Monday, June 1, 2015

Undaunted


Undaunted

Broad-winged hawks cartwheel and dive 'til caught
by chosen mate.  They spiral down, a hymn,
it seems, whistles upon mountain air; God
and prayer shimmer and shine.  No clouds dim
their joy.  I stand beneath mighty wing's shade
for a brief flutter and feel blessed.  There goes
spirits free of guilt, of burden.  Glazed
with honesty and true righteousness; flaws
not apparent at this distance.  'Tis lies
I've lived - that one will sink like heavy stones
in disrepair if unwilling to dye
one's soul to conform to tenor and tone
of what others think.  Hence forth, I'll stretch 'n yawn;
greet each day with courage, no longer a pawn.

by Margaret Bednar, June 1, 2015

Of course, humans are more than just instinct, or so I believe.  And as a Catholic have had my share of guilt... but as a Christian, I believe once forgiven we need to let "it" go. Soar in blessed grace and to follow what we know of truth...  which is a life long journey - one full of many voices - and a true challenge to listen to very few of them :)

I've taken quiet a poetic break - just busy with family and life - but I have missed my blogging friends and those who partake of the many awesome challenges of the "Imaginary Garden of Real Toads".

And I'm swooping back in with quite a difficult challenge - a "Bout-Rimes" (which is French and means rhymed ends).   The ending words are pre-selected.  We have been given leeway to use homophones or slant rhymes to the original list and I did accept that offer.  The original order and words are:

caught, him, got, dim, shade, goes, glade, flows, lies, stone, dies, tone, lawn, gone.

I tried to "resemble" a sonnet in style - but played loosely with word count and iambs a bit... Hey, I'm a bit rusty.

Flip on over and see the wonderful efforts of fellow poets:  "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Sunday Challenge Bout-Rimes"

Friday, May 8, 2015

Prospect Park, Brooklyn


Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Inhale,

toss distractions aside
look up,
withdraw into silence.

Imitate spring's blood red blooms
whose heavy bells
turn insistent faces toward the sun -
drink in sea colored skies.

Hug the ground
like the Camperdown Elm
whose twisting, turning limbs
house birdsong and time.

Journey Olmsted's carriage paths,
on horseback, on foot
through Long Meadow, Ravine,
and Sullivan's Hill.

With dirt in your sandals,
perhaps grass between your toes,
walk within Meadowport, Endale,
and Nethermead.

Close your eyes, Lakeside,
hear the ducks splash,
feel your heart pound, your blood circulate,

and exhale.

by Margaret Bednar, May 8, 2015

Eastwood Bridge - oldest Prospect Park arch - Syrio-Egyptian influence

This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Get Listed - Pablo Neruda"

SO much to learn about this beautiful city.  My son's new home will be in Brooklyn and I have been busy with his graduation and apartment hunting.  I really enjoyed seeing this city for the first time and below I share a few links that will help you get to know the city as well.

The Bridges of Prospect Park (a post from Forgotten-NY)

Brooklyn Based