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Photo by Mariah Hewines on Unsplash

traversing dense woods & steep elevations,

it’s handy to keep a compass close at hand.

you won’t use it but it will comfort you

knowing that it’s there.

*

binoculars and a camera — though

your cell phone will suffice —

allow for up-close capture of fall’s majesty,

& strange objects on the horizon.

*

you may desire the company of a loved one

to delight together in the joys of discovery

though solitude is an excellent mechanism

for the examination of one’s interior thoughts.

*

hydration is important, always remember that.

a fistful of beef jerky, granola bar, a chunk of parmesan —

these will provide sustenance in case you become fatigued.

also, never worry should you find yourself lost.

*

that is what the compass is for.

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~ Originally published in the March 2024 issue of The Argyle Literary Magazine; Photo by Iryna Limborska on Unsplash

cavalier women chase

a powder-blue hat

down a windy thoroughfare

*

they balance Easter eggs

on upturned teacups

under a globular sun,

*

left hands stroking

the unruffled feathers

of a great horned owl

*

while a circle

of Slovakian tourists

marvel at their feats

*

of dexterity

and fierce bravado—

each is wearing high heels

*

after all, mounted

on roller skates,

ankles cloaked

*

in cashmere stockings,

their delicate earlobes

dripping in malachite

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~ a fascinating ‘nother look at an old classic

Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton on Unsplash

I’m reading a 10th grade book assignment,

one I’d merely skimmed at the time

*

it’s overwhelming what they’d endured

the hardships, the struggles, the isolation

*

they believed in, they trusted the promise

of this new Canaan, this soil-rich land

*

but, now, look where we’ve come

just look at what’s become of us

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in an ocean

of potted soil,

others linger

*

just a bit more,

beneath the surface

soon, to pop up

*

seeking fresh air,

spring sunlight,

the refreshment of rain

*

these tiny buoys

of soul-nourishing

cheer

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the gentlest of breezes

meander through crabapple,

our locust, linden and pear,

their leaves coming now

into more than just fuzzy focus

but budding out into full-fledged

green heralds of spring,

the early morning sunlight

looking over my shoulders

as I fill the bird feeders

and experience gratitude

in the joy of such a simple task

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ripped & faded denim shirts

handed down from husband & dad

oversized (the way I like them!)

my two special guys

this way, always, close to my heart

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This morning, I sent the following message to Charles Grassley, Iowa’s Republican senator which was immediately ‘bounced back’. Apparently, he doesn’t wish to hear from his constituents.

I’ve contacted his office over the years including a particularly angry and frustrated missive following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. This is the first time my emails have come back undelivered.

Therefore, I’m voicing my displeasure with the current state of affairs here. My email, with the Subject line reading simply ‘Iran’, went like this:

NOT PLEASED!!

This deranged “president” of destruction is a clear and present danger to the magnificence of what this country used to stand for. 

We are now mocked and scorned by the rest of the world. Oh. Unless you’re a dictator / authoritarian regime!

I think it’s official. The disjointed “united” states of America is an autocracy. 

More than ever, I fear for our future. 

Congress has ceded far too much power to Trump.  We’re at war and he has not consulted with Congress. He has not made the case for his Epstein-distracting Iran war to the public. His “justification” for the attacks changes nearly hour to hour.  He hasn’t held a news conference.  

Do we need also fear the US will kick off a nuclear attack?

Aren’t you concerned,  Senator?  Have you no shame?  Where is your defense of the Constitution you were sworn to uphold?

There has been so much outrage since he came on the scene. It’s exhausting. We all just want to live our lives, be safe, happy and healthy without all this continuous garbage. Argh!  Our country is in the toilet!! Don’t you and your Republican cohorts care?  

Or is remaining in power the only thing that matters to you guys?