a poem in my pocket

These I have loved:

wildflower meadows, clear rivulets, rocky heights of mountains

snowshoes strapped to boots, quiet shush through fresh powder

powerful, empathic, wondrous words heard from lips, read on pages

swelling, surround sound of woodwinds and brass in band practice

companionable petted presence, walks, whine, odor, licks of dog

deep, dark, long-lashed eyes of cows, shining wet with curiosity

smooth touch of sweetly scented, oh-so-soft baby’s perfect skin

squeals, shouts, smiles, pouts of grandchildren…eighteen seen!

magnanimous masculine hearts of eight men; six from boyhood

loyal laughter and spiritual bond of kindred spirits in dear friends

wise, patient influence of godly mothers, grandmothers, aunts

exotic variations of chai tea: steeped, dirtied, iced, spiced, latted

homemade blueberry scones, warm, drizzled with lemon glaze

succulent jumbo shrimp dipped in cocktail sauce, eaten seaside

wake to morning songs of birds serenading our shady campsite

thunderheads rumbling across prairie, forked lightning flashes

each mysterious phase of moon that beguiles with mirrored light

warm sun on skin, stretched lazily on beach chair, plush towel

fresh, clean smell of air washed by rain; damp hair, shampooed

wild roses blooming annually along ditches, lilacs in backyards

greenest fields of corn in rows, tasseled and pointing skyward

…all these have been my loves.

A list poem patterned after Rupert Brooke’s poem, “The Great Lover”… linked to dVerse poetics, hosted by Kim. As I recount the things I have loved, I must give thanks to God for these gifts; He is truly The Great Lover!