most likely April or May or early autumn based upon the way they are dressed.

This was a fun bit of information I found.  I wonder if the event below is where these two ladies  are strolling?

The whipped cream of New York society turned out in October, 1912, for the eleventh annual horse show at the Piping Rock Country Club, in Locust Valley, on the north shore of Long Island. A new clubhouse and stepped observation boxes had just been opened for their pleasure:

Story in The New York Times, October 4, 1912:
"SOCIETY AMATEURS IN THE SADDLE
"Piping Rock Horse Show Attracts Hunting Set to Locust Valley Grounds"
query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9D 06E1D6113BE6...

Another story in The New York Times, October 5, 1912:
"SOCIETY AIDS AT PIPING ROCK SHOW
"Notable People View Amateur Horse Exhibition Amid Long Island Hills"
query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=95 06E6D7113AE6...

I'm assuming they are wearing the latest fashion -- which seems to be a fur animal wrapped around the shoulders!  I like the way in which they have their heads turned in towards one another, seemingly in a conversation... but their eyes are both looking askance...  perhaps a bit of gossip about a certain someone?

Mrs. Schiff's name was Adele Gertrude Neustadt (1880-1932) photo created between 1910 - 1915.  I think Adele is a pretty name.  I found much of this  information HERE.

Poetry Jam "The Fragile Cord"

The Fragile Cord

Sidelined upon the horizon

I hover out of focus

barely discernible

whisper patient encouragement,

watch as it whistles past

unnoticed,

remind myself for the hundredth time

wisdom often isn't from success,

it is lessons learned from our failings.

Forever connected by a fragile cord,

I watch and learn how to truly pray

from my heart.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, March 22, 2012

It is all about "Connections" over at Poetry Jam this week.  Hop over and check it out.  

This poem is also linked with Friday Flash 55, a story in 55 words, no more, no less.

Magpie Tales #109 "A Worthwhile Deception"

image:  Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison

A Worthwhile Deception

My man frequents Lowe's, 

devoted to "I can do it for less"

buying wrenches; God knows what else.

Directions seldom used, he

puzzles pieces together,

"Wonderful, honey!" my mantra

"Don't miss tee time" as I lovingly

hand him his clubs, appreciative...

of the handyman dialed quickly 

"Y'know the drill...

you have four hours to fix it."

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, March 19, 2012

* * * * *

This is for Magpie Tales #109 .  The photo prompt is the image above.  I also linked this up with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Open Link Monday".  

IGWRT's The Sunday Challenge, "The Path"

Photo courtesy of Shanyn Silinski

The Path

She peers eagerly
into a future glistening
like a silken web.

Untangled dreams promising
romance, pristine adventure,
and happily ever after.

With eyes weary
I foresee an intricate path
of steep inclines,
shadows, perfidious divots

and remember how swiftly
one poisonous bite
can unravel
youthful enchantment

revealing a fairy tale
a bit more Grimm.

Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, March 19, 2012

* * * * *

This is for Imaginary Garden with Real Toads "The Sunday Challenge" w/ Shanyn Silinski.

The above photo was taken by Shanyn Silinksi of blogs: Sunflower Poetry and Mystic Mom.  She is featured at Imaginary Garden with Real Toads (click above). 

IGWRT's - A Word with Laurie - "Wounded"

From LIFE Archives

Wounded

Tunnel vision

created a monster

of intolerant self-absorption,

so I hitched a ride

upon parallel track

heading the opposite direction

fleeing, hating, blaming

never pausing to witness

my own trail of destruction.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, March 16, 2012

This is for Imaginary Garden with Real Toads "Perspective".  The challenge is to write a poem with depth and emotion around a distant center - with NO commentary.  The point, if I understand it properly, is to see what other people read into / get out of a poems words.

Friday Flash 55 "A Blanket of Dreams"

A blanket of dreams I wear
resembling "Big Red" himself
don't you think?

I strike a pose
worthy of a triple crown winner

my sporty stripes cover
a studly physique
flowers tossed from admirers
cause me to prance and paw the ground
rear, cause a ruckus
because I can...

Neigh, snort, we horses dream too.

Oberon, Art Happens 365, March 15, 2012


This is for "Friday Flash 55" - a story in 55 words - no more, no less.   This little dreamy fellow is my other horse.  He and Sebastian are BEST buddies.  My girls and I were so happy when it snowed for a few days in February and were able to put Oberon's "cooling off" blanket on.  Well, it really wasn't necessary, but he does look so cute, doesn't he?

And if you are curious, "Big Red" was Man O' War.  I did a post on this horse on the link above, but below is actual video footage of the famous Thoroughbred race horse:

Three Tanka Poems for Imaginary Garden with Real Toads

Chaos and order

march side by side, commingling

thwarting, supporting

our passions flare up, subside

love and hate, coexisting.

*  *  *  *  *

A tree's rosy blooms
fallen, aroma inhaled
acknowledged beauty
extinguished for those it loves
and dispersed; a mother's heart.

*  *  *  *  *

White is springs breath

whispering sweet endearments

into winter's ear

you promised undying love

'til seasons end.  Au revoir!

*  *  *  *  *

These three poems are my attempt at Tanka's for Imaginary Garden with Real Toads challenge.  Who would have thought five lines could be so difficult!?  Not sure I succeeded and I am awaiting Grace's (the host of this challenge) input.  If one doesn't try, one never gets better!  So, hop on over and think about trying it yourself!  Everyone is welcome in this very friendly garden.  

Poetry Jam "Chartreuse"

Chartreuse

Youthful yearning is sun-kissed green,

An unripe dream waiting to bloom,
its enthusiastic whisper of burgeoning chartreuse
sprouting with fragile inexperience.

A bouquet of reverie,
its ornamental ribbon of innocence
hopefully encouraged, nourished, and protected.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, March 14, 2012

* * * * *

This is for Poetry Jam "So How Do You Feel?"  And I feel good to be back after a three week long blog break!  We have our house on the market for sale and what work this is... let's hope this next move (if we sell our house) will be the last one in a long time!  

I have missed all my blog pals and I have been caught sneaking a peak on-line a few times ... (I promised to dedicate myself fully to my mission of organizing and cleaning).  So here's to being "out in the open" again and no more sneaking into the closet!  ha ha

The above photo is for "The Creative Exchange".  Lisa has hosted this challenge and this is her last one as life moves on and gets busy!  :)  BUT the great news is her Lisa Gordon Photography site is AMAZING.  She is one of my favorite photographers and there is a reason she has a ton of followers.  Thank you Lisa!

Still on a "Blogger Break"... and it's no vacation!

Still on a blogger break as we are hustling and bustling to get our house up for sale.  Just wanted to send these beautiful flowers your way (taken last year at Biltmore) and I hope to be back playing with photography and poetry after this weekend.  I miss all my blogging friends