"Pinch Me"

Pinch Me 

Tandem sheep amble pasture hill,
horses graze, and donkey eyes me
as potential threat.

The setting sun slides over this gang 

as I, only one out of breath, 

introduce myself.

Winding road, well worn barns,

crisp fresh air, the promise

of a bright star-lit night...  

All this without ruby slippers.

By Margaret Bednar, December 5, 2015

This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Flash Fiction 55"   This past week I helped move my husband to our rental cottage in the NC mountains snuggled near the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We will join him once the kids are finished with their school year. Looking forward to calling this area home. Until then, we will be making a lot of road trips. 

Farewell Friday Flash 55

This was "hijacked" by me from Brett Beadle Photography **

Farewell Friday Flash 55

It's an ending
and a beginning
for the G-Man

a threshold to Fridays
with no boundaries,
no commitment -
where impulse rules
and kick-ass weekends
begin early.

It's a handing over
of the controls,
despite our irrational tears,
collective sighs.

Deflected with
"I'll still be around"
yet a favorite haunt
won't be the same.

by Margaret Bednar, March 27, 2014

Mr. Know-it-All, the G-Man, also known as Galen Hayes - a first class gentleman and friend to all who visit his blog is passing the torch after seven years of the beloved "Friday Flash 55".  He has passed the torch to Mama Zen & Fireblossom and the new day will be Tuesdays, starting on April 8th over at Fireblossom's blog "Shay's Word Garden".

If I can think of one person who has helped me become a better, more concise poet, it is Galen.  I often lack confidence in artistic endeavors, and he makes me feel like I have succeeded in creating something worthy of reading.  He made Thursday evenings and Fridays a time I looked forward to and rarely missed since I began in the fun on January 13, 2011.  Over the years, I have written 109 FF55's and in honor of my high regard for you, Galen, at the top of my sidebar I have a permanent link to them all.   I will also be creating an iPhoto (Mac) book for myself as they mean a lot to me.

My very first one was "All's Fair in Love & War" -  I remember how I struggled with this story - sure I'd never be able to write a 55 again.  But with his lovely encouragement… "In your very first attempt you have perfectly captured the essence of the Flash 55… " I decided to try again (and again…)  Well, I'm not sure I ever wrote a story 55 again, but I usually did write 55 words of poetry.   (sorry, Galen, I know how you LOVE your stories).

I hope I see everyone that has hung out here "over there" on Tuesdays as I truly enjoy all your creative voices.  Galen, I'm talking to YOU to!  It truly would not be the same without you - it would rip all our hearts out if you ride off into the sunset and leave us behind!

This is, of course, linked to Friday Flash 55 … for the last time.

I've also misused the Imaginary Garden of Real Toad's - Mind & Symbol challenge hosted by Hedgewitch and bent the rules a bit.  It was a word list to be used for dealing with 'dreams, the mind, symbols or the unconscious."     Perhaps it fits as I am a bit emotionally sad right now.


** If requested I will remove this image.  I did not get authorization, but I thought the image perfect for Galen.  The website itself is really cool to peruse - Mr. Beadle travels on his motor cycle and photographs amazing places.  He has a blog, twitter, and portfolio … and lots of links to his travels.  

"Dear Moon"

Dear Moon

Oh swarthy, starless night,
your filtered, speckled light fans
through green feathered leaves
as I muse my yesterdays,
my tomorrows.

Shine bright, dear moon,
pull ocean's waves toward my toes,
smooth today's journey -

I'll take that as absolution.

Perhaps it's the martini,
but I feel lighter.  I stir your reflection,
take another sip, and sigh.

by Margaret Bednar, March 20, 2014


I was on spring break with three of my children - their favorite city we visited was Savannah, GA.  I do adore that city as well, but I fell in LOVE with St. Augustine, FL.  Perhaps because it was my first time visiting this place, but the beach, the history, the architecture … I needed more than a day and a half.  I will be back.

This is for Friday Flash 55 with the G-Man - he will play host only one more weekend after today.  He has hosted for seven years and is passing the baton onto someone else whom he will reveal next week - but he promises to stick around and continue joining in the fun - so that makes me happy.  

"Lessons from the Blue Heron"

Lessons from the Blue Heron

Like you, I wait,
but where you stand
motionlessly patient,
I'm in over-drive,
buried between boxes
and possessions.

With slow,
steady wingbeats
you descend
into shallows,
free to take off
unencumbered.

I repack boxes,
my pile
for Salvation's Army
grows larger -

my desire
to mirror your simplicity
a possibility -
if only I can survive
the process.

by Margaret Bednar, February 24, 2014

I will not be posting anything new for a week or two.  I will visit and comment, though.   We are REALLY purging this time, down=sizing, simplifying, putting our home up for sale, packing up TWO kids belongings as they are renting their own places … (how can that be?)

I adore taking nature walks and I admire the Blue Heron's grace and peaceful demeanor (if you can get close enough - they are buggers to photograph).   With six kids (two in college) and having been married for almost 24 years - we need to ENJOY ourselves more - it is so easy to get caught up in working for our possessions- not interested in that anymore!

And since this is 55 words, I will link this to Friday Flash 55.  

"Seeing"

"Seeing"

Snow crystals dust my mitten-tip
their future dismal,
shine but a few minutes more -

no chance of becoming.

A fragile existence
we humans often face,
become crestfallen -

melt into indifference

until a restless spirit
stones our lack of will
with hope -

gifts us into seeing
minutes, hours, days
as swirling possibilites.

And we dream.

by Margaret Bednar, February 20, 2014

This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Get Listed with Kenia Cris"  Click on over if you want to see her word list from a science fiction book about a post-apocaliptic world "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?"

Well, I thought I was a goner with this selection of words, but somehow I scraped together 55 words - and that means…. this is also linked with Flash Friday 55 over at G-Man's blog, "Mr. Knowitall".  Doors open Thursday at 8:00 pm.

"February is"

February is

shades of grey and tan,
dull sage green
with etchings of black;

like a bashful beauty
wrapped within woolen coat;

or a cardinal flashing through
forest's canopy.

I take my cue,
plump pillows of grey & tan,
swipe soft-green upon lids,
slip on little black, paint lips red -

drop my robe, remind him
spring's almost here.

by Margaret Bednar, February 9, 2014

This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Imagined by Heaven" - featuring artist Lisa Graham, HERE.   Also look her up on Facebook.

Also linked with "dVerse Poets Pub - sketchbook in-the-moment poetry" - Claudia has us looking out our window and writing what we see.

This will also be for next week's Friday Flash 55 over at Mr. Know It All's blog HERE - perfect for Valentine's Day, I think! 

"Weekend Get-a-Way"

Weekend Get-a-Way

Beachside.  The word itself

draws a sigh.  Sand, sun,

not summer's emerald tinted waves,

but winters slate-gray

courts Atlantic's vast expanse. 

Her steady, almost solemn breath

greets us each morn, dolphins slice

parallel paths, seagulls pose

against a tangerine sky,

the perfect whelk, collected,

our footprints imprint our brief sojourn

upon her tide-swept shore.

by Margaret Bednar, February 7, 2014

This is for Friday Flash 55.  I am STILL re-running the two weekends I had with different daughters at the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  Ocracoke is my favorite island, and I can't wait to go back.

For those of you who are living in the wintery wonderland of "Antarctica Michigan" and other northern states of the U.S.A, maybe if you do what I did when I wrote this … closed my eyes and tried to feel the heat of the sun and sand - maybe this will warm you a bit.

"The Bachelor"

The Bachelor

He'd traded glossy red lips
for cotton pink sunrises,

wet kisses
for salt-splashed cheeks,

flirtatious "promises'
for steady, tail wagging devotion.

Learnt to appreciate the curve
of dolphins' backs slicing the waves,

high tide's bounty
resting upon sandy dunes,

the gliding ballet of gulls
scanning the undulating boundless blue.

Waves, sun, dogs.  Pure simplicity.

by Margaret Bednar, January 30, 2014

This is for Friday Flash 55 - a story in 55 words or less.  I tried to deliver a sunny, no snow story for the G-Man.   Last weekend I visited the "winter' coast of North Carolina's Outer Banks.  This photo was taken on Hatteras Island.  We also ferried over to Ocracoke Island and I fell in love with that sweet, small town.

Below is a photo of a PERFECT shell we found.  Many crash in with the waves and break upon the rocks and sand as they are dragged back and forth, but this obviously was gently deposited high tide.  My daughters were so thrilled.  We brought it home and cleaned it and now it is on display to remind us of sun, sand, and ocean.

"Time Stands Still"

 Time Stands Still

Unnaturally close we stand.
Sideways you gaze,
yellow eyes hesitantly bold,
questioning … what?

I don't know.  I possibly
have more questions.

Waves lap our feet,
wind disarrays our tresses,
ever so slightly tilt our heads.

I yearn to touch; dignity
and awe prevail.  You slowly
turn, walk away, continue seeking,

and I remember to breath.

Margaret Bednar, January 23, 2014

May, 2011 I took a trip to Hilton Head and experienced a "close encounter" with a Great Blue Heron.  They are naturally very elusive birds, but this one was hanging around the shoreline, seemingly pausing by a few fisherman.  I walked by him, maybe 25 feet away, and I still recall the thrill of what I consider a very unnatural encounter.

I enjoy a blog "Vision and Verb" have followed Ginny Hart of In Soul for a long time (exploring the Netherlands and surrounding area), but recently came across a post by Sue entitled "The Elusive Blue Heron", which tickled me no end.  I have crab walked, tiptoed, practically slithered upon the ground to get photos of these birds… time and again met with rejection.  This past weekend I got a "departure" shot I will have to be satisfied with on my iPhone.

Linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Wednesdays with Peggy - "It's in the Eyes"

This is also linked with Friday Flash 55 - a story (or poem usually in my case) in 55 words - no more, no less! (link up after 8 pm Thursday).

"Haunted"

Haunted

"A wounded shadow 

slips between stoic trees, silent canons.

Calls his loved one's name.

One bloody hand 

grasps a saber, the other's

eternally outstretched.

It's whispered 

this old battlefield's evening light 

plays games, its trickling brook a portal…"

We rustle through dampened, rotted leaves.

I insist we seek soldier's reflection;

chuckle as my kids scamper.

by Margaret Bednar, January 16, 2104  

These are a few images I took the other day of a nice walking/hiking place nearby - a small revolutionary battlefield that is now a National Park. 

This is linked with G-Man's "Friday Flash 55" - a story (or poem) in exactly 55 words - no more, no less and with dVerse "Meeting the Bar - Verbs!"  Tried to stay in present tense, use more verbs.  

"Opening Night"

New York at Night - Vivienne Gucwa

Opening Night

South of Midtown
weathered pavers slow my step,
street lamps shroud my shoulders

as I of scripts long since shelved,
resurrect, reminisce; recall mentors' advice,
Mother's biased praise, Father's proud gaze.

Embrace tonight's afterglow
as a new beginning to be handled with care -
the applause, excitement, standing ovation.

Hopefully remain convinced critic's reviews
won't matter.

by Margaret Bednar, January 9, 2014

This is for The Mag #201 and also will be linked with Friday Flash 55 after 8pm.  My son is in his Jr. year of college as a drama major.  I know he has his heart set on New York…    The poem isn't quite what I wanted it to be - I will probably come back at a later date and flesh it out a bit more… but for now, 55 words is all I have time for.  Go visit both links - the talent is amazing.

"Railroad Growlin' " song written and performed by my son, William Bednar

My Friday Flash 55 is at the bottom of this post

Song written and performed by my son, William Bednar, with introductory drum roll by my youngest son - guess what he received for Christmas?

I am linking this to Imaginary Garden with Real Toads Open Link Monday.   My son is working on a song comprised of my poem "vanGogh Moon".  I really can't wait to share that here soon!

Lyrics to Railroad Growlin':
by William Bednar

I don't play the ukulele
But it's not hard to pretend
I bet you see right through me
And all my little white lies
I'm still waitin' for that train to come
I think I hear it just around the bend
Oh won't you stay for half an hour
Wait with me beneath the tracks
I'll teach yah chords that I learned to shape
by myself when I was cold
I'll walk you back beneath the stars
I coulda kissed yah but I missed it
I'm still thinkin' 'bout the railroad growlin'
My hearts howlin'
Every now and then
I get a lucky hand
So I'll see yah on a Wednesday
That day it couldn't come to soon
That other guy is nice
But I would tame the sky for you
Do you remember the railroad growlin'?
My heart howlin'
Every now and then
A little win will show its head
So I'll see yah on a Wednesday
I'm gonna make some time for you
I'll walk you back beneath the stars
I shoulda kissed yah, Now I miss yah
I'm still thinkin' 'bout the railroad
Thinkin' 'bout the railroad
I'd tame the sky for you
I'm still waiting for that train to come
At least I'm going to pretend
It's comin' 'round the bend.


The Songwriter
by Margaret Bednar

He's never without his little black book -
jotting down words, phrases.
Hums a tune as he walks,

shares with me

favorite lines of beloved old poets,
breaks them down so I can understand.

His energy is what amazes me -
like his hair, bounces, sways, flips
grasps life, careens forward -

melody, harmony, poetic passion,

eternally entwined.

This will be linked with Friday Flash 55 on Thursday after 8pm!

"Turkey Pot Pie"

Turkey Pot Pie

Memories are sometimes
like holiday leftovers.

We pick them apart,
discard hurtful words,
sour looks, rolling eyeballs -

add a dash
of favorite vegetables, a few spices.

Create something that reminds us
of the laughter, welcoming tears
and warm hugs upon arrival -

even consider not brushing teeth
just so the flavor will linger
a little longer.

by Margaret Bednar, December 28, 2013

This is for Friday Flash 55 - a bit past the stroke of midnight - but we just got done playing a highly competitive game of chinese checkers.  It's been a wonderful Christmas break, but I'm glad to be back challenging myself with poetry.

We all know, family and friends are the best part of holidays - but everyone together can be a bit challenging as well!  May our memories shine bright :)

Amour

The Ice Cutters, 1911 Natalia Goncharova

Amour

When your name
trembles upon my lips -
spikes a fever within,

I treat it with Hennessy -
an elixir that burns,

numbs my heart frigid
for a night.

Perhaps a second dose
as you rarely stay 'till morn.

An iced heart feels no pain.

Heat and ice -
neither a fine bedfellow make

…yet I'm totally addicted.

by Margaret Bednar, December 19, 2013

This is for "The Mag #198" - a selected weekly featured image to inspire poetry or short prose.  I started out writing something totally different - I think the only word I saved from that first attempt is frigid.  I think we have to say my poem is loosely based on the above image :)

Also linked with "Friday Flash 55"- a story (or poem) in exactly 55 words.

"Thanksgiving"

"Thanksgiving"

Today we embrace
Happiness, sadness, look yesterday in the eye
And forgive ourselves, others,
Not taking for granted the gifts before us.
Knit everything together,
Shaping a quilt of
Gratitude.
I promise to
View this day as an
Initial step to celebrating the ordinary,
Not fixated on more.  Appreciating less -
Gratified with what I have.

by Margaret Bednar, November 27, 2013

This is another acrostic poem.  I will be back after Thanksgiving.  In the mean time, I wish everyone in the U.S. a Happy Thanksgiving day and Peace to those who live elsewhere.

My post below is my contribution to the 5th Annual Gratitude Quilt compiled by Laura of "Shine the Divine".   The above is a condensed version.

Also will be linked with Friday Flash 55 - Thursday at 8pm.  

"A New Eden"

Panjin, China - Red Beach 

A New Eden

Beneath sky blue,
I blend maroon, burgundy,

crimson, scarlet
into one glorious red -
dip my brush, generously

slash over intolerance,
greed, revenge -

refresh white wings
of Apollo's cranes
as they herald in
one thousand years
of heavenly love,

soar with joy, light, and grace;

consciously omit
all of mankind -

leave the rest up to God.

by Margaret Bednar, November 22, 2013


This is for "Imaginary Garden of Real Toads - Transforming Friday with Nature's Wonders" - Red Beach of Panjin, China.

This is also for Friday Flash 55.

The crane is a highly symbolic bird HERE .  As beautiful a place as this is, I found it a very difficult poem to create.  

"Langsyne"

Langsyne

Lemon-yellow, crisp orange,
cranberry and sugar snap green,
sparkle beneath a deluge of dappled light
poured forth from sky's blue pitcher.

I wade in this autumn sea,
backstroke through memories
of mountains raked, bodies flopping,
burrowing, giggling - barking, digging,
rescuing; of maple helicopter races; 
a pony's fuzzy warm muzzle.

Wonder at today's silence, its stillness.

by Margaret Bednar, November 24, 2013

This is for Friday Flash 55.  Langsyne is a Scottish word (I think) and it means times long past, especially those fondly remembered.

Where are the children?  We would play outside all day on a crisp fall day.  Ride horses, build forts, rake leaves.  Growing up I had a dog, Sugar, who loved to play hide and seek.  My best hiding spot was in a pile of leaves.  She finally found me because I was giggling.

"Margaret"

Margaret

I'm really quite a simple girl,
rarely indulge illusions of grandeur,

yet there are moments
I ponder myself a queen, a princess,
or a resident at 10 Downing Street -

imagine escaping a dragon,
being martyred at Antioch -

was disappointed "Margaret"
rated only three stars -

remember as a teenager
wishing my last name was "Mitchell".

by Margaret Bednar, November 7, 2013


"Margaret" is a movie that actually, under "Rotten Tomatoes" garnered a 3.5.  :)

I googled my name and this is what I got… you should try it.

This is for Friday Flash 55 - a story (or in my case, poem) in 55 words.

"Daybreak"

Daybreak

I'm not naturally an early riser -
greet each day like a broody hen,

sip my coffee - almost begrudge
twittering, darting sparrows
their industriousness.

Leisurely contemplate the light
as it hesitantly scans my yard -

finally acknowledge
impatient whines, thumping tails
imploring me to step out -

greet the day,
fresh air fills my lungs,
finally wake.

by Margaret Bednar, October 31, 2013



This is for my own challenge at the "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Artistic Interpretations - Maria Wulf's Visual Poems" which will be posted Friday morning at midnight (central daylight time).  Maria Wulf is a fiber artist, "Full Moon Fiber Art" and has a link to her "My Visual Poems" on her blog header.  I find them to be mini journeys (sometimes a bit surreal), snippets of images and sounds linked together offering impressions - all inspire and celebrate Maria's artistic view of the world - whether it is creating from found objects or just enjoying the land, the seasons.

The challenge is to watch and listen to the sounds of what you don't see, live in the moment, feel the emotions (or memories) they conjure and write about it in any poetic form you choose.

Come join me over at "The Garden".

I have also linked this poem with Friday Flash 55 - a story (or in my case, usually a poem) in 55 words.   I invite you to come join the fun over there as well.    Happy Halloween!

Here is a photo of me tonight ... I do not see what my family found so funny - for I AM a princess...

My youngest two really had fun.  I really liked my daughter's "homemade" outfit - I thought she was a broken doll, she said she was a child serial killer ...  Oh...  Well, glad we had Captain America nearby then...

and we always carve pumpkins - my second oldest daughter (Headless Horseman) and husband (Dracula) had quite the competition going on this year... and neither one used a stencil!

Day-tripping, 1979

Not an image of Horicon Marsh, but taken in North Carolina

Day-tripping, 1979

Blanketed, bored
we slumped in the backseat,
day-tripping.  No rock-n-roll,
dog panting between us,

no longer little kids
excited about adventure,
but teenagers too cool
to be seen with "The P's".

Promises of fresh air,
wetlands, wildlife
met with a roll
of the eyeballs,

until we arrived,
forgot protocol,
finally smiled -
became human again.

by Margaret Bednar, October 24, 2013


Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area, Wisconsin "HERE".  I remember the first time I saw Horicon Marsh as a child - it was vast with endless sky and the almost deafening sound of the geese overwhelmed me.   Year round other birds call it home as well, and I would certainly make a few trips yearly if I lived nearby.

I am planning a day trip to Blowing Rock or Boone, NC, this weekend.  Not all can make it, not because they selected chores, but due to homework (or so they have convinced me).  I have one child that doesn't like to travel in general but is eager for a trip to the mountains.



This is for "Mr. Knowitall's - Friday Flash 55", which I will link up tonight after 8pm.