courtship

she hides a smile
behind her hand
while all the time
he dances round

his antics charm
and even please her
but from her place
she never stirs

until worn out
he gives it up
sits down and sighs
at his poor luck

then she gently
with maiden grace
extends her hand
lifts up his face

a thought for Father's Day

on Saturday, the Oregonian ran an article (D4, 20 June 2009) entitled "Iconic film dads spin idea of fatherhood". separating into 8 categories, they listed what they consider "notable cinematic dads" (promoting DVD/Blu-ray rentals). the list is somewhat woeful if you think, "so this is the role model fathers in the US have to look up to?"
i submit one other (and welcome your contributions, should you read and have a thought): the father in Miss Potter. he is supportive of his daughters aspirations, even if he doesn't at first think they will succeed. he encourages her not just to follow her dreams but to become a strong woman. he loves his wife, even as she is frustrating and domineering. anyway, there is more but you will have to see it and decide for yourself.

the day after summer solstice

today the sun begins
it's slow descent southward
bidding farewell
to northern skies
the morning tide
paid homage
a long draw back
lower than ever before
in spite of warm rays
a cool breeze chills
foretelling the journey's end
in winter's cold embrace

then come, winter
follow summer, fall
each season the sun brings
unique in wondrous beauty
speak change within and out
as time marches on

hmmm

1. He loves me.
2. I love Him.
3. I obey Him.
4. He is well-pleased with me.

somewhere deep down we truly want to rest in the knowledge that we are loved just for being who we are; not for anything we did, do, or can/will do. we want to be enjoyed. and if we know that love from someone of course we want to please them by doing what they want us to. not out of obligation, but simply because we love them in return.
yet twisted as this screwy world is, we live in doubt because we think most (almost all) of our relationships are based on need--either you need me (and i give and thereby feel affirmed) or i need you. rarely, oh so rarely are we content that you love me and i love you regardless.
i want to cultivate such relationships, because that is what He modeled. i hope beyond hope that there are people out there who want to as well (because i can't relate on my own!).

reeling

for bak and pma

how wrong i've been
all along
how blind
i thought our lives
intertwined
in mutual enjoyment
but now you say
i needed you
bothered you
a parasitic fly
or resented burden
those times together
over now
our friendship
must change

how sad i am
to say goodbye
to what i thought we had
i love you still
i always will
just let me cry awhile

parade!

feet marching in time
smiles on faces
the young and old
united in timeless joy
marveling anew
as the parade passes

delight at sights
strange and wonderful
tacky yet dazzling
the horns blare
off-key notes
still stir hearts

for a moment
we are neighbors