Category: Poetry

The Sandwich

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry31 Comments

I go light on the mayo,
add some Grey Poupon,

layer sliced tomatoes,
pickles and cucumbers,

pile on leaves of romaine
for the final touch,

in between two slices
of whole wheat bread.

The kids are adults,
living on their own.
It’s just hubby and me at home.

Yes, I still make lunches.
I have mastered “the sandwich.”

From turkey to tuna to egg salad
or chicken, to this new veggie delight.

Suddenly, I’m standing in the kitchen,
my kids are little, small shoe sizes
by the door, Lego on the floor in
his room, barbies scattered in hers,
the days in the nineties
when peanut butter and jelly ruled.

I should tally all the peanut butter jars,
jelly flavors or jam, if you prefer,
and slices of bread that
were consumed back then.

The hustle and bustle of early hours
on school-day mornings,
kids tossing a coin for the shower.

Hair dryer working overtime with her long
thick mane. He and I, donning various
hats for our roles as cab driver, cook,
teacher, counselor, hugger, father, mother.

I shake my head, smiling,
in the present on a workday.
I reach for an apple.

Tomorrow, we buy!

Lauren Scott (c) 2022
Photo: Pixabay
Some fun for a Saturday smile.


Behind Closed Doors – Book Review

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Poetry119 Comments

Today, I have the pleasure of introducing you to Robbie Cheadle, a wonderful poet and author of children’s books, paranormal historical, and supernatural fantasy. She is also a prolific baker of delicious cakes that she includes in her books and blog posts. I thoroughly enjoyed her poetry book, Behind Closed Doors.

Behind Closed Doors by Robbie Cheadle is a collection of various style poems such as freeform, tanka, haiku, and limerick. Robbie touches on many aspects of life evoking a myriad of emotions. She writes beautifully with strong convictions about marriage, motherhood, dreams, her struggles of working in the corporate world, living in lockdown during the pandemic, and about social issues she finds distressing. Whether her words speak of joy or anguish, they are fiercely passionate.

I personally connected to “Contrasting Colors” because of my strong marriage and relationship with my husband. Robbie creates a lovely metaphorical comparison between her and her husband, showing just how much they complement each other. I really liked the format of this poem. In “He Walks Away” her words paint the picture of her son who is no longer the little boy whose mom’s kisses cured all pain, but a young man who she will need to let go for him to find his way in the world. As an empty nester, my heart felt her bittersweet emotions.

Environmentally, I was drawn to “I saw a fish a-swimming” and “If the polar icecaps doth melt.” Robbie emphasizes the tragic effects of global warming not only on the planet, but on living creatures. She writes with concern and compassion, and some poems are written as twisted limericks bearing nothing but the truth. My stomach felt just as twisted after reading these powerful reminders. But even in trying times, Robbie includes, “Can you see the butterflies?” This poem offers delightful imagery, imploring the reader to dash outside in that very moment to embrace nature’s beauty.

I highly recommend Behind Closed Doors for fans who revel in finding themselves relating to the messages or scenarios, therefore sinking into the deeper meanings.

Thank you for stopping by, and I hope you’ll pick up a copy of Robbie’s book. Simply click on “Buy on Amazon” below the image. You can also visit Robbie at her blog: https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/

~Lauren Scott ❤️

I didn’t know you then

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry45 Comments

I didn’t know you then
on that high school campus.
I didn’t pass you by
in the halls of science.

In language of your peers,
your name was common.
I, the wallflower.
You, the chameleon.

You blended into anywhere.
I had my one special niche.
The music building, my haven
just across the bridge.

Popularity didn’t seek me out.
You sported that football jersey.
My legs marched in drill team.
The players didn’t see me.

You and she were solid,
but off, again and again.
We stumbled through the years.
I was meant to meet him.

Then in between the lines,
our paths meandered together.
The reason happened for us.
Life was changed, perfect, better.

Lauren Scott (c) 2022
Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️

The Gift

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry38 Comments

Life is like a package
placed in our cupped hands,
wrapped in festive paper,
tied in matching ribbons
we unravel first.
Heartbeat increases
from excitement
of what we’ll find.
We lift the lid,
peek inside,
but unlike paper,
recyclable,
the gift of life
cannot be tossed back
into the universe.
No spare awaits
on the sidelines.
The contents
require tenderness,
but first lies a set
of instructions
unique to the recipient,
as visible as
a red rose in
a garden of daisies.
If those guidelines
are followed
with gratitude, bravery,
and tenacity,
the purpose of our gift,
so delicately given,
will come as naturally
as the moon on a night,
deeper than the deepest sea.

Lauren Scott (c) 2022

Healdsburg

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry46 Comments

Thirty-three years to celebrate,
we cruise up the coast
passing lush green hills of January,
gripping the wheel from wind’s thrust.

The plaza pulls us in with its charm,
shops shimmer in their zeal for patrons,
the sun blazes, temperature warm,
windows entice with appealing apparel.

“You look like I need a drink of wine,”
words on a hand towel with pizzazz.
“With every glass of wine comes wisdom,”
a neighboring towel claims to add.

Shelves stocked with crafts, so cheery,
persuading to purchase without effort.
This store carries us to Rose Apothecary.
Where are David and Patrick?

Arches and patios show off twinkle lights
for when the moon shines her splendor.
We feast on pulled pork and slaw,
Chardonnay and Pliny the Elder.

Laughter’s in the air, picnics on blankets,
a man strums and sings like Paul Simon.
A man with a backpack eyes the banquets,
a dog licks his chops with a plan.

Great eats and drinks, and fun souvenirs,
loose cash spent, plastic card dented,
another toast for three more decades,
moments to share, a life so splendid.

Photo: Anniversary flowers ❤️

A Blooming Conundrum

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry56 Comments

sunlight fashions smiles
lifting faces to the blue
they sense springtime has
sidled up next to autumn
craving notoriety

rainfall quenches thirst
nourishment long awaited
wilted leaves revive

bright petals unfold
shivering with elation
winter watches with
concern as the months of spring
have seemingly reappeared

Lauren Scott (c) 2021
Photos from our yard with
thoughts from November.





If the Universe Would Share

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry54 Comments

Look to the galaxy, My Love.
The blue luminous star
I desire to be yours.
If the universe would share,
I’d pull the shimmering beauty
from the constellations
and place it in the palm
of your hands
next to my beating heart.
I wish we could sit upon
a slow-moving cloud,
dangling our legs
into freedom.
Our eyes would show
the emotion in our hearts.
Lips would touch, tenderly,
then with hunger
reeling through our veins
like magnetic energy.
We’d fall into
pleasant intoxication,
watching moonbeams
pierce our private night sky.

Lauren Scott (c) 2021