“I can fly!”

graduation is like that small flutterby

flapping red wings, flashing sunshine

crying, “See me!  Look upon

what I have accomplished!”

a moment of realizing self-worth

a high point or a gathering of strength

preparing to take on further challenge

a ceremony only enhances the feeling

of being of value and able to assume

the next stage of adulthood knowing

the foundation earned

suspended sentence

weeks after the screening frightened

weeks of testing fluids, systems

weeks of nights awake with concern

finally, the will-be surgeon suggests

the findings are not as dire

as first suspected

surgery an option, but not

an imminent need

unless the pain more frequent

or worse, surgery can wait

until life situation can cope more easily

relief

promise of deep, healing sleep

kah’s birthday dawn

 glorious oranges, deep pinks

hovered over by purple clouds

today’s sunrise is the strongest

of the year thus far

and beyond my poor ability to paint

golden sol shouting happy birthday

without a word – only being

aj’s haven

a warm home

welcoming grown children

and extended family

to potluck and skilled baker’s pies

chatter, love and laughter

and our lady, newly happy

sea witch

tentacles wired

to reach out and curl, costume

for fun halloween

joyous wedding

 deep in Portland’s Rhododendron Gardens, in a clear space overlooking

ducks and Canada geese flutter-stepping to launch from still lake

a simple frame decorated with old roses, crème-white and dusty pink

witty friend officiates joyous union of grandson

and his brilliant, beautiful wife-to-be

two devoted to each other through Pomona College

and Columbia Law School

celebration supper of salmon and slides of the couple growing up

in loving families and among loyal friends

who travelled from all over this country and Europe

to be with them in their commitment to each other

and i, proud grandma, privileged to attend

                        mjNordgren  6/25/2022  Portland