"The Mandolin" & Sir Paul McCartney

The Mandolin

At heaven's gate
mandolins play Slovak tunes
for dark eyed sons lost to war

and angelically strum
classical expressions
before the face of God.

Far below the chords ignite
in bluegrass bands 'n jazzy tunes
where nomadic spirits roam

and the curtain between
yesterday and today
lifts for a gypsy tune.

by Margaret Bednar, June 28, 2014

This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's - Dance Tonight".   The challenge is to be inspired by Sir Paul McCartney's music video - we were given permission to pursue "whatever wonders this video offers up".   

"Cornsilk"

Cornsilk

The cornsilk of your tail
turns 'round this ninety degree day of hell.

I asked for one sign of beauty
as I settled beneath the shady oak

and here you are - neck outstretched,
shimmering light plays upon your back,

skips like lightening to the old fence line,
sagging barn roof, topless silo

and I concede fifty may be the new forty
and beauty really is ageless.

by Margaret Bednar, June 27, 2014

This is linked with Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - "Let's have a Conversation" a conversational poem (inspiration from Douglas Livingstone) with an animal, portrait, statue or suitable companion of conversation that can be successfully addressed in "Apostrophe".  

"Steeping"

Etsy shop "The Vintage Teacup"

Steeping

Afternoons I become a lady,
delicately balance my Ansley teacup
pinky outstretched,

lips seemingly sweet
as the pastel Wisteria
with leaves painted minty-lime green.

Yet words slip through, unpruned,
bloom as I center the quatre foil
within gold trimmed center,

join the sacred and spiritual
circle of gossip as whispers steep
unfavorable and shocking.

Lean back, savor the tingle
of our "cleansing".  Vow to never
dishonor Queen Catherine's legacy.

by Margaret Bednar, June 21, 2014


Wow.  Teacups really are works of art.  HERE is a link to a fabulous Pinterest site devoted to Ansley Teacups.

Tea finally arrived in England during the 17th century when King Charles II married a Portuguese princess, Catherine of Braganza.  The Queen made tea the drink of royalty and soon tea became a popular import to Britain via the East India Company.  Afternoon tea or tea parities became a common way for aristocratic society to drink tea (and gossip).

This is linked with Imaginary Garden of Real Toads "Transforming Friday with Nature's Wonders" - Fields of Tea in China. 

"Don't even THINK about it" (she warns)

"Don't even THINK about it" (she warns)

Bare piggy toes once wiggled each time I tickled your foot,
hearty squeals once rippled as I raspberried your bellybutton,
butterfly kissed a cream-puff cheek.

Even now I long to cradle you in the crook of my arm,
rock and sway your body close to my heart,
hold your hand for protection,

but preteens rarely indulge such fantasies.

by Margaret Bednar, June 19, 2014


She is twelve years old - and very independent, and does not allow cuddling.  I guess when you are one of the youngest of six, you tend to be a survivor and a bit "seasoned".  

I've had a number of changes this past few weeks.  Moved my oldest daughter into a college rental house, "celebrated" my 15 year old daughter's entry into high school, "grieved" as my fifth grader was "promoted" to middle school and my youngest finish Kindergarten!  I just realized another daughter will soon be 17!!! (how can that be) and am already mourning my oldest son leaving as this upcoming year he will graduate college  (which is 30 minutes away) and most likely head to New York…

Changes, changes.  Thank goodness my youngest is a Momma's boy and soaks up hugs and kisses.

This poem is a "sevenling" which is a poem that follows a rule of three and I have linked it with "Imaginary Garden of Real Toads - Words Count with Mama Zen"- Rule of three - in 90 words or less.  

"The Old City Wall"

Florence, Italy

"The Old City Wall"

Antiquity is a narrative

we often ignore,

march along its crumbling walls

oblivious of frescoed saints
and poets poised, marbled fingers 

with stories still to tell.

But for those who linger,

let the sun warm their shoulders,

a humbling occurs,

a blessing of wisdom bestowed.

by Margaret Bednar, June 10, 2014

I have been so busy these past two weeks - haven't been able to visit other blogs much - haven't written a single poem.   When I go this long without writing, I fear the creative juices will not come back - convince myself I can't do it.   But like all things, a break is probably a good thing - I just wish I could say I had travelled to Rome and Florence instead of the tasks which were at hand…

My daughter traveled to Italy and I have yet to see all of her photography - and can't wait to see the paintings from her this summer. 

I will be busy for the rest of this week as we have three "promotions" to celebrate - kindergarten, fifth and eighth grade all coming to an end… Summer begins for us next week!