Let Love Stay

When dressed in your finest 
they say it's quite true
whether choosing denim or fur

in olive green, gold or blue....

you feel "alive."

Many homes at years end are similar, with welcoming lights

or vibrant hues that frame
and safeguard the young. 

So when your finery 

comes off, to be put away
along with the baubles 

that go back in their boxes....

let love "stay."

                                           ~Rose West

Special Days

Red is the perfect

punctuation that "invites"

us to special days.

                                          ~Rose West

俳句

Haiku is a very short form of Japanese poetry in three sentences

 going in the order 5 syllables, 7 syllables, and then 5 again. 

Running Wild

"Essential" magic for  

children I know,

is witnessing beauty each day.

As December ebbs past us, 

may

we rely on memories?

A ruby poinsettia for mother

and baking fruitcakes with dad,

unboxing tissue wrapped 

ornaments

oh, sweet times to be had.

Classes at school were over, 

till January winds did blow

but our old toboggan stood 

ready

to tackle the ice and snow.

Honor an essence of goodness

to benefit every child

by sharing pathways to joy,

moments

of sweet love running wild. 

                                                         ~Rose West

                                                                    

Together

On such a balmy sunny day,

dogs raced across the field and back

excited leaps, come what may

the afternoon of Christmas.

Leashes unlatched, they were free

barking and racing while 

the humans like me

marveled at their loveliness.

True beauty lies around us

not in holiday madness

or making a harried fuss,

lest we miss our time with loved ones.

                                                                                                ~Rose West

  

Nightly Gold

May the glimpse of each

sunset guide us toward joy in

in the coming of dawn.
                                                             ~Rose West

Bulls-Eye!

While on a walk, 

amid a crisp breeze,

when the "perfect" aim

of the neighborhood squirrel

turned my stroll into a crazy game.

May your days be those of unexpected delights!

Someone Needs You

We're sometimes in a place where everything is  moving along smoothly and it's a glorious feeling.  You might note that the pace is
brisk, yet comfortable.  

There's nothing quite like "owning" those moments. When I'm contented with the people around me or circumstances seem to turn from confusion to possibility, it's devine. 

Somewhere however, things are dark and torturous.  Pain and uncertainty rob
your  senses, dull hopes, and crush
dreams you've held so dear.

Give up then if the strength for forgiveness, patience to love, and a realization that
time may never allow you to heal
due to circumstances beyond
your control, are in place.  

Trust me; the time to lie down, slip away
from the sunshine, from the care of
strangers or prayers, from your pain
 is not today; it's never that time.
Look up and get up.
Someone needs
you.
That someone might be a child.