Susanne
Bowen
Building Connection & Community
New Poems
Bus Stop
Driving down the road
The sun in my eyes
Feeling a bit irritable
With traffic aside
Then I caught a glimpse
Of a woman torn weary
Waiting for a bus
Three bags in tow
Making note, I turned
Pulling into a
Precision-marked row
I opened my door
And then it came to me
This woman I saw
I’d like to make her day better
To whatever degree
I approached her at a distance
Hello, how are you?
Are you coming or going,
Do you have a moment, please?
I noticed you as I drove by
I thought you might enjoy a rest
From all you do
Would you be my guest?
Across the way, there is a shop
It would be my honor
What do you say?
She looked at me with surprise
And a sparkle in her smile
Are my ears hearing right?
You’re asking me to join you
Bless your heart
Yes, I would
My feet, what a sight
When we entered the shop
I nodded and said
We are together
This is my friend as you see
Then we each took a seat
And waited our turn
To be called back and assigned
Within a few minutes
We would soon learn
They were ready for two
So we settled in our chairs
The technician asked,
How do you do?
A simple polish for me
As for my friend here
Please do as she shares
As our nails were buffed and polished
We exchanged niceties of family and such
How life impacts us all
Being mindful not to trespass
On my guest’s personal space
That she may enjoy as she wishes
And at her own pace
I was soon prompted to pay
Yes, I replied for two
l slipped on my shoes
And slowly moved
Then turning, I smiled
And waved good-by
Thank you for accepting
You have a good day
Rest Assured
I sat upon the bench last night
And watched
My fingers speed across the keys
I thought to myself how can this be?
I practice with such ease
And then a smile came across my face
I knew just then the source
You worked at this and kept the faith
It’s your refuge, your life force
Listen to your heart, that’s where I’ll be
Nurturing you onward, helping you see
You’re never alone
As quiet as it may seem
My love for you runs deep
Without measure, nor degree
I’ve been there when you’ve wept
Uncertain where to go
And walked with you to see you through
When shadows obscured your view
But days are brighter now
Vision, clarity, too
The future is a blank canvas
Let your spirit guide the way
Brunch on Amsterdam
Walking briskly
Down Amsterdam
On Sunday mid-day
He spies the restaurant
I hear good things
What do you say?
We step inside
Have a look around
Can you seat us outside?
It’s an amazing day
Taking our seats
Alongside the street
We soon are greeted
At this idyllic café
My son is my date
My day is complete
On this clear, breezy day
The table is set
Crisp linen, silver too
Life teaming around us
A mosaic of colors
Vibrations and hues
Occasional conversations
Are hard to ignore
We smile and carry on
Mindful of time & chores
Oh if I could just bottle
This moment as it were
To later reflect on
I’d love just a bit more
There is nothing so cherished
Then the time with my child
When I can look in their eyes
See their depth, their style
Memories imprinted
From the past, I explore
Of their triumphs,
And independence
Their happiness
I want nothing more
A toe tapping day
At the spur of the moment
We decide to meet
At a local café
Just down the street
We agree it’s just what is needed
To put a kick in this day
Routine has its place
But then, again, so
It can turn cheerful
To mundane
Experience & time shows
So to avoid the valleys
One must create and plan
Share a meal with others
Simply do what you can
And so we meet up
Happy to see a friendly face
How was your day?
The typical rat race?
Feeling quite special
As I was handed a bouquet
For me? I’m so grateful.
What more can I say?
Dining together was a gift in itself
Laughing at mishaps
Oh, it’s good for your health
Reminiscing of days better
And all that we have
And the bounty of friendship
It helps us become more
We each have our measure
For goodness each day
Surely, giving back to others is one
And music that moves you deeply
another way
The best of the best is live jazz
Says my friend
You know it’s a good day
When it’s a toe tapping day
Friendship Unequalled
Friendship
Variable in intention
Availability
And ability to communicate
Some,
May be taken for granted
Others viewed as a tool
For benefit
A precious few
Give, understand
Without explanation
And love you
For
The person you are
The person you endeavor to be
And the one, you will never be
I give thanks to the universe
For our friendship
Having survived the test of time
And the absence of communication
But at its core
A beating heart
Always mindful
Which, upon signaling
Increases in cadence
In preparation of what
Might be
A laugh, the gift of time
To listen
Or a helping hand
You are the precious
The one of the few
That is there upon calling
Understands without explanation
Honest and true
And for that
I thank
You.
The Journey
I know not where I travel
Only that I’m guided by a light
That which sustains and engages me
Leads me down paths far and wide
Yet over time the road narrows
Defined by experience
And those I love
Perseverance keeps me steady
For life does not always fit comfortably
As a hand to a glove
Then when one least expects it
Good fortune is delivered at one’s door
Providing an opportunity
One never dreamed of
before
Soon navigation becomes an adventure
Shifting boundaries
As we explore
Hope presents in an array of colors
Not black and white
but shades of gray
Revealing
As our journey is unfolding
We are the captain
Of each day
With the wind in my sails
And the vast open seas
I acknowledge my potential
Sing Alleluia, please
Giving thanks to the universe
I move forward, at peace
With confidence and fortitude
Receptive, at ease.
The Journey
Shrek
Frozen, in motion
No motive to move
I look around and ponder
What should I now do?
And then without notice
I’m approached to the side
There’s a chair at my table
Take a rest from the tide
Why thank you I say
Yes, that would be nice
I’d love to sit down
& enjoy my lunch
Airport crowds have a way
Of stopping my start
No worries, he said
We all have our things
Take comfort now
Before you must part
You see, he says, I travel from place to place
I enjoy being on my own
Conducting tests
Then evaluating each case
A bit of a Shrek, I’m told alone
Enjoying my solitude, and peace
I’m somewhat of a clone
May I help you to your gate
It would be my honor for sure
Please don’t for a moment
Hesitate – it’s what we do
Lend a hand, help each other
As circumstances necessitate
