poetry

December 3, 2011

I walked alone

I walked alone last night

along the festive streets

families migrated downtown

to see the live window vignettes

with a holiday theme

the crescent moon was shining

the streetlights were brighter

a white horse ambled by

pulling a carriage

something special

out of the usual

I wish my family had joined me

at the art walk downtown

where I went to see my friends

for quick conversations

shared smiles and hugs

and to see their art

glad I went

for a bit

as I drove home 

alone

Elvis was crooning

“Blue Christmas”

from the radio

I got misty eyed

a lump in my throat

my head already hurt

maybe it ached

from unshed tears

accumulating

behind my eyes

I didn’t test that theory

and held ‘em back

a little longer

headin’ home

for rest

in the night

December 2, 2011 was F1RST FR1DAY in downtown Bloomington. How I love, and look forward to goin’ downtown on the F1RST FR1DAY of every month. Even if I go alone, I don’t feel lonely. The studios and galleries, and the artists within, are very welcoming and always glad to see you. Even if you’re just admiring, and not buying, their wonderful and varied works of art. ~ Janean

© Turquoise Tangles

November 19, 2011

playin’ with fire

I’m playin’ with fire

dancin’ ever closer

stayin’ just out of reach

I’m playin’ with fire

turning back the clock

in my mind and heart

and remembering

I’m playin’ with fire

dredging up memories

best left buried deep

I’m playin’ with fire

hopin’ not to get burned

or burn another

I’m playin’ with fire

red, orange, yellow

bright blue glow

of the flame

as I stare

mesmerized

by what I see

I’m playin’ with fire

the danger attracts

I admit it

my rebellious side

isn’t quashed

yet

I’m playin’ with fire

drawn like a moth

to a flame

with memories

of you

OUCH!

Got too close

for just a moment

while I was

playin’ with fire

© 2011 Turquoise Tangles

November 19, 2011

my thirsty soul

novicepen:

You offer overflowing love
to everyone else and
leave nothing for yourself

You hope to save
a lost soul
but you don’t even
know how to save
your own

You give too much
water to the thirsty
and forget about
the thirst in your throat

Now look in the mirror
and see what you’ve become
Remember that the
things you offer to people
you can offer yourself too

novicepen,
THANK YOU MUCH, for this beautiful reminder to feed our own soul. My mother’s advice is, “Put yourself on The List”. Several friends advised, “Boundaries”, when they noticed my thirsty soul, and then encouraged me to pursue the things that water it. Making and teaching art, and writing poetry and prose, is The Best Thirst Quencher In The World, for me. Art and Writing are My Oasis In The Desert.
~ Janean