Friday Flash 55 - "Limitations"

Photo courtesy of One Stop Poetry

Limitations

Success is often

a matter of the heart

longing and reaching

for the "impossible".

Dependence is often

seen as weakness

and often confused

with defeat.

Limitations require

a new approach;

like quicksand's victim,

the known disappears.

Suffering

can be transformed

into victory.

Weakness

can be harnessed.

Adversity overcome

is an inspiration

to us all:  a true

masterpiece.

by Margaret Bednar, with inspiration from Joni Eareckson Tada, Art Happens 365, May 27, 2011

Photo Courtesy of One Stop Poetry - Art Work by Chuck Close

This is for One Stop Poetry's "Friday Poetically with Brian Miller"  The post today is about "Chuck Close", a gentleman who in the late 1980's became paralyzed from the neck down.  Click HERE for a short interview with the artist.  

I hope this qualifies as a poem.  I wrote it as a "Flash 55" for the G'Man's blog "Mr. Knowitall".  A story in 55 words or less.

A book I have read at least 5 times is "Secret Strengh" by Joni Eareckson Tada.  She is a quadriplegic in a wheelchair and has learned to paint while holding a paintbrush in her teeth.  She has written 14 books and I'm sure has inspired millions with her Christian ministry.   I have memorized many phrases throughout her book and use them on my children and on myself when I need a "fix" of strength.  Some of the words used in the poem above are gleaned from the pages of her books.  Words within stories and her pondering that I have internalized for the past 20 years.

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These reflections were taken at Sea Pines Forest Preserve at Hilton Head, SC.  The one below I submitted to "Weekend Reflections" #88.  That might be a turtle in the lower right sticking its head out of the water for a few tasty bugs... as there certainly were plenty of mosquitos and bugs to go around!

Poetry Jam and Friday Poetically, "Beloved Hands"

Beloved Hands

The gentle hands of a strong man
are what she noticed first.
His teasing smile and keen wit
not too far behind.

Let go, he didn't, throughout the years;
her fingers often tucked under his arm,
his securely wrapped around hers.  The
intimacy of their hands, often enough.

His beloved hands taught their children
discipline, fairness, and perseverance; a
slightly calloused touch that soothed away
a daughter's tears and a son's fears.

Over the years his hands showed them love
and caressed many a fevered brow.
Hands willing to lighten her load
and lead the family in prayer.

She found his leathered gloves
in the drawer and slipped her hand inside,
the warmth familiar, and laid the softness
against her cheek reluctant to let go.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, May 20, 2011

This is for "Poetry Jam" and the topic is "Father".   I reworked this from a poem I wrote for "Magpie Tales" entitled "Memories" back in December of 2010.  I also linked "Beloved Hands" to One Stop Poetry's "Friday Poetically" with Brian Miller.

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This is Newhall Audubon Nature Preserve at Hilton Head, SC.  Its description is: "Features a wide variety of fauna and flora, this scenic nature reserve also serves as home to many species of birds".  Well, we didn't see many birds, but we did attract the attention of a baby alligator.  It was a short hike around this place; the pond was the highlight for us.   The above photo is for "Weekend Reflections".

I thought the leaves on his nose added a bit of a comical look. 

There were a number of turtles darting about as well.  He didn't pay them any mind.  I realized he was watching US.  My daughter moved away and his eyes followed her, and he backed up and followed her down the path for a bit.   I think he gets fed tidbits from visitors.  I'm sure that is not a good idea...