Yadkin River Valley

Yadkin River Valley

Between Thunder Hill and Raven Rock,
Yadkin River Valley stretches long and lean,
a slice of her offerings between sips
of red or white as you follow the vine
of native muscadine.

Alpacas and Thoroughbreds dot the way,
as do antiques and roadside markets;
fling a rod, sit astride, glide air currents,
or as I, drift along the Pee Dee,
paddling and pausing

taking in the land of Boone,
of freedom, of vistas, of plenty.

by Margaret Bednar, April 30, 2019

Linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Platform Tuesday" 

I took artistic liberty as I liked the sound of "Pee Dee" (and I will check it out soon and report back) but I actually kyack Price Lake.   I took this photograph this morning - that house intrigues me with its views...

http://www.exploreboone.com/outdoors/water-activities/canoeing-kayaking/

One of the wineries - the man on horseback is Joey - owner and manager of where I board my horse - not here at the winery but up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Banner Elk. 

http://yadkinvalleywinecountry.com/winery/chestnut-trail-vineyard-winery-mocksville-nc/

Aspirations

House with trees & clothes line - Walter Silver Photographs

 Aspirations 

Dreams stifle behind closed shutters,
is why I slide wide the sash come eve,
let Milky Way sail in as crickets, katydids,
and great barred owl celebrate midnight
with mockingbird, come spring, serenading his ballad.

Bobcat's yowl and fox's scream used to scare
until I adopted them as my own, more expressive
than Steinway's ivory keys.

Saturday morn, linen is clothes-pinned,
corners curl upon breeze, sigh beneath sun's swelter,
shadowed side-porch's respite declined;

find myself downhill, grass-stained, "unlady-like",
eyes still bedazzled with stars,
imagine not knight in shining armor,
but myself, gallant lady upon white steed,
giving voice for new century.

by Margaret Bednar, April 28, 2019

This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Poems in April - Photographic Images Reimagined".  I think I may have incorporated all three creative devises into my poem - ekphrastic, narrative and impression of sentiment from the photos... as I wasn't sure how to label it.  Either way, it was fun and I used more than one image - even more than I posted here.  Go to the prompt and try it for yourself.

Inez Milholland - Suffrage Parade 

Milky Way ...  Thomas Ciszewski

Catharsis

Catharsis

Seaside's tide nibbles my toes,
laughingly splashes,
at times crashes ferocious
seemingly battling destiny:
pulling, shifting, forever reaching,
eventually settling, violently or peacefully
as today melts into tomorrow -

and as I brush sand off my hands,
I toss yesterday towards the horizon
and welcome eve's refreshing breeze.

by Margaret Bednar, April 16, 2019

Haibun - "The Hero"

With these two at his side, he can't help but win!

I remember when my first son's voice changed, how quickly he grew after that, from 16 to man in a flash.  Confident and bold even then.  I never worried.  My youngest, so sweet, so innocent, has middle school lurking 'round the corner, my mother's heart leary for there's a monster to face: dyslexia.  It claws shame, roars insecurity, frightens with frustration.  With patience, love, and honesty I slash my sword, momentarily knock knees from beneath the beast, encourage son to be a voice of strength, hold shield high, take pride in creativity and strengths, not to mention his kindness for which everyone speaks.  Life is measured many ways besides report cards.  Not everyone gets a chance to battle a monster; only heroes.

Mighty beast roars,
a little boy whistles
as the Nasturtiums bloom.

by Margaret Bednar, April 16, 2019

The haiku isn't 5-7-5 but it IS 22 syllables

Nasturtium is a bright colored flower that means there will be victory through a battle and conquest.

This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - The Touch of Snow" - write a Haibun.

Also linked with "NaPoWriMo" - National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each April, was introduced in 1996 and is organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States.

Chelsea, NYC

Chelsea, NYC

It's burrowed between Hell's Kitchen and Hudson Yards,
Midtown, Flatiron and West Village;

find myself settling above the river, Liberty's arm raised
in the distance, admiring High Line's greenway,
a resurrection from grit and grime
of the once bustling West Side Line.

Today the old track sidles beside blue star and chokeberry,
flowering quince and dogtooth violets,
with dainty white blooms of the serviceberry tree
sprouting mid-track.  Come June, red berries will pop,
ripen into shades of dark wine as canopies of leaves
offer shade to dog and man.

I've a book tucked beneath my arm, a camera,
find a bench, sit a spell, look forward
to meeting my love this evening
beneath the magnolia trees of Chelsea.

Yesterday toured Madison Square,
delighted myself with ethnic food
and Flea Market finds, meandered Chelsea's Pier,
took note of Carousel at 62, luxury cruises,
theatres, local breweries...

reach into canvas bag from morning's
Farmer's Market, nibble buttery croissant,
enjoy sun's breeze upon my shoulders
before I don straw-brimmed hat,
idle this day away until I greet my man
beneath twinkling borough lights
and birds twittering "goodnight".

by Margaret Bednar, April 14, 2019

the old tracks...

Rooftops from the Sky Line

Overlooking the Hudson River

Look closely - that is Ms. Liberty herself

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I'm hosting and I think I broke my own rule ... "don't take us on a nature walk, take us on a walk through an urban area - a big city, small town..."  Ha, well... the High Line IS in NYC...

This is linked with "Imaginary Garden of Real Toads - The Streets of Brooklyn" (or whatever urban city walk one would like to take us on).  I am hosting this challenge and I went with Chelsea, NYC, one of my favorite (as of yet) places in NYC.

Also linked with "NaPoWriMo" - National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each April, was introduced in 1996 and is organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States.

I Wish

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I Wish

He always had time to listen,
to care; made me feel like a princess
for the very first time.

Somehow sparked into existance
the tiniest bit of confidence
which took root and grew;

yet so very fragile.  Had to hold tight,
shut out the loud voice at home.

When he finally became a father,
I visited, little baby's fingers
wrapped itself around my hand,

and I leaned in close, whispered:
"You're the luckiest little girl alive."

by Margaret Bednar, April 12, 2019

Really, this is not finished - quick, dashed out thoughts so I can participate in "Imaginary Garden of Real Toads - Fireblossom Friday - Love"  But we were to write about a love for someone that doesn't know how we love them.  Mine is a father figure... A wonderful man who made a huge difference in a very, very, shy girl's life - one with no confidence and a father who was very critical and hard to please. 

Anyway, I plan on coming back to this poem as this is really just a beginning - I had ten minutes before the stroke of midnight.

Also linked with "NaPoWriMo" - National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each April, was introduced in 1996 and is organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States.

From My Bed

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From My Bed

I can pour my own drink,
read, alone, a book in bed,
or watch T.V. 'til four a.m.

but also enjoy our pillow talks,
when you fall asleep listening to me
and I lay awake as you snore

prefer not one over the other,
but relish I have both.

by Margaret Bednar, April 11, 2019

Honestly, our whole marriage has been like this as he works nights at times - and I must admit (he who thinks it's almost a "sin" to eat in bed and I think it a luxury) well, maybe it is why we've been married almost 30 years...

This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Song Prompt News from Your Bed".  Pick a line from the song and use it in a poem.  I used the line "I can pour my own drink".

Also linked with "NaPoWriMo" - National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each April, was introduced in 1996 and is organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States.

The Pearly Gate

The Pearly Gate

Undulating meadows sprinkled with farms and forested hills
exist beneath Heaven this morning,
and I stand as if at the Pearly Gate,
surely hear angels join a meadowlark's song,
expect any minute souls will rise up from cloud-covered valley
and join me in this warm, soothing light.

I'm grounded with the sight of a house just below the ridge,
a soft light from an upper window, a dog barking.
Begin morning hike, follow the ridgeline route
that dips in and out of intimate swales, 
and onto a fringed green carpet of ferns 
that runs off into open woods;

descending, yet feel blessed.

by Margaret Bednar, April 10, 2019

Linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Open a Book - Poems in April" - pick up a book and open it point to a sentence and use it in a poem.  I used the book "Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway", page 170 and I used the sentence italicized above.


Also linked with "NaPoWriMo" - National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each April, was introduced in 1996 and is organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States.

Fragments

Fragments

Smooth, weathered edges 
tease my fingertips into fidgeting,
braille-like, their story unclear.

Imagine them drifting for decades, 
tumbling, turning,
grinding through waters warm and cold,

shapeshifting beer bottles and soda glass,
poisons, mason jars, and ink;
remains washed ashore.

Kelly greens and seagrass,
cobalt, aqua, cornflower,
turquoise and translucent whites;

treasures collected by
Grandma and Grandpa, strolling sunsets,
beachcombing side by side.

Maybe that's the story: years of love
and companionship
along Michigan and Florida shores.

by Margaret Bednar, April 9, 2019

My daughter Chelsea has made a few jewelry pieces from these fragments - she designed this (mandala?) on the Grandparents deck which I thought was beautiful.

Here is a website that sells Sea Glass jewelry... it has a blog connected to it as well. Sea Glass Jewelry by Jane

The Grandparents (my husband's parents) collection would partly be "beach glass" as it was collected along Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes.  But they also spent time in Florida, so sea glass is correct as well.

This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Tuesday Platform"

Also linked with "NaPoWriMo" - National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each April, was introduced in 1996 and is organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States.

Back in the Day

Back in the Day

Hot humid days, we'd ride our pony early
clad in bikini top, shorts, no shoes.

Late-morning found us playing jacks,
pick-up-sticks, gin rummy where Aces are low.

After lunch, a sprinkler run, fort construction,
start Monopoly; rarely finish.

No helmets, skin unprotected, unsupervised.
Summer.

Margaret Bednar

linked with "dVerse Poets - Quadrille #77 - Ace"

Also linked with "NaPoWriMo" - National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each April, was introduced in 1996 and is organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States.

Conversion

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Conversion

I grew up a stone's throw from Chicago,
where impatience is considered authoritative,
disinterest as focused, rushed as efficient.

Married, moved south, Texas south,
where they commented on my accent, good-naturedly,
(excuse me, Midwesterners don't have one),
always waved, smiled, made time to chat,
and courtesy is as important as religion.

Now I reside in the Blue Ridge Mountains
where small towns receive many tourists
of which I can usually pick out the Northerner,
feel a bit of comradery, sip my soda water,
wonder if I finally blend in...

and hope I do.

Margaret Bednar, April 8, 2019

I still say "pop" as that is what we call it up North but after all these years living in the south... I sometimes do call it "soda".  That's a huge concession.  I don't say "ya'll" and probably never will, but who knows...

This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Just One Word - Etiquette"

Also linked with "NaPoWriMo" - National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each April, was introduced in 1996 and is organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States.

Dead of Night

"Star Gazing Rabbit" Artist Jason Limberg:  Website

Dead of Night

Dead of the night isn't for the faint of heart,
with evergreens' black tips pointing to the moon
hypnotizing those who gaze too long.

The nights with no shadows are perhaps the scariest
when moon's curtained behind clouds
and the rustle of rabbit or wolf sound the same

and cries of an owl or the fluttering of bats
make my heart beat faster.  Am I safer hidden in shadows,
or would a glimmer of stars reduce my fear?

How is it cat happily curls her body to mine on cold nights,
content, but equally pleased to wander outside
during middle of a summer's night?

Perhaps it's simply the difference between predator and prey.

by Margaret Bednar, April 7, 2019

Linked with the challenge "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Art Flash in April".

Also linked with "NaPoWriMo" - National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each April, was introduced in 1996 and is organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States.

The amazing drawing is done by Jason Limberg - he can be found on Instagram and at this website:  Jason Limberg

Mountain Rosebay

Courting Cowbirds... she lays her eggs in other bird's nests... 

Mountain Rosebay

My rhododendrons are birthing birds,
Towhees, Cardinals, and a pair of courting cowbirds
all scampering beneath
mountain rosebay's tightly fisted buds,
as if a mother's skirt, protective -

hop up her evergreen arms
leading them to my feeders. I'm still waiting
for my pileated woodpecker, but imagine
he'll be bolder, fly in
from the stand of dead trees across the road.

Glorious May, I await, when fragrant,
large blooms will blush lavender
and butterflies will flock to her nectar
within this woodland garden
where my rose tree will be
the bell of the ball for a swirl or two
come spring.

by Margaret Bednar, April 5, 2019

The birdfeeder I am getting to attract the big Pileated Woodpecker that lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains...

https://wildbirdsunlimited.typepad.com/the_zen_birdfeeder/2010/04/bird-feeders-for-pileated-woodpeckers-think-big.html

For "The Sunday Muse - Wednesday Muse #2 - Hanami"  I wrote this and then went back and read that I was supposed to write about how this flower made me feel ...  hmm.  Well, I don't have time to rewrite (I need to pay attention to the rules more closely)

Also linked with "NaPoWriMo" - National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each April, was introduced in 1996 and is organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States. 

Enough

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Enough

The moon has craters,
the Beast was disfigured,
and scabs come before healing...

Is it better to be gorgeous or angelic,
bewitching or pleasing,
dazzling or nice?

Does charming outdo helpful,
foxy trump fair,
shapely vanquish ideal?

All I know is the moon's light
soothes me, Beauty found true love,
tribulations make me stronger,

and when you laugh with me,
I'm thankful (after all these years)
fair, nice, and helpful is enough

and that you still hold my hand.

by Margaret Bednar, April 4, 2019

This is linked with the challenge "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Wordy Thursday with Wild Woman - Scars to Your Beautiful". 

Also linked with "NaPoWriMo" - National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each April, was introduced in 1996 and is organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States. 

Folded

Folded

Draco the Dragon, Little Dipper,
and the Northern Crown with jewels blazing and fading
grace my fingertips.

Deep night-blue brings them close
or perhaps it's the mountains
in which I'm folded, quilt-wrapped,

protected and safe.  Mars will set
before midnight, Jupiter will rise soon after,
and Venus just before dawn

while I sleep contentedly,
stringed porch lights softly glowing,
blinking salutations.

by Margaret Bednar, April 2, 2019

Linked with a challenge from "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Poems in April - Late Night Conversations with the Muse".  Still thinking on a better title for this poem...

Also linked with "NaPoWriMo" - National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each April, was introduced in 1996 and is organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States. 

Wedgwood of Staffordshire

My Wedgwood Bone China - pattern Lichfield

Wedgwood of Staffordshire

We've graced Queen Charlotte's table,
our Lichfield, Bednar's, with our wreath
of beauteous blooms which grace field and vale
beneath village spires; a namesake

heralding back (perhaps) to Diocletian,
300 AD and the death of 1000 Christians,
or perhaps spun off from Roman's junction
of Rykniild and Watling, fifth century village of Wall,

where families worked, rested,
worshipped and fed,
fair game for enemies Henry VIII and Mary I,
Parliament and the Royalists...

and around this table of the 21st century,
where politics and religion are still assailed,
(or shall we say "discussed"?)
no heretics accused, no wars resumed,

no consequences demanding
a burning at the stake; only perhaps
a bit of indigestion now and again
from our wreath of beauteous Lichfield blooms.

by Margaret Bednar, April 2, 2019

This is linked with the challenge at "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - The Tuesday Platform - an inanimate's voice"

Also linked with "NaPoWriMo" - National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each April, was introduced in 1996 and is organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States.