Hold Tight

A sketch I did just the other day from a photograph taken 8 or so years ago
... seems like yesterday.

Hold Tight

There is something so endearing
about my little boy's silhouette,
delicate neck above narrow shoulders
and waist dwarfed by shorts
that flood past knees
and shade bare, dirt-dusted feet.

Last vestigates of pudginess
cling to lengthening limbs,
which increasingly take him far
from my protective reach.

The lake is deep, tree roots
snake in and out along the steep bank.
I warn him to watch his step,
"I will, Mom"; try not to hover
yet it's second nature.  Sees me coming,
he runs, I shout, he laughs.

The darkness of the water scares me,
of course, he's oblivious,
fascinated as he is looking for turtles,
fish, dragonflies, and such.

Notice Mother Duck's having trouble
keeping her own swiftly growing chicks inline;
my mind scampers to my other five
(check text messages, see if they need me)
call my youngest to me, spread out blanket,
hold tight to this moment, this little boy.

by Margaret Bednar, January 7, 2020

This is posted with "dVerse Poets Pub - Meeting the Bar - Critique & Craft - Soliloquy"

"Memories"

My youngest child, and forever my "baby" even at 10
and probably for his whole life :)

Memories
are like mountain tops -
pinnacles
of one's heart,
finger-tipping heaven's hem,
cradling the sacred.

by Margaret Bednar, March 15, 2018

This is for "dVerse Meeting the Bar - Phantom Form - Shadorma"  It is a syllabic form consisting of six-line stanzas with a 3-5-3-3-7-5 pattern.  We could explore the fog, paranormal, unexplained phenomena of life and death.

My mind went to what we are truly made of - in the end it isn't the physical as it is what is inside - and being a mother that for me is my children, my family, the love I have for them.  I am easily brought to tears remembering the past, watching them grow, seeing them smile and enjoy being together in the present... their laughter, tears, etc.   I think these feelings are what I will BE when I pass from this life to the next...

In the photo above my youngest child (6th of 6 and the 2nd son) is resting upon a boulder on top of Grandfather Mountain in NC.  

"Dear Father"

Dear Father,

I can't help but wonder of your thoughts
since you've journeyed so far.
Has it changed you; are you slow to anger,
slow to find fault?  Judge with a softer heart?

I'm curious the things you've learned,
assume you're finally willing to listen,
not caught up in rules you can't explain.

I'm truly joyous, imagining you embracing
such elation, blue eyes clear of disappointment,
perhaps seeing me for the first time.

I sound as if I'm criticizing,
but it's more a pleading, a youthful desire
still nestled deeply to be free of insecurities.

Perhaps it's not too late.
Until I too close my eyes for the last time,
know that you are now in my prayers.

It's a good place for us to start.

Your daughter,

Margaret Bednar, March 1, 2018


Linked up with "dVerse Poets Pub - Meeting the Bar - with a letter"

Also linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - "Dear" Poems"

"Obsession"

Obsession

"The Heart wants what it wants" - Woody Allen

Desire (or dependence?) is a fervor
where "I love you" (or "I want you?")
is a succor from your lips I crave

and in the end, an indulgence
unsatisfied.

by Margaret Bednar, February 15, 2018


succor: help; relief; aid; assistance.

This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Imagined by Rommy - "Love Hurts" - heartbreak/jealosy..."  A twist on Valentine's Day...

Also linked up with "dVerse Poets Pub - Meeting the Bar - Brevity"  Write a poem no more than five lines.

You have to love the 1980's -  One of my favorite movies that pokes fun of that time is Music and Lyrics with Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore.  I start laughing at the very beginning!

"Supplication"

Supplication

Beneath lavender clouds
I walk fields of scented rows;
morning's first blush saturated with
devotion -

and with lips hesitantly shy,
I reacquaint and caress verse
pocketed long ago; childhood's seeds
taking root.

by Margaret Bednar, January 30, 2015


This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Transforming Thursday - Lavender Fields" and "dVerse - Meeting the Bar  - The Cinquain expanded"  dVerse asked us to add a syllable to the traditional cinquain format - so the count is 3-5-7-9-3.


Nature - especially sunrise and sunset - moves me, as I'm sure it does most people.  As for my poem, I think this is many a parent's wish - that children, if they stray from their faith, will one day find a way back to what was instilled in them at a young age. 

"The Performance"

The Performance

Passionately unrestrained
her nightingale voice transforms,
blindly simmers, burns fury

while coal-dark, tumultuous eyes
skewer those who dare
cause grievance,

unjustly question her command.

The audience gasps, "Who is that?"
and I note to ask my little songbird
this very question after the show.

by Margaret Bednar, October 31, 2014




Most talented and successful actors find a personal connection with the characters they play.  Just where did my 6th grade daughter pull this character from?  Perhaps I shouldn't ask :)

This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Bits of Inspiration" and
"dVerse Meeting the Bar - The things we see" and
"Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Fireblossom Friday - Write Something Spooky".  

"Gratitude"

"Gratitude"

Grandness often seems far beyond my reach,
often overlook simplicity, plainness
as frugal providence.

I'm guilty of shallow breathing, of peripheral vision
instead of clear eyed perseverance.

A steady, four-mile mountain trail up, up, up… I tread slowly,
pause, wipe sweaty brow, battle fatigue, defeat;

inhale deeply soul-invigorating Virginia air,
notice nature's unpretentious ornamentals -
their unique patterns, bursting colors.

You forge ahead, undaunted conquerer,
but come back.  Offer water, encouragement.

Reward this day will not be the noble, majestic view
but the struggle of achievement and appreciation
of your steadfast soul which helps me along the way.

Margaret Bednar, September 4, 2014

 

This if for "dVerse - Meeting The Bar - a nod to Rilke"

McAfee's Knob, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Roanoke, Virginia - (I think I saw your house, Brian:)