I Needed A Swallow

Pains too harsh to face alone

Fears with causes still unknown

Wished the problem wasn't mine

Grabbed the vodka, poured some wine

Glad to sit and wallow

I Needed a Swallow

Numbness blurred the pain for me

Masked the true reality

Hope began to disappear

No one could be trusted near

My pride had left me hollow

I Needed a Swallow

By asking for help

Not ending it all

By letting them in 

They softened my fall

Friends put back my life in shape

Learned to live without escape

Feelings shared and not denied

Throat built up a lump inside

The tears were soon to follow

I Needed a Swallow

Posting for family and friends in honor of Recovery Month - written in late eighties

Reiki Training

2 Days Reiki Training
Hope to end complaining
Of the ailments draining

30 Days Self-Healing
Learn more what I'm feeling
Not always appealing

8 Hours With Attunement
Careful of assuming
Resistance may be looming

Half hour of Self-Caring
Awareness is glaring
Find the answers staring


Written midway through Day 1 of 2 at Reiki Training

Thinking About Lois

Thinking about Lois
And how you bestow us
Lighting the room with your smile
Wanting to stay for a while

Thinking about Lois
And how much you show us
Gracing the wheelchair with style
Travel not seen as a trial

Thinking about Lois
And how much you know us
Listens to tales we compile
But quickly spotting our guile

Thinking about Lois
And how much you grow us
Helping us work through denial
When we're digging out from a pile

Thinking about Lois


My dad was married to Lois for 11 years and we've remained close to her and are saddened by her recent passing.  . 

A Washing Prayer

When the water touches her hands
She Understands 
The subtle commands
Leading somehow in the right direction
Her walks through the sands
Taking sunrise photos with affection

When the water touches her hands
She Understands 
How goodness expands
When reaching out to make a connection
A heartbreak withstands
Surrounded by a loving protection 

This simple washing prayer
Makes her more aware
When the water touches her hands
She Understands


Feeling inspired after seeing Roma Downey in Nashville on March 9, while she was promoting her new book Box of Butterflies

Women's March

Fewer in number but we'll always remember

Marching in unity with women across the land

Taking a stand with a demand to be heard

Many chanting while others walked without a word

Didn't need to know their names, the cause was the same

Not a game of pointing blame but needing a change

Issues remain with so much more to do

With a wave of women in a chorus of Me Too


Reflecting on last year's Women March - walked while visiting Amelia Island, FL
Looking forward to joining this year's (colder) march back home in Nashville