Tag: Poetry

Cactus Contentment

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry12 Comments

I’m currently reading a beautiful book of syllabic poetry, Seasons and Crystals, by Balroop Singh. I’ve written syllabic poetry, but it’s not my go-to form like free verse. And yet, reading her poetry and the various forms inspired me. I thought about life in general, about the past events in our family, and about nature’s beauty right in front of us. So, the other evening, Hubby and I were enjoying our patio time and the weather was perfect, not too hot, not too cold or windy. A cactus sits on our table that our daughter bought years ago. My husband gave it a drink, and I loved the water droplets on the tepals. So, I wrote some poetry in the form of American cinquain which consists of 5 lines and a syllable count on each line of 2-4-6-8-2. This form is also known as the Crapsey cinquain and was invented by American poet, Adelaide Crapsey.

Evening on the Patio

Pleasure,
simple and free,
birds sing from tree tops in
the distance under vast blue sky –
senses

Splendor

Beauty
comes in many
forms, colors, and textures –
painful to fingertips or soft
to touch

Living

Lovely
life around us
can be prickly at times
but keep eyes open for when hope
glistens

Layers

Secrets
lie in layers –
will they be publicized?
time is the ultimate answer –
patience

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I hope you enjoyed this post. Do any of the poems resonate?
Happy Labor Day and have a wonderful week! 💖

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com

Lauren Scott is a Pushcart Prize nominee who enjoys small-town living in California’s Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Although their daughter and son live out of state, frequent visits and modern technology keep their family of four close. Lauren is the author of four poetry collections, a memoir, and a children’s picture book. She has been a guest on several podcasts and her work has appeared in seven anthologies. Her poetry and prose has also been featured by Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations where she has received several honors. Lauren is a member of the Redwood Writers chapter and Marin chapter of the California Writers Club, and she is currently working on a new poetry collection and an early chapter book for children.

Click on the image to purchase your copy.

September slides in…

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry77 Comments

A huge thanks to you who left caring comments on my prior post, which after a night of restless sleep (tossed salad), I decided to delete. One friend said that my words helped her, which made me feel good. And your kindness helped me. So, I think it’s time to push aside the sadness, if only for a minute.

To welcome this new month of September that brings its own season, I’m sharing some photos that I took from China Camp, along with a few haiku…

naked ladies dance
in the summer ocean breeze
with soft, blushing cheeks

the laughter you’ve heard
the tears fallen on your chest
the stories you keep

your vastness holds dreams
released to your custody
until my return

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I hope you enjoyed the pics and poems. Life goes on, and I’m reminded just how fast time seems to fly. My gratitude also goes to you who continue to visit even though I’ve been more absent than present this year. Anyway, I wish you all a Super September. And I promise to visit you during the week! Your time spent here is always appreciated! ❤️

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© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com

Lauren Scott is a Pushcart Prize nominee who enjoys small-town living in California’s Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Although their daughter and son live out of state, frequent visits and modern technology keep their family of four close. Lauren is the author of four poetry collections, a memoir, and a children’s picture book. She has been a guest on several podcasts and her work has appeared in seven anthologies. Her poetry and prose has also been featured by Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations where she has received several honors. Lauren is a member of the Redwood Writers chapter and Marin chapter of the California Writers Club, and she is currently working on a new poetry collection and an early chapter book for children.

Lake Love

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Photos, Poetry82 Comments

I returned earlier than I mentioned, but I thought you’d enjoy some lake love. 💙

There’s nothing like escaping to the mountains for tranquility and perspective. Nature unconditionally offers her healing ways, so we embraced them. Last month, life threw us some challenges that we’re moving through with as much grace as possible, but it was good to getaway and spend some time in the Sierra Mountains. We biked around the renovated campground on newly paved roads (pedal bikes and so much fun!). We hiked on the backcountry trail – the same trail that took us to the enchanting Spider Lake for backpacking in 2019.
Loon Lake shown in these photos is gorgeous, a mini Lake Tahoe without the tourists. And it’s been our ‘cabin’ for the last 15 years. Stepping into the cold water is a bit shocking, but once you’re immersed, it feels so good and refreshing that you never want to get out. It’s magical. We reveled in each sunset, and I can’t get enough pics! Our last night’s sunset was one of the most spectacular, oranges and pinks brushed across the sky. And of course, we simply relaxed in camp – reading, talking, listening. Our time here was awesome. It was peaceful. It was reflective. It was needed.
So, I hope the slide show brings peace to you:

A getaway in the woods
may help us forget,
but reality tags along –
so we lug around sadness
while embracing serenity,
and somehow,
they harmonize.

I hope you’re doing well, and maybe one of our photos spoke to you, or maybe a few.
Next week, I’ll share reviews for some wonderful books!
Take good care and stay healthy! 💕

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© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com

Lauren Scott is a Pushcart Prize nominee who enjoys small-town living in California’s Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Although their daughter and son live out of state, frequent visits and modern technology keep their family of four close. Lauren is the author of four poetry collections, a memoir, and a children’s picture book. She has been a guest on several podcasts and her work has appeared in seven anthologies. Her poetry and prose has also been featured by Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations where she has received several honors. Lauren is a member of the Redwood Writers chapter and Marin chapter of the California Writers Club, and she is currently working on a new poetry collection and an early chapter book for children.

A picture book that offers a message
for all ages.

Rising Curtain

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry85 Comments

Sometimes life gets murky, but while trudging through the murkiness,
we reminisce and a poem is written:

Anticipation wrestles
with pure excitement
behind the red velvet curtain

sweaty palms,
a heartbeat
refusing to settle

the audience breathes patience
the curtain rises

footsteps find their pace
into the hot,
exhilarating spotlight

the microphone waits
I pause,
inhale, slowly exhale

the lights and energy
fuel my passion

with mic in hand,
dreams become
the rhythm of words
rolling from my alto voice
holding the final note

applause echoes
through the auditorium –
no chemical assistance
needed for this high

those dreams
drift beyond the mezzanine
reaching for the moon,
and as time moves with them,
a new dream
will take center stage.

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Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope all is well with you! ❤️

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com
Photo: High School Talent show where I took home the 1st place trophy.

Lauren Scott is a Pushcart Prize nominee who enjoys small-town living in California’s Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Although their daughter and son live out of state, frequent visits and modern technology keep their family of four close. Lauren is the author of four poetry collections, a memoir, and a children’s picture book. She has been a guest on several podcasts and her work has appeared in seven anthologies. Her poetry and prose has also been featured by Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations where she has received several honors. Lauren is a member of the Redwood Writers chapter and Marin chapter of the California Writers Club, and she is currently working on a new poetry collection and an early chapter book for children.

Sally’s Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair includes King Copper!

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews, Books67 Comments

I’ve been absent more than present here, but even so, Sally’s generosity shines when she emails me to let me know about her summer book fair and that my poetry collection, King Copper, will be amongst the highlighted books. This is thrilling because if Copper touches another heart through my tribute to him then my heart is touched as well. But I’m also honored to be among such talented authors as Balroop Singh, author of Fusion, and Nicole Sara, author of The Blues and the Beautiful. So, thanks again, Sally, for your support! And the review by Thomas is wonderful which I’m sharing below. Thomas has a big heart for dogs too, and I loved his book: The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle: Stories and Tips from Thirteen Years with a Leonberger.

Thomas Wikman

5 out of 5 stars
The Life of a Dog named Copper

Copper, a rescue Chocolate Lab was picked up from a foster home in March of 2012 by a loving family and in return they received 13 years of unconditional love from Copper, who turned out to be a quite remarkable dog. This touching and beautiful book recounts his life in the form of poetry. What better way to tell the life of a dog, than through poetry. Some of the poems are from Copper’s perspective and some of them are from the author’s perspective. Some of the poems are fun, some speak of love, and some speak of grief. I think that everyone who’s ever owned dogs will recognize themselves in this book. I certainly did.

Dogs have personalities, they can express themselves, they are innocent, they are fun, they are loving, they can sense your mood and feelings, and they want to comfort you when you are sad. They love you and they can do amazing things, and they are part of the family. All of this is beautifully expressed in this book. This is a heartwarming book that will leave no heart untouched.

There are also a lot of great color photos in the book. I thought it was fun to look at the various photos of Copper and the people he interacted with. There is also explanatory background information. The book is well written and well laid out and the author is obviously a great poet. I highly recommend this book to all dog lovers. Actually, I recommend it to everyone.

I’m so grateful to Sally and Thomas!

I invite you all to click over to check out Sally’s fabulous book fair! Happy reading!

Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair – #Poetry #Life #Love #Loss Lauren Scott, Nicole Sara, Balroop Singh

I hope you are enjoying your summer! We are traveling to the east coast next month to visit our son, daughter & son-in-law, and then a week later, we’ll enjoy respite by our favorite lake. I might even write some poetry! 🙂 I’m still nose-deep in several writing projects.

Anyway, thanks for popping in, and I hope joy embraces you in whatever you do! ❤️

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© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com
Smorgasbord photo: Sally Cronin

Lauren Scott is a Pushcart Prize nominee who enjoys small-town living in California’s Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Although their daughter and son live out of state, frequent visits and modern technology keep their family of four close. Lauren is the author of four poetry collections, a memoir, and a children’s picture book. She has been a guest on several podcasts and her work has appeared in seven anthologies. Her poetry and prose has also been featured by Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations where she has received several honors. Lauren is a member of the Redwood Writers chapter and Marin chapter of the California Writers Club, and she is currently working on a new poetry collection and an early chapter book for children.

Saturday Spark

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry86 Comments

I shared this poem before but made a few revisions and recorded again. There’s so much going on around us to stir up anxiety, but we’re also surrounded by beauty that makes us pause, feeling a sense of awe. So, try releasing the chaos that worries you and accept my invitation to get out in nature and enjoy the moment.

Angles of Wisdom

My eyes look up
to the tallest trees
on our precious planet
and I am drawn into stillness
like a hypnotist’s magic.

Fine slivers of blue
calm thoughts
becoming thieves,
stealing pockets of peace.

Soft clusters of green
gently dance in a breeze
while nature’s wildlife
build their playgrounds.

Sparrows and blackbirds
croon for their mates.
I ruminate
on how these majestic giants
take care of each other,
unconditionally –
we should emulate
without deliberation.

My eyes look up
and I am reminded
of their age
ancient as dinosaurs
that roamed the land.

Angles of wisdom
permeate my space –
eyes slowly close.
I breathe in
and savor this moment
that is mine to own.

Have a fabulous weekend! ❤️

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© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com

Lauren Scott is a 2025 Pushcart Prize nominee who enjoys small-town living in California’s Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Although their daughter and son live out of state, frequent visits and modern technology keep their family of four close. Lauren is the author of four poetry collections, a memoir in verse and prose, and a children’s picture book. She has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing has been featured by Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations. At Spillwords Press, she received Publication of the Year (Poetic, 2026), Author of the Month (May 2023), and Publication of the Month (June 2025 and October 2024). A member of the Redwood Writers chapter and Marin chapter of the California Writers Club, Lauren received an Honorable Mention for her poem “Wings” in the 2026 Smalls Too Poetry Contest. Her work also appears in six anthologies. Lauren is currently working on a new poetry collection and an early chapter book for children.

Poetry that invites reflection
on the past, present, and future –
and reminds us to love and live ever so gently.

Saturday’s Page

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry81 Comments


A lone bird sings
a song of orange.
The day is gray.
June stays true
with her gloom.
His body next to mine.
Home.
Move forward,
I remind myself.
If I think in reverse,
parts will shut down.
If I think tomorrow,
today will feel unloved.
Coffee calls.
A cool breeze lifts off
like a Cessna.
Bikes on the patio
await our ride.
Not another day
as this one
dreamily written
like a love sonnet.
I hear him wake.
He walks down the hall.
Our story continues.

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I know I’m not around as much, but I miss you all. And I hope life is treating you well. Can you believe June is already here? I’m checking tasks off my list and have submitted several pieces of work, along with my children’s book, Carlie and Charlie Go Camping. But the wait will carry me into the fall. Fingers crossed with no expectations. And if I can muster up the energy, I’ll do some simultaneous submissions so not to put all my eggs in one basket. Anyway, I’m writing a lot, and now working on another poetry collection for submission. I hope your goals are getting the attention they deserve too. Take care, be safe, and thanks so much for stopping by! ❤️

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com
Photo by Petr Ganaj on Pexels.com

Lauren Scott is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013), Finding a Balance (2015), Ever So Gently (2023), and King Copper (2025). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee. Her first children’s book, Cora’s Quest, was published in 2024. Lauren has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured at Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations. At Spillwords Press, she was awarded Publication of the Year (Poetic 2026), Author of the Month (May 2023) and Publication of the Month (June 2025, October 2024). Lauren is a member of the Redwood Writers Chapter of the California Writers Club, and her poem “Wings” was named Honorable Mention in their 2026 Smalls Too Poetry Contest. Lauren’s work is published in several anthologies. Her muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, and marveling at the mysteries of life. 

Moody Blues

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry
Photo by Riyaz Uddin on Pexels.com

I wish I could say I’m embraced
by the magic
of the melancholic rock art band
with my love next to me,
my right hand tucked into his left,
transported to a dreamlike
state of mind…
but I cannot lie,
transparency in the eyes.
Every worry at this very moment
wriggles through mind,
muscles, and nerves
pulling me into moody blues.
Even the sky mirrors my emotions
wearing its stone gray,
and the wind in its fierceness
is angry at something,
at what? I am unaware.
The temperature, cold in May –
where is the warmth of the rays
that will calm the worries
into hibernation, at least for now?
“Isn’t Life Strange”
how our moods change
with the roll of the clouds
or drops of the rain.
Moody blues and me
on this bluesy gray day.

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© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com
Note: “Isn’t Life Strange” is a Moody Blues song. 💙

Lauren Scott is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry, a memoir in verse and prose, and her first children’s book. She has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured at Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations. At Spillwords Press, she was awarded Publication of the Year (Poetic 2026), Author of the Month (May 2023) and Publication of the Month (June 2025, October 2024). Her work was named Honorable Mention in The Smalls Too 2026 Poetry Contest from the California Writer’s Club. Lauren’s work is published in several anthologies. She is currently working on her second children’s book and a collection of poetry. Lauren’s muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, and marveling at the mysteries of life.