"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:)

"Abundance"

from Claudia Schoenfeld's Flickr Page

"Abundance"

I walked a rainbow
today, no curve or arch,
but between a radiance
so pure.

I breathed it in,
held the high, exhaled,
even fondled a few
I shouldn't.  Found myself
wishing I liked beets.

Went overboard
with the strawberries.
Some I'll blend with orange,
banana, blueberries,
add two cups spinach
(the kids will never know)

the rest are mounded
upon kitchen counter
overflowing with
sun and rain's caress.

Googled and found
"20 Favorite Strawberry Recipes",
slip on my apron (it always
gives me confidence).
Remind myself to breath it in.
I've got this.

by Margaret Bednar, September 2, 2014

"20 Favorite Strawberry Recipes" and "Strawberry Smoothie"

This is for "dVerse Poetics - Sketch in Out"  Claudia Schoenfeld is sharing her Flickr watercolor sketches with us today.   Mine is from a sketch she calls "Farmers Market".

p.s.  The Strawberry-Mint Sparkling Limeade is amazing.  HERE