The world suffers.
The patio is
our shield.
Wine fills
crystal
we’re careful
not to shatter
like human lives
across the globe.
The dog snores
without a care.
Hummingbirds
fly like
the Blue Angels.
A warm breeze
winds its way
in between us
and the roses.
Silence –
a soothing
melody.
And yet,
we know
what lies
on the
other side
of silence.
The world aches
where peace
is far removed
from day-to-day.
Lauren Scott (c) 2020
Harmony lives in each flow of a breeze
In each gentle embrace of evergreens
The clear blue enchantingly shields
Let nothing stay concealed.
Blooms tender their affable smile
Leaves listen in for awhile
Birdsong soothes the whirling mind
A landscape perfectly designed.
Nature’s lessons are plentiful
Shall our choices be flexible?
We are not ignorant to her offerings
Receive them for relief of suffering.
A painting of beauty and brilliance
Mesmerizing even in distance
Can you deny the splendid view?
Allow serenity to fall into you.
Lauren Scott (c) 2020
Photo: from our backyard
The circle stretches miles long
Hands held, leaving no room
Baring the strength of steel
Some things cannot be forced
Tiny nuances glow in time
The truth, clear as pure water
Emotions flood out
Frenzied with freedom
The agony is extreme
Floating…down, down
Falling reckless
Into arms open wide
To guide and to calm
Into moving forward –
The circle remains as is
Lauren Scott (c) 2020
I stare at this page,
milk white as the
blanketed ground
in winter’s staging.
Where are the syllables
to create
a mixture of magic?
I fear they have flown
to faraway places,
across desert dunes
and boundless oceans
and might not return
so that I may tell him
(again)
how irreplaceable he is.
Instead,
I’ll touch his lips
with mine
and steady myself
in the arms of a man
who is satisfied
with my simple existence.
Romantic musings from years ago for this Monday…
Wishing you a peaceful day.
Lauren xo
Fires
Sparked by distress –
A wound never mended.
The days are not tearless. Have we
Not seen
those same hot flames from nightmares of
yesteryear’s pleading cries?
Let change take root.
Listen.
The recent tragedy of George Floyd’s murder and the civil unrest that followed inspired me to jot down the various thoughts whirling around in my mind. I have more to say noted on the pages in my journal. But instead, I chose to try a another new form of poetry: a butterfly cinquain. So my words are few, but the message is huge.
Then yesterday on my walk with Copper, I came across these two displays – both profound and moving in their own ways. I couldn’t walk by without taking photos, so I give credit to my compassionate neighbors for acknowledging the ongoing injustice and the senseless murder of George Floyd, and for spreading much-needed love. This heart is one of many on a sidewalk that I admire everyday, and the collection began when Covid wormed its way into our lives. Even so, spreading the Love is part of the solution in every situation that brings pain. I thought this beautiful heart was a fitting end to what I’ve tried to convey.
My heart is still heavy, but Hope for change is not lost. 💗
Lauren Scott (c) 2020
Each day, we search within ourselves to find beauty that soothes us during these pandemic times. I’ve always loved flowers and what they symbolize: New Life and Hope. But I’ve never had a green thumb – hubby has two for both of us. Given the fact that we’ve lived under a dismal cloud since March, blooms have been more dazzling than in past years. Did I value these precious gifts before? Or did I take them for granted? Have you wondered the same?
This weekend, I planted white alyssum and orange geraniums (of course, with the guidance of Mr. Hubby Green Thumb). Their brilliance enriches our landscape of pinks, purples, and reds. I’ll admit, though, the whole process was hard work, but I felt quite accomplished when the job was done. And when I gave them their first drink of water, it was as though I could hear them sigh…Now I have a better appreciation for those who find planting annuals and perennials cathartic.
We know beauty lies in many other forms, poetry for one, and recently, a friend sparked my interest in writing a Triolet poem, a form I’ve never dabbled in. So, because I’ve been profoundly drawn to flowers this year, below is my first Triolet attempt with them in mind…
Blossoms
They’ve graced us with their presence
But have we missed their shades in haste?
In this shelter are there lessons?
They’ve graced us with their presence
And mastered their attendance
With joy and beauty interlaced.
They’ve graced us with their presence
But have we missed their shades in haste?
I hope you enjoyed my Triolet and I’m sharing these blooms that were part of my Mother’s Day gifts from my husband. Lately, I’ve been into the vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds. Aren’t they gorgeous?
The impact of Covid-19 has been different for all of us, but I hope you will search within to find some form of beauty each day to carry you through. Stay safe and well.
Sending love and virtual hugs,
Lauren ❤❤❤
As Copper and I enjoyed our morning walk this morning,
I couldn’t help notice the vibrant blooms along the way. Whether they blossom in our garden or in the neighborhood, they have served as an exceptional balm during this time of sheltering in place. Copper even knows when it’s time to slow down
and smell the flowers…
“Miss Bougainvillea, luxuriant and sturdy,
unaware of her magical attributes.”
Yours truly
“The earth laughs in flowers.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Love is a flower you’ve got to let grow.”
John Lennon
“The flowers of tomorrow are the seeds of today.”
Anonymous
“After women, flowers are the most divine creation.”
🙂 Christian Dior
“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.”
Lady Bird Johnson
“Bloom where you are planted.” Anonymous
“But he who dares not grasp the thorn should never
crave the rose.” Anne Bronte
“Their colors bring infinite joy
as they are cared for with pride.
The thorns do not lessen their beauty –
not one delicate petal is denied.”
Yours truly – an excerpt from one of my poems
“Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.”
Theodore Roethke
“Spring has returned. The earth is like a child
who knows poems.”
Rainer Marina Wilke
A Cup of Spring
Miss Spring sips her tea
as we anticipate
her arrival.
She says, “Be patient,
I will soon bring you
colors so pleasing
and new life, delightful.
But first, Mr. Winter
must finish acting
out his scene.”
Yours truly
Dear Friends,
I want to share that one of my poems, The Virus, was published in the SF Chronicle yesterday! This poem is a Palindrome (mirror poem) and after a writing friend read it, she suggested I send it in to the paper. To my surprise, it was published! So, this news from yesterday was a great start to my Friday and also a positive kick-off to the new month of May.
During the health crisis, I have often written in my journal, expressing how my family is affected and how we are faring in these uncertain times. Then some of those thoughts turned into poetry and the Palindrome form evolved.
If you are interested in checking out the poem in the SF Chronicle, the links are below:
https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/
Otherwise, here is the poem:
Its effect appears as shattering
As it slips unnoticed into homes,
When death numbers continue to rise
Like the Spanish flu filling tombs.
But each night there is howling
And each night there is singing,
So even under gray clouds hanging,
The music becomes encouraging
As we crawl through this haze.
Our spirits lift, feeling optimistic
When the darkness plays that song.
As voices make a touching statement
Needless boundaries are withdrawn.
Needless boundaries are withdrawn
As voices make a touching statement.
When darkness plays that song
Our spirits lift, feeling optimistic.
As we crawl through this haze
The music becomes encouraging,
So even under gray clouds hanging,
Each night there is singing
And each night there is howling.
Like the Spanish flu filling tombs
When death numbers continue to rise,
It slips unnoticed into homes,
The virus appears as shattering.
Lauren Scott Swalberg (c) 2020
I hope you enjoyed my poem and may you find a sense of calm and a glimmer of joy in your weekend as we continue on this unprecedented journey.
Care less about what others think
Own up to your awesomeness
Nourish your hopes and dreams
Find light, even if it is obscured
Improvise, if necessary
Dance, celebrating the true you
Encourage others who live in darkness
Never give into negative criticism
Calm is always the best choice
Enjoy life by living in your happiness
Everyone owns it, but sometimes it slips out of grip. The truth is even if you feel insecure, looking and acting confident will not only make you feel better, but others will perceive you in that positive way. Walk with your head up, chin up, and notice what and who is around, i.e., be aware of your surroundings. In doing so, you will appear strong to others. The more you practice this, the more confident you’ll feel, which will cause a ripple effect of positive thoughts, emotions, and actions in your life.
On this positive note, I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving, and let us remember to be thankful not only on this one day, but throughout the entire year. And with these words, I continue to keep the fire victims in CA in my heart and prayers.
With Love & Friendship, Lauren 🧡🧡🧡
Photo: Google
