There comes a time in one’s life when mortality becomes a thing. One by one older relatives pass away. Even my peers are beginning to cross over. As I celebrate the seasons, holidays, birthdays, I find myself wondering how many more Springs and Autumns, how many more Christmases, birthdays, or other milestones will I be fortunate enough to see. When I was younger I tended to be more forward thinking, or if I’m honest, unthinking, when it came to time. I was invincible, carefree, frittering away the moments. But the older I get, memories have become more precious. And moments are fuller, when I am able to pause to take them in.
I don’t fear death the way I once did. It is a matter of fact. My children have had children and it’s very likely I will not be here to know all of the children of my children’s children. Our lives span a mere two or three generations, dipping into a fourth if we’re lucky. Quantity of years has become less important than its quality.
I’m not trying to be a downer today. The truth is, I’ve had an amazing life filled with family, friends, love, music, triumphs, lessons learned from challenges, and yes, even heartache and loss. I’ve learned patience and the understanding that one gleans from having witnessed the magnificent cycles of life, the seasons, rebirth and new beginnings, the realization of a few dreams and the gentle letting go of others. Even on those nights that feel dark and oppressive, there is always dawn’s first light, birdsong, a new day full of mystery and promise to greet me. And in those bright moments it matters not how many more dawns I may have left, but that I seize the one at hand. Sure I know my days on this planet are numbered. I think about it. But today is begging to be lived and I won’t keep it waiting.
Have a lovely Sunday. Have a great week. Have your cake and eat it too. You’re still breathing. How amazing is that?!
Sunday’s Week in ReVerse – 6 January 2019
trilling songbirds greet the dawn
sing for auld lang syne
I like to hear her scream be gentle with yourselves my dears
I think I knew everything is not a battle to love someone for loving’s sake,
life to death to life things flow
somewhere near, death has claimed a soul
2018 is creeping to an end. I don’t know about you, but I will be happy to watch the ball drop on what has been a challenging year (I’m being kind). In a few days we will have a clean slate. And, well, we have a lot of work to do. But it’s nothing a little love and kindness can’t handle. All we need to do is remember to be kind and to believe in who we know we can be, together.
I have personally witnessed what love can do. As some of you may know, we rescued an abandoned mama dog, barely a puppy herself who was tossed away like trash with her three puppies. Gabrielle, Gabby, we call her. She has come such a long way in a few short months.
This is Gabby when we adopted her on the left and a snapshot from a few days ago. Transformed by love!
Yes, I know what Love can do. And our world needs it so very badly right now. The best part is that each one of us can play a part in our collective recovery. Remember to be kind. Love will do the rest. Peace, love, and kindness to you in 2019!
Sunday’s Week in ReVerse – 30 December 2018
peace on earth, go tell
hope, glad tidings, joy abound
magic in the air
could it be?
identity’s not a what
what need have I for flowers
I wake up each day; I’m living, breathing
that bliss may be found
you don’t have to say a word
justice may come with the stroke of a pen
when they’re not looking, we live
~kat
A ReVerse poem is a summary poem with a single line lifted from each entry of a collection of work over a particular timeframe and re-penned in chronological order as a new poem. Unlike a collaborative poem, the ReVerse features the words of one writer, providing a glimpse into their thoughts over time. I use it as a review of the previous week.
It takes work to be an optimist. Especially during the dark months of winter. We light candles, hang twinkling lights, decorate our homes, bake sweets, gather together, give gifts, sing songs. With all this gaiety and joy surrounding us, it’s hard to imagine anyone being sad. But so many people are this time of year.
We expect so much of ourselves and others. Of course this just sets us up for disappointment. And we are entirely too hard on ourselves, in my humble opinion of course. Alright, I’ll be honest with you, I tend to be too hard on myself.
I found a heart shaped lump of snow this week. (True story) It warmed my heart. It made me realize that the most important thing in this world is kindness and yes, love. Not just loving others and being loved. As wonderful as that is, it’s loving oneself that makes all the difference. It’s realizing that I am worthy to be loved, most of all by myself. That little lump of snow reminded me. And I hope you realize it about yourself, too. And don’t be so hard on yourself (I’m saying this to myself most of all). May you find the light that shines inside of you this season of long nights. Have a great week.
Sunday’s Week in ReVerse – 16 December 2018
clinging to petals, frozen,
dawning amber, silent morn
Ya neva’ know what ya’ might find in its belly
things that stir my soul
nose to the grind stone
soft snores, puppy breath
you’ve signed away every drop
reminding me that love’s everywhere
~kat
A ReVerse poem is a summary poem with a single line lifted from each entry of a collection of work over a particular timeframe and re-penned in chronological order as a new poem. Unlike a collaborative poem, the ReVerse features the words of one writer, providing a glimpse into their thoughts over time. I use it as a review of the previous week.
About the challenge: Each Tuesday I will provide a photo prompt. Your mission, if you choose to accept the challenge, is to tell a story in 280 characters or less. When you write your tale, be sure to let me know in the comments with a link to your tale.
A final note: if you need help tracking the number of characters in your story, there is a nifty online tool that will count for you at charactercountonline.com.
I will do a roundup each Tuesday, along with providing a new prompt. And if for some reason I missed your entry in the Roundup, as I have occasionally done, please let me know. I want to be sure to include your tale.
Finally, have fun!
And REMEMBER…you have 280 characters (spaces and punctuation included), to tell your tale…and a week to do it. I can’t wait to see what you create this week.
Starting us off… “He just stands there, Sheriff.” “That’s Skip. Ned raised him from a pup. He owned this place ‘fore you all.” “He’s tame?” “Got along with Ned. I’ll call the ranger.” “Wait. Hey Skip!” the wife called. He raced to them, tail wagging. “Guess he just needed an invitation,” she beamed. ~kat 279 Characters
By Reena at ReInventions: But Still… I don’t know how real, really is reality. The snow is white and ethereal, but chilling. I want to feel the texture, and see if it melts in the warmth of my palms. But I stay in, for I fear the wolf out there. It never moves. Some people say a taxidermist kept it there. But still… (280 characters)
By Ron at Read 4 Fun: White Walkers are Coming Going to the Wall there are a few frozen lakes to cross. White Walkers, being essentially skeletons, don’t weigh that much but they can’t risk breaking through the ice. White Walkers don’t swim. (Sounds familiar). Their friend Jack (London) sent me, Buck, ahead to test the ice. Ron (278 characters)
By The Dark Netizen: Lone Wolf I saw him looking at me. Petrified with fear, I stood rooted in spot. The black wolf took slow steps towards me. As he neared, i could see his eyes and once I had seem them, all fear began left my body. I had seen those eyes before. They held dark loneliness inside. Like my eyes… Character Count: 280
By Kristian at Tales from the Mind of Kristian: A World of White The Wolf looked around his territory surprised at the change in the landscape. Something had happened last night to turn everything into a white wonderland. He sniffed disdainfully. The air smelt different. The soap factory had exploded, covering the surrounding area in suds. [278 characters]
By Teresa at The Haunted Wordsmith: Solitary Solitude called to Edward throughout his life. A dream finally realized fifty years ago. A hand-built cabin in the Alaskan wild. Just him and nature. A lone wolf – cold, hungry, and tired. Enticed by scents of life and warmth. Two lost souls, each missing a piece, now complete. 277-characters
By Di at Pensitivity101: Lone Wolf The snow was cold on his feet as he stood silently watching. He would recognise her anywhere. In a former life, she had been his soul mate. She looked up, took stock, and moved tentatively forward, knowing. Two wolves together, soul mates of a different kind. 256 characters.
By Hélène at Willow Poetry: Snow Guide I was lost in a fresh snow covered expanse. By now my friends’ footprints were invisible. Too quiet around me, no direction to lead me. Aware of a lone wolf pawing her path towards me her friendly grey eyes signal me to come. Following behind her, she guides forward to my friends. 280 characters
By J.A. at Keyhole Poetry: Wolf Therapy So you DID return, Wolf I should have known I recall your kind wisdom Generosity often Your therapy room full Of things fascinating to Wounded hearts, minds, souls I still have pastel you coaxed Me to draw, ‘Journey’ Hope you’d be pleased How far I’ve come Good to see you On crisp winter day
By Melanie at Sparks from a Combustible Mind: The young wolf had been driven out of the pack for challenging the alpha male. He wandered, alone, through the deep snows of high winter. He was an excellent hunter, and he didn’t go hungry. Still. He wanted a female to start his own pack with. He continued to hunt. Character Count: 272.
By Anurag at Jagahdilmein: Proof of the Pudding I stared at the wolf across the frozen lake as my hand inched towards my gun. Snow in Central Park in mid-July! Who would’ve thunk! Our beloved leader was a genius after all, as if any further proof was needed. Global warming was ‘Fake News’ indeed! 256 characters.
By Michael at Morpethroad: Mutual Agreement The crone left the meat out for the wolf knowing he would arrive soon. It was a weekly ritual, her way of paying homage to a superior being. The wolf watched over her, as she aged and slowed she potentially became vulnerable. It was to both their advantage to care for each other.
By Ramya at And Miles to Go Before I Sleep: The Wolf The lone wolf stared at the soft hustle behind the bushes, ready to leap. As the hustle grew louder, the wolf bound towards the bush but stopped midway when he saw someone coming out of it. The Wolf met Mowgli – the Man cub. Character Count – 223
By Paula at Light Motifs II: The Sentinel The earth rang From the shores of Mayotte To the peaks of Chile; Waves rippled and buzzed, Traversing the oceans, Vibrating the plates– We missed this call. He didn’t though: Lupine ears on alert, Paws stilled in snow. The moment passed; He resumed his patrol, On guard, alone.
By Deb at Twenty Four: They had passed her by for weeks, not noticing her painstaking work and she had ignored them, applying herself diligently to the task at hand. Leaning back she smiled as her Father strolled into the room. “Time to pack up the puzzle Sarah, we need the table for Christmas dinner.” (278 characters)
By John at Broadsides: Well hello, little red riding hood! No need for me to pretend to be your grannie is there? not out here. You know, don’t you, how big my teeth are? Anyway, your grannies a gonner now. Tough old chew she was, but you, young sweet thing in your bright red cloak, you going be real tasty.
By Wide-Eyed Wanderer: The Wolf The wolf stood staring at the cottage. Lavender had lived there alone since her grandmother’s disappearance. The wolf appeared each evening like it was checking on her. Finally, Lavender went out to the wolf. She met the sapphire blue eyes, “Grandmother?” she whispered. Character count 275
By Peter at Peter’s Pondering: A taste of justice I can see you Henry Roy James, and I know you can see me! But you don’t recognise me. You still think you got away with it, but really, you didn’t! The jury may have believed you, but natural justice shall prevail. You killed me, and I’m going to kill you. Then I’m going to eat you! (279 characters)
Fantastic Round Up everyone! Thank you for joining the challenge last week. For this week, a photo by MabelAmber at Pixabay.com. It could be a memory, a story of friendship, a mystery or a game. Tell the tale of these two kids or perhaps the tale of the old tree…in 280 characters or less. And I’ll see you at the Round Up next week! Have fun!
Photo by MabelAmber at Pixabay.comThe Old Wolf Tree
Eyes twinkling, Granny whispered, “le’me tell ya’ ‘bout that old wolf tree. My great granny Nell planted it long, long time ago. Ya neva’ know what ya’ might find in its belly. Once I found a family of faeries!”
Of course the boys had to check it out for themselves. Wouldn’t you?
Happy Sunday. Today was a sleepy snow day. I love the hush of a deep snow. We had about a foot of the white stuff. No street sounds, just the gentle puff of fluffy flakes hitting the ground.
Progressives in this country have been likened to snowflakes. I’m not sure why. It’s considered an insult. Perhaps because snowflakes seem fragile, easily melting if they hit something warm. But when the air is frigid and the ground is hard and cold, snowflakes don’t melt. They band together, and together snowflakes are a force to be reckoned with. The usual routine of the day is interrupted, the roads become impassable, schools and businesses close and the hard work of digging out begins.
When I think about snowflakes I’m not much bothered by the petty name calling of haters. I’ve seen what snowflakes can do when they band together. Beautiful snowflakes. Power does not always need to be fierce to make an impact.
If you’re a snowflake, know that you are not alone. Together we are not only beautiful to see, but a force to reckon with. And btw…each snowflake is unique too. Just like you.
Have a great week. ❄️❄️❄️
Sunday’s Week in Reverse – 9 December 2018
useless escape key
beyond their gilded gate
I’ve been losing parts of me
just needed an invitation
you only see
drip by dirty drop
‘round your beating heart
sense of urgency is code
things I can’t recall
that fire in one’s belly
~kat
A ReVerse poem is a summary poem with a single line lifted from each entry of a collection of work over a particular timeframe and re-penned in chronological order as a new poem. Unlike a collaborative poem, the ReVerse features the words of one writer, providing a glimpse into their thoughts over time. I use it as a review of the previous week.
So it is easier for you to find all the parts/chapters of my ongoing fiction series, I created a new page that lists all the links. You can check it out HERE!
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kat Myrman and Like Mercury Colliding with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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