August

August 26, 2012

the weather report

it’s raining today
oh, how we need it
the dirt is cracked
the grass is brown
scorched earth
and withering crops
all around

it’s raining today
oh, how we need it
souls parched
from a long journey
through the desert
without respite
or the nourishing balm
of rain

it’s raining today
oh, how we need it
for even the deepest roots
thirst in times of drought
questioning
withdrawing
lashing out
forgetting
that tangled together
they are tougher
to break apart
by even the mightiest
of storm
realizing it’s better
if they hold tight
to one another
through this long desert walk
it’s raining today
oh, how we need it

August 26, 2012

August 26, 2012

Little Red and Blue

This morning, as I walked my big dog, Blue around the block, I thought to myself, “If I were wearing a red jacket with a hood right now, it’d look to passersby like Little Red Riding Hood walkin’ The Big Bad Wolf.” My grin was quick and no laugh escaped to be carried on the wind. Besides, looks can be deceiving…though I do own a red hooded rain coat. ~ Janean

August 25, 2012

August 23, 2012

the lunch menu

While looking at the school lunch menu, held by a magnet on the fridge, I asked my oldest son, “So, do you want pickled pigs feet and pepperoni popsicles for lunch today?”
He replied with a succinct, 12 year old boy, “Nuh, uh.”
I repeated my question, and was rewarded with a more complete response, “Mom, that’s NOT what it says.”
Oh, all right, “Do you want a cheeseburger meal then?”
Like I didn’t already know the answer’d be, “YES!!!!”
Easy for me.
Yummy for him.
Win-win.
~ Janean

August 23, 2012 a.k.a. the fourth day of the new school year.

August 15, 2012 Image

I ran barefoot
through the backyard
this morning
the grass still damp
from dew
right on through the neighbor’s too
I am not a runner
twas quite the sight to see
my arms waving in the air
and that big dog Blue following me
I had to get his attention
and distract him
from the scent of squirrel
he slipped his collar
ran off leash
faster than we knew
my wild pup tasted freedom
(and rather liked the flavor)
I bounded back to our yard
winded and wheezing
eyes on that running dog
when they saw my husband
standing straight and tall
I’d left the sliding door open
pup and I were nowhere to be found
then he sees us round the corner
sure
the dog goes to him when called
he holds the pup
I reattach his collar
add his blue leash too
back inside we file
one, two, three
man, dog and me

August 15, 2012

August 6, 2012 Image

The car
I think it’s time to let her go
I/we need a safe newer vehicle that we trust outside the city limits on the highway
The air is broken and it’s been hot this summer
Power locks busted long ago and it’s not worth repair costs
Even if we fixed her and parked her until My oldest son was 15 or 16, in three more years I’d worry about her safety
And his
The air bag light is blinking
It’s time
It’s just not easy
To let her go
She’s been my car for 13 1/2 years
That’s a long damn time to drive a car
She’s been A Good One
One of the best
My fifth car since I turned sixteen
Twenty four and a half years ago
Now it’s time to figure out
What’s next?!
~ Janean

August 6, 2012