Hello 2021
Welcome to belated episode 29. Since Christmas 2020 I have felt in a negative creative hole, a black hole, as if in the calm before an unknown storm - now I know why. 2021 is a turning point in many ways. Let’s begin!
Goodbye 2020
Are we happier now
as we enter a new number
Twenty one
the winning number.
On that birthday
over 50 years ago
I was in Naphplion
drinking retsina.
Now I am in Naples
drinking Ensure.
Just a joke,
I Prefer corona
beer that is.
Life moves on
everything changes
except the stillness
of the inner space.
Hello 2021
Sometimes poems are late
Sometimes the world seems late.
New Year 20221 seemed late
Eight Chanukah candles burned on time
The Christmas trees sparkled on time.
Now at last
much is turning around.
Politicians regaining morality and caring
Covid vaccinations are happening
juicy grapefruit was exquisite
garbage disposal enjoyed the extra exercise
And finally I am out of that state
where no poem felt uplifting.
I can even stay calm
facing the mysteries of laundry life.
When those fluffy white dots
cover my perfectly black shirt
even after checking every pocket
one elusive kleenex
disintegrates.
When pairs of socks
lose their partners
to the sock monster.
When the perfect T shirt
gets hidden in the sheets
and like a skull in Papua
shrinks to an extra small.
I guess meditation pays off.
Choice Points
January 6th, a day to remember
January 6th, a day to forget
January 6th, a day to regret
January 6th, a day of opening
Opening hearts and eyes
to the possible demise
of another despicable surprise.
Instead we can move along
don’t let the election prolong
it’s time to forgive those mis-led
and punish those at fault
those speaking so maliciously
those acting so viciously.
Understand now we have a mountain to climb
Roped together we will succeed or fail
protecting people and institutions that are frail
we have no choice,
follow the true and honest voice.
And go to the radiant source
And democracy will stay the course
Saving Grace
Stepping outside into morning sights and sounds
a fresh day in a new year of sparkling water
four ducks turn towards the rising sun
their bronze heads shining brightly
The big black crow cawing on the roofs peak
the family of moor hens tweet and squeak
the chirping, singing flock of black birds glide in
cooing doves perched high up join the chorus
even the drone of the Cessna adds to the music.
Its a new day and a new year
move ahead free of fear
Make this a year of renewal and joy
Thank you earth creatures for being here.
©MartinStrasmore2021