Category: ekphrastic

A Place to Dock

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The sea is unforgiving and relentless
We do not belong on her body
Yet we venture out every day
Looking for value and adventure.

She reminds us we do not belong
Pitch and roll is her answer
To our curiosity.
Only time will train us
A sense of a new normal.

It is a price to pay
For living in places
We do not belong
But we are motivated
To master.

Approaching land
Legs, arms
Begin to rejoice.

The dock sighted
Another beginning
Of the old
New normal

photograph “Sailor’s Dock” – Lensbaby Zoneplate Optic

It’s a Big Sky

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My daughter
It is good to see you fly

Against the wind
You have learned this skill.
Many have tried
To ground you
Pulling feathers
As they retreat.

Cowards

I am friends with midnight,
Knowing its darkness
Has come for you
And each night
I died many deaths
Knowing the confusion
That was defining your life.

We were helpless
Watching this tragic play.
Yet, not hopeless.
Wings grow strong.
Watching you run
Broad wings strengthened
Lifting our beloved.

Above it you soar.
And those below
Take note.
A measure of pride.
Or, a measure of shame.
Recompense
Of earned scars.


Trail Encounter1

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A little hummingbird friend
Watching me from a safe distance

I ask, “How’s the trail today?”
“Grass is making a comeback.
You know how grass is!
Always shows up early to the party.

And tree…
Well you know tree.
He hangs on to leaves
To the bitter end
Here,
Where it is freezing in the morning
And balmy in the afternoons.

Tree,
Is a little confused.
Have a nice walk.”

“Thank you.
Have a nice…
A nice…
Fly.”

Dark Energy

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Thank you WP community for your positive energy!
I had to get that out of the way. This rant is not about anyone here.

I will be taking off work for the next week and will likely not post anything during that time.
What that means is I need to get everything to a state of manageability without my presence (at my workplace). Usually, a doable task that takes an hour or two out of the ordinary week.
As can happen. This week was an avalanche of contract reviewing, problem solving, fire extinguishing, etc. etc. That on top of what I am supposed to be doing.
Things pile up and the squeeze starts to happen. I feel it in my gut….in my bones. Little things become big things. I caught a cold. I overslept this morning. My poor wife caught my cold! Why did I let that happen! Pick up the slack…sign this…do that. Why did that guy just insult me? I don’t even know him! Why is everyone driving like they are comatose?

STOP!

Clear the mind.
Paper and pen. Write it all down. Prioritize. What must be done now? Assess feasibility for outcomes. How will this impact other scheduled duties? Assess feasibility for outcomes.
Identify issues.
Delegate fixes with end dates and follow ups. Enter them in the calendar for review when you return.
Will I need to take some work home with me? Yes. But, it is minimal. It can be accomplished without a visual interference to the family.
Done.
Implement.

I moved out of “management” four years ago, but it has followed me regardless. Such is the life of a salaried employee.

Everyone, have a good week. If you celebrate the holidays do so with all your might. Hug your loved ones every day. Look into their eyes, and smile…..that dark energy will melt away.

photomanipulation – Self Portrait –