Welcome to Poetry Friday, this week hosted by Jan here at Birdseed Studio. Thank you, Jan, for hosting.
I’ve taken some time off during my visit to my grandson in California and have missed posting and keeping up with Poetry Friday friends. I was going to title this post HAPPY NEW YEAR, but I know it isn’t happy for many in America and is simply tragic for so many others. There seems to be no end to the shock and awe on tv. But somehow I know we can get through this.
Having had a one-year-old to play with has been a delightful gift to my family. He was born two months early, but has completely caught up. Baby Tommy is working hard to try to stand and take his first wobbling steps. He’s trying to talk and communicate in his way. He seems to know “up.” He’s enjoying board books. WHERE’S SPOT by Eric Hill has been a favorite with those little doors to open and rip off.
Since I returned last week, I’ve been thrilled to receive postcards from Poetry Friday friends. It’s so wonderful to get the mail. I’ve received four with poems and artwork and I want to share them.
From Tabatha:
The Year as a Horse
This horse is sure footed, even on pebbles,
and scrambles up dark, craggy days.
She sways as she rests, still standing,
willing to carry us the whole way
with no saddle, a light sheen from' ceaseless service making her
slick beneath our grip.
We cling to her back
and listen to her breathe,
The horse of the year
nuzzles today
prying apart,
searching
for morsels of sugar.
Tabatha Yeatts
From Tracy Kiff-Judson:
Cherry Trees celebrate
Spring's arrival--
tossing petal confetti
Tracy Kiff-Judson
From Mary Lee Hahn:
Mountain, sky, water
between them a line is drawn
still, they connect
Mary Lee Hahn
From Molly Hogan:
2026
A new year of mysteries to unfold
will it be . . .
what tea leaves foretold?
Molly Hogan
referring to the above poems, may we all search for find nuggets of sugar this year, celebrate cherry blossoms, enjoy mountains, sky and water and discover the unexpected and, I hope, uplifting mysteries that will unfold in 2026.
Have a great weekend and thank you, Jone MacCulloch, for the postcard project. You do so many things that I admire.
One of the mysteries yet to unfold is a subscribe button for my blog. I have yet to find a way for my friends to subscribe but am working on it.
Janice
Janice, that is so wonderful to be able to spend time with your grandson! Thank you for sharing the postcards you’ve received and your thanks for Jone’s amazing project. Your post uplifted me during these dark days!!!
Thanks for sharing your New Year postcard swaps Janice, they bring bits of light and hope! Glad you are enjoying the ever changing time with your grandson!
Nothing nicer than playing with a toddler, and I’m sure there’s more delight on the way, Janice! Second best is special mail, beauty instead of bills, right? Thanks for sharing the poems and the pictures that accompanied them. There is much to be grateful for! And, it’s great to see you back!
How wonderful that you’ve been able to spend time with Tommy! And isn’t it such a delight to receive such beautiful mail? (This year is the first time I’ve done Jone’s postcard exchange, but it won’t be the last.) 🙂
I love how the postcards and poems turn to nature for beauty and peace. Thanks for sharing, Janice. I’m glad you had a good visit with your grandson.
Janice,
Thank you for hosting! I love how you shared the postcards you’ve received so far. I love getting them in the mail, too! And, today, I received yours! I loved the spring thoughts in your painting and words. How long have you been doing watercolors? I love daffodils, and your painting is lovely! Thank you! I’m so happy to hear your grandson is doing well and you are enjoying your visits!
Good to hear from you! I’ve been learning about watercolors for about two months or so. It’s been more fun than I expected. I’m glad you liked the postcard. It’s not too hard to paint flowers and watercolors are forgiving and plus you never know quite what will happen.
Hi Janice! It’s lovely to hear about your precious grandson and see all the postcards collected together. I always enjoy Jone’s postcard project so much!
Hi wonderful grammy Janice! It’s incredibly important for Tommy & all the grandsons & granddaughters of The World, to receive such wonderful loving time with their grands, especially in the baby to elementary school years. Research used by court & law advocates for children who need them, shows that a human’s neurons take a longer time than we ever thought maturing, even into the early 20s.
Postcard swaps are a sweet & delightful tradition in #PF. I’m always swamped at that time but I love seeing the results.
your fan, jan
Thank you, Jan! I wish I lived closer. It’s good for our grandson and us. Yes, growing up takes a long time.
Delightful is exactly the right word. I love happy mail. Enjoy Tommy! What joyous words–completely caught up!
Loved receiving these postcards too! Hoping to get mine out next week! Happy New Year, Janice!
Very fun to see all these, Janice! I loved reading about how Tommy is enjoying WHERE”S SPOT and lifting and ripping off the flaps–so familiar!
Janice, one little toddler is such a treat to be around. California weather is so different than NYS. Enjoy Tommy and thanks for sharing your warming package of friendly gifts. Happy MLK day.