A celebration of Springtime

Spring is nature’s way of saying,
“Death gives way to life.”
The dark and cold of winter’s grave
gives in to warmth and light.

What once was lifeless, bare and brown
erupts in pink and red.
The yellows of those bulb-born blooms
announce new birth instead.

Yes, spring invites us to resist
the pull of past regrets.
There’s glory in a crocus choir.
What’s past we can forget.

“Unwrap the gift of new beginnings!”
Spring shouts loud and clear.
“Use your senses. Praise your Maker!
The Master Artist’s here.”

Celebrating a somber season of trust

It’s a journey that leads
to the crux of our faith
as we take up our cross day by day.
Acknowledging weakness,
confessing our need
we embrace all God wills as we pray.

Through the desert with Jesus
we walk step by step
well aware of temptations to doubt.
We stumble at times,
but we fall on God’s grace
as we puzzle to figure things out.

It’s a time for reflection,
for looking inside,
well aware of where this journey ends.
The shadow of death
creeps across what we fear,
but the outcome surprises God’s friends.

At the end of the tunnel
there is cause to rejoice.
But for now we trek on as we wait
for that day we call Easter
when the dawn’s early light
will reveal God’s on time (never late).

*This poem was written for my friend Doug Thomas while awaiting a heart transplant.

Prince Harry and Meghan make waves

That interview we watched last week
gave us an unexpected peek
at what it’s like at Buckingham
behind the drapes and doors.

While Meghan dished on what she’d faced,
Prince Harry claimed he’d been disgraced.
They gave low marks to Britain’s best.
It was a royal shaft.

As Oprah quizzed the royal pair,
A royal tension filled the air.
The Sussex twosome spoke quite frank
of Windsor woes and more.

They spilled the beans ‘bout racial hate
that hides behind the Palace gate.
They candidly confessed their pain
while honoring the Queen.

Diana’s youngest boy (now grown)
compared his plight to what she’d known.
A frenzied state of constant stress
that’s governed by “The Firm.”

So what is false? And what is true?
What claims are old? Which ones are new?
I wonder if the monarchy
can weather such a storm?

What would Dr. Seuss say to his critics?

Is there a doctor in the house?
Indeed! His name is Geisel.
Please wake him up and let him speak.
I’m fearing a reprisal.

Are cats with hats endangered, too?
Are greedy grinches targets?
Do goats in boats have cause to fear?
Or possibly the Lorax?

The Starbucks logo may be next.
She is a naked mermaid.
And likely that offends someone
who’s apt to be more staid.

Where will this cancel culture lead?
Must we rewrite past wrongs?
Or can’t we just accept what was
and change tomorrow’s songs?

Our history books record our flaws,
but warts and all we’re growing.
By looking back we change our ways
when prejudice is showing.

So let’s not rush to label those
who fail our current test.
To view the past through present lens
is  troublesome at best.