More About Fear

If I could change one aspect of me what would it be? Something you easily see, or something I've tried to hide, like my pride. Is it my fear I want to disappear, so I can get in gear not hiding in the rear? Afraid to speak up - What's up? What's holding me back? Afraid of an attack? Too much to hack? Worried I'll lack in what I try? So why proceed?....and there I feed the fear. Fear to share aloud - will I sound proud, or will I face ridicule? Will somebody say something cruel that I'll want to hide under a rock? So I balk, not ready to take the walk on the plank. Not ready to take the plunge till I can expunge the fear, but it stays near to what I hold dear. So I take a deep breath, take a baby step forward then three steps back before I will try again to advance. Not daring to dance or prance, just a tiny chance - then a big gulp! Do I ask for help? How do I get out of here away from my fear?


Written at Friday Night Write at Art & Soul last night.
Thanks to Mattison & Kelly and all the brave writers who shared.

Cover-Up

Who would've guessed him such a beast?
Preying upon the very least:
Trusting & scared, became the feast.
Young, ruined lives can't be re-pieced.
Molested by the parish priest,
Misguided by the church, then fleeced.
The cover-up was not policed -
Danger just moved, abuse increased.



In response to Spotlight movie that covers the scandal,
news of hometown parish priest released from prison last month.
http://www.spotlightmovietheaters.com/

Noise Box

I'm sitting in cubicle row
Hearing more than I need to know
With the speaker phones loud enough
So concentrating is really tough

I don't mean to be a jerk
But how can I do my work
While everyone talks and talks and talks
In this Noise Box

With earplugs or music I'm found
Cutting back on the sense surround
Till the mobile phones start to sing
More aggravating with their own ring

I don't plan to go berserk
But how can I do my work
While everyone talks and talks and talks
In this Noise Box

How many others watching their clocks
Waiting to escape this Noise Box


Written years back in an earlier job

Dear Fear

Dear Fear, I don't want you here, but you remain near to what I hold dear, wanting me to veer. So let's make it clear - I won't let you steer my writing career. So take up the rear, while I get in gear. I'm taking charge here, though you remain near.

Inspired by Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

The Observer

I am the Observer, the Preserver
Whether with my pens or camera lens
It all depends which takes me further
Not always surrounded by friends
Others say Don't Disturb her
It will unnerve her
The silence will better serve her
Too many signals overwhelm
Too hectic being at the helm
Easier to be the Observer
It's been rapture for me to capture
A memory of the moment
I am the Observer, the Preserver


Written a while back at Soul Spring Retreat, but recently had this trait pointed out so I'm sharing now.

Half-Mast

Flags at half-mast
It happened so fast
A steady, deadly blast
How long did it last?
Digging into his past
A dangerous outcast
The damage was vast
Causing flags at half-mast

In response to Chattanooga shootings

NO Plastic

Brought my re-usable bags
Trying to show I'm green
Reading labels and tags
Then hit the check-out scene


What part of "NO Plastic" don't you understand?
What's so tough about this simple command?
How can I expect to lend a hand?
When I'm trying to do my part,
Look what's made it in my cart!
What part of "NO Plastic" don't you understand?


Maybe a different line
Trying a different store
Problem's not only mine
When it happens once more


What part of "NO Plastic" don't you understand?
What's so tough about this simple command?
How can I expect to lend a hand?
When I'm trying to do my part,
Look what's made it in my cart!
What part of "NO Plastic" don't you understand?


A day late posting for Earth Day - written a few years ago and still happening!

More Snow

Uh-Oh! More Snow!
Where will it go?
They just don't know!
As the piles grow,
And the winds blow -
This winter woe
of too much snow!!


Written for my family and friends in New England.