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.
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
Life is precious
We wake in the morning
Pull the sheets over our head
Tired and drowsy
We could’ve gone to bed earlier
instead
The demands we allowed
To accumulate from work
Lead to dissatisfaction and complaining
Like clockwork
So we meet up with friends
At a well-worn pub
Laughing and musing
What’s all of this worth
A couple hours pass and we go our ways
No lessons learned, no insight per se
It really is right in front of our nose
Gratitude for the day, for the earth
For our toes
All it takes
Is unexpected news
That hits from behind
It takes the wind from your sail
Causes your breath to climb
You ask how this can be
All was just well
Take nothing for granted I say to myself
Be positive and helpful
You say day after day
Giving thanks for those inconveniences
That yesterday seemed to prey
Starting the day
A smile on your face
Shoulders back, chest forward
You take your first step out
Once lacking perspective
Life comes into view
Insight becomes more frequent
You embrace the old
And take in the new.