forest stream

trickled run-off filtering between roots

of forest trees, seeking lower ground

finding tiny rivulets rich with soil bits

tumbling over pebbles, searching out paths, joining to form a crick, then creek

lower and lower into a stream where

my love and i lie on grassy bank

drinking in sounds of tinkling, slithering  dipping, crashing glistening waters moaning, singing, defying, bullying

plummeting to fulfill gravity’s charge and we, laughing, hold each other

joyous to be part of the sentient and non-sentient order that includes us

however reluctantly

toddler raised

(haiku)

daddy lifts toddler

as if tossing to blue sky

son gasps, trusts, giggles

gift of courage

awakening in fear

not of the test itself

but of its implications

awakening to find

a joyous card from my daughter

professing love i know to be

her daily gift to me

despite the years of pain

she has endured

i will borrow

a bit of her courage and take

the test and its results

as they are

how do i answer?

 blue-purple larkspur and asters surround a vibrant sunflower

and yellow, gold and auburn roses, lilies and daisy wanna-be’s

bouquets in clear glass and handmade cream-white and blue pottery vases

preen beside the drawstring bag of earl gray tea

my heart sings with their proof of ‘i love you, mom’

my tears of undeserved joy

                                    mjNordgren  9/11/2022  N

self hope

 haiku

 warm laughter’s promise

heals, transmits love, care, support

gives basis of self

dream on

once upon a time

a young woman clung to the dream

of a house on a hill overlooking mountains

and surrounded by loving children and grandchildren

she had no idea how beautifully that dream would be fulfilled

but she is grateful