Gratitude

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

THANK YOU

In the early morning hours

On this holiday

I give thanks for my many blessings

For their path, and their way

For gratitude cannot be qualified

An appreciation that comes from within

Authentic and original

It drives our spirit

And encourages us to begin again

And so, I offer this brief thank you

To those who support my work

Of poetry and the written word

And my effort to build a network

We share, connect

And respect

All who wish to visit

That they are welcome

Without doubt

It is understood.

Patience

Would it be for the first bird

to land upon the feeder

Or rain to nurture the fields

And cool the day

Replace conflict with peace

And suffering with joy

There is nothing to gain

Over that which we have

no influence

So begin again, reframe

Seasons cannot be hurried

Nor process upon which we rely

Relationships are cultivated

Musical compositions are written

With intention

Then fully come alive

So why press and hurry

Look closely, for to deny

The nature of patience

Inhibits our need

To simplify

So inhale deeply

Breathe in life-giving air

Trust time will resolve

Our restlessness

And All that we can bear

For impatience is an eager foe

Willing to undermine

To take ahold

But Providence is stronger still

Steadfast and humble

one hundred-fold

Airport Musings

Full of gratitude
My soul is comforted by
the thoughtfulness of humankind
A smile
An offer to assist
You’ve got this
Don’t doubt for a minute
Say no, nor despair

Life has its ups
Life has its downs
The same centuries deep
Acknowledge and move on
We hold the power
over
Body and mind

So turn up the music
Buy the fine bottle of wine
Spend time with those who lift you up
Nod and move beyond
Those that pull from behind
And lend a hand to those
Society has otherwise declined

For life is a dance
Some steps, are beautiful, and in synch
Others less graceful
But all part of a mosaic
A tapestry if you will
For us to embrace
with all of its flaws, foibles,
and beauty
this amazing gift
We call life

At times I will take a look at a previously written poem, and think I could’ve taken it this direction, and so it is with “We’ve Only This.” We will call the Take-II. Let me know what you think!

There’s only this
There’s only now
Grab hold of today
Someway, somehow
Listen carefully within
Let your spirit guide
For tomorrow comes with possibilities
Some with promise
Others you lay aside

There’s only this
There’s only now
Don’t hold onto hurt
Move on
And give your best
Expand your community
Lift others as you go
Make today others
Will come to know

We’ve only this
We’ve only now
Harness your spirit
And let your dreams soar
We have today
So let it be
“Cause there’s only this
There’s only now
There are no remakes
Let’s make a tomorrow
For all to see.

Gratitude

Words of encouragement

Gave me the courage to carry on

To start each day with optimism

And for those who looked askance

At what the future held

I was able to rise above

Moved by the nod, the smile

By those who acknowledged my fight

And had faith in my ability to overcome

Those who I knew well

And those who I just met

Offered their support

In prayer and kindness, a tapestry

Of unconditional care, and love

So that when the sun would set

I could close my eyes with confidence

That when tomorrow came

I would gather up my energy

Face any challenge with resolve

Not blame

It is with gratitude

That I look back

Reflecting on my journey

Now eagerly awaiting to engage

All that has accrued

For it is with the foundation of others

I was able to shore up my reserves

Take on the fight of a lifetime

Joyously breakthrough the finish line

Arms outstretched, in prayerful thanksgiving

To God and all his blessings

And for this, my sun does shine

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

Grateful for what is

It’s Sunday morning

And the sun is shining through

My son is resting at his home

My daughter and her family are away

And then a dear friend I soon learn

Is in great need

And so I pray

I distract myself with music

Rise above the ripples that run through

For soon they will fade into the background

When the gift of time renews

It is then I will write, or garden, or give a lending hand

To those who need assistance

I will help them as I can

Those activities are best carried out

When the ripples relax

And I can confidently go about my day

For soon enough, they will return

They’ll be back for a little stay

Free of restraints, physical and other

I dance to the music, and run my fingers through the soil

I then write a poem, and reluctantly complete a chore

Accepting of my routine

That with hesitation I’ve come to know

When viewed from a positive mindset

There is an emboldened glow.

SJ Bowen, 03.04.25