We don’t live forever, I know this, just as sunlight and moonbeams can’t shine simultaneously, but sometimes I feel like he and I will transcend the inevitable. Imagining the opposite is unimaginable because it means one of us will be left alone with our tears to sweep up the shattered pieces of our hearts in every room we step into. It means going solo through every sunrise, every sunset.
It’s okay to daydream, isn’t it?
It’s alright to feel we’ll live forever, isn’t it?
What is life without dreams, without fantasy?
Reality hides in the shadows, I know this, but until life changes, I’ll live in my fantasy, knowing he’ll be beside me eternally.
Do I need fifty dollar words, candlelight and wine to express what’s on my mind? I’m not one to write heartfelt emotions in rhythm or rhyme, no poet am I, and fancy words can’t match the hue in your eyes, so I’ll be wise, take my cue and simply whisper “I Love You”
An oldie from my poetry collection, Finding a Balance, Something soft for this Sunday. ❤️🥂
Trouble – An Acrostic poem inspired by Colleen’s post , but mine turned into a double acrostic with a more somber twist. It may even be more of a story than a poem. When I saw the word ‘trouble’ my father-in-law came to mind…
Thriving in life’s sunrises and sunsets Reveling in life, travel, staying active, Over the last century he’s lived a fulfilled life, Unaffected by pessimism, his sanguinity Bestows a light on all who walk in his circle. Legendary in his knowledge and keen memory, Enervated and full of pain is his body now.
Taking each day as it comes, persistent agony Rarely breaks from its stopover, but complaints Outstandingly never fall from his lips. It is Unusual for the query to escape, but he Breathes gently before asking when the distress will Liquidate his bones and muscles, when it will all finally End.
Maybe you can relate? Perhaps you’re in the same situation with a loved one?
On a lighter note,if you find yourself at a loss for words, desperately needing poetry writing inspiration, visit Colleen.
She protects with arms of strength and adoring love, embodies splendor of many colors, bold for confidence, pastel for giving support
She is the butterfly on the breeze, flying with style, the hummingbird outside our window she graces our presence a lovely blessing
She will swim upstream with vigor if need be a sister, daughter, friend, lover, a caring spirit like no other an angel on earth
(My mom passed away 12 years ago and my mother-in-law at a very young age, three decades ago. But these two amazing women live in our hearts, and not a day goes by without thinking of them.) 💗
My bridal shower in 1988. Mom in red stripes and my mom-in-law in red flowers.
And thank you to my amazing daughter and son for making me feel so blessed! ❤️🙏🏻
While I work on my upcoming poetry collection entitled,Ever So Gently, I am delighted to still watch beautiful reviews for More than Coffee continue to trickle in. As I mention in the preface, “Whatever roast I sip, it’s the people, places, experiences, and memories that matter most to me-coffee just happens to be a bonus.” And this is exactly what compiling these memories was all about in the first place. Of course, you can sip any drink you enjoy while (I hope) relishing my stories and poems. But I’ll add that the cover of the book is a photo that was taken at Spider Lake in The Sierra, a favorite backpacking spot of mine and my husband’s. And there’s nothing like a hot cup of coffee in the mountains in the early morning hours when the sun is just waking up.
A big thanks to Michele, Debby, Darlene, and Alex (Trish) who are fabulous writers in our amazing online community! ❤️
Reading the poems and stories found in More than Coffee, by Lauren Scott, felt like being served a combination of delicious home-cooked food, with hot coffee of course, engaging in conversation with a friend, and strolling through family photo albums. If you are in the mood for a wholesome read about family, written by a writer who comes across as grateful, sentimental, and compassionate, then I recommend Scott’s charming memories in verse and prose.
A beautiful book of short slices of poignant moments of life in the author’s life, enhanced with poetic snapshots of life.
Scott invites us into her gratitude, loving memories and pieces of time that were stepping stones to her growth in life and relationships. I could relate to her stories, even though they were her stories. How legend Barbra Streisand was her idol and spurred on her love for music and singing into her hair brush microphone, how in a moment she knew her husband would become the love of her life and how time played out until their meeting was ripe.
Memories in verse and prose of personal times and achievements in romance, love growth, like when the nest became empty, love and loss with her father in law, pushing limits to go backpacking in later years. Written in a personal telling as though the author opened up her heart and shared memories, inviting us into her slices of life that many of us will find relatable in our own lives. This book is a love letter of gratitude of a life well lived and felt.
I enjoy the natural, easy-to-relate-to, style of Lauren Scott’s writing. In the preface, she mentions that – “Whatever roast I sip, it’s the people, places, experiences, and memories that matter most to me-coffee just happens to be a bonus.” I’m sure I will be forgiven for relaxing with a cup of tea as I relaxed and devoured her collection of short vignettes and poems inspired by her life, past and present. Some of my favourite pieces include “Silver Heirlooms”; memories of parents no longer with us. “Red Lipstick” which made me recall watching my own mother put on her make-up. “Belong” is a perfect poem for couples in love; perfect for Valentine’s Day. “97 Years” is a wonderful legacy of a man of substance and made me think of my dear mom and how she had to deal with the loneliness of the pandemic. “The Phone Call” reminded me of my daughter and our lengthy phone calls discussing everything and bringing us closer in spite of an ocean between us. There is something for everyone in this well-written collection which is definitely more than coffee.
By Alex Craigie
This collection of poetry and short stories is described by Lauren Scott as ‘memories in verse and prose’. She has captured the mood and experiences so well, they resonated and reminded me of my own. The author writes about simple, everyday moments. In The Right Time her poem about letting go of things contains a familiar note of caution – “some things do need to be held onto. To let go of everything/would be like watching a balloon/ escaping into the big blue sky/ slowly fading away.” These short pieces delight, comfort, amuse, and paint grief and longing as effectively as a full-length novel. Laughing Spiders made me chuckle with recognition (as an arachnophobe) whereas The Phone Call is a poignant piece about empty nesters. 1989 tells of falling in love but carries a warning: “Don’t ever think you can change someone. Accept them for who they are or move on.” This advice could save many a relationship! The selection is personal but the truths captured within them speak to everyone. There are references to family life and the grief of losing parents, but also to well-observed moments including backpacking and camping trips, singing in concert halls and falling in love. Two of my favourite pieces are Simple Existence and The Gift – both are syllabic poems and the writing is exquisite. These are poems that made me stop and take stock. They gave me goosebumps.
Below are two favorites mentioned in these reviews:
The Gift
Tranquility embraces – the sun’s exit advances. Listening to whispers among the trees, our time here is a gift, and when we depart, the gift will belong to someone else.
Belonging
Do you trust me? Will you take my hand and let me lead the way to a place transcending boundaries of our reality? Let us get lost in tranquility – dancing to the majesty of the surroundings, feeling rhythm vibrate through our bones. For as long as our hearts desire, this is our destination. Time is but a memory. Its existence leaves no trace on the path where we tread. There is only you, me, and the intensity of our belonging to each other.
And another favorite of other’s for this new season of spring. One daffodil in the sunshine provided inspiration…
The Teacher
Its canary boldness rises up to the sun alone, yet not lonely, hearing nothing, but wearing bravery on each petal – standing tall with spirit in lean green attire, as if soaking up the day’s endless possibilities.
I am grateful for these lovely reviews and for all that my book has received. And Thank You in advance to those who may decide to sink into my memories in the future. And as I’ve read here in the land of blogging, reviews are like hugs, so if you enjoy my book, well, I won’t ask...🤗
The radio belted out “Joy to the World!” You were a teenage boy, but on this Christmas morning in ‘75, excitement buzzed! Your dad watched and listened, relaxed in his corner chair, but your mom played Santa, just as jolly! The first time we met. Do you remember?
You and your dad hiked Half Dome that year, then…the many trips we booked… those rocky inclines had my sleeves shaking! Hiking to Italy Pass, 12,000 feet at the top! We did it! Trekking through the Trinity Alps, Thousand Island Lake in the Sierra. And Mount Shasta! I kept you warm when the air was ice.
What a team we made, and I couldn’t believe how beautiful the world could be…
Then with the years your adolescence faded like my blue dye, but I stayed loyal. Why wouldn’t I? You are my brother, even still, all grown up with a family of your own.
Lucky is what I feel because ages ago, I thought I’d be buried beneath piles of clothes at the bottom of a bag to be given away. But mostly, I feel privileged for my significance. I recall her vividly. She left this world too young, too soon.
You see, when we hang out, your memories transport you to that morning when her laughter was music, her smile was sunlight, her energy as vibrant as “Joy to the World.” You travel to the special place in your mind when your mom was still in your life.
With every new miracle of life answers aren’t scripted in the stars, but I knew since your very first breath my life would become yours.
Through innocent eyes and curious touch each new discovery you shared, your smile grew bigger than the sun, your heart’s elation declared.
You stowed dreams in the clouds, imaginings rose higher than the heavens. Cuddling you in that first euphoric light made me fall in love with you in seconds.
Life has blossomed into delight and wonder in every part of its glowing greatness, and with each ounce of my being, my enduring love for you is ageless.
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 