stir up joy
examine the cedar cone
its hard russet flower
adorning the patio—
stop!
watch the grass-green
hummer guzzling
at the feeder, how it
hovers, speedy wings
too fast to see—
the morning hush
lies on the land
how its quiet
stills the mind
and, empty of thought
drink in that joy
2022 ©Amrita Skye Blaine
I’m writing a poem a day. These are drafts—not final versions.
when in doubt
note from self
don’t wait for it
hoping the state of
the world will improve
likely it won’t
so choose joy now
pick joy each time
your heart drops
anger overwhelms
grief pierces
honor the hard stuff
that’s the first step
it deserves heeding—
turning away
isn’t the answer
no one said this
was light-hearted
banter, our world
oh, no
but you can choose
joy—the cast of light
how it gilds leaves
at dawn
birds come awake
singing the sun alive
the morn is fresh
it is new and it
longs for your joy
2022 ©Amrita Skye Blaine
I’m writing a poem a day. These are drafts—not final versions.
predicament of being alive
note to self
it isn’t easy on planet earth.
losses carve our hearts
staggering low-back pain
your family business fails
a parent’s sudden demise
empty craters of loss
a monarch flickers by
the mockingbird’s serenade
a dog’s cold nose in greeting
jasmine scents the air
chocolate melts on your tongue
the scent of a baby’s neck
enough joy to keep us here. just.
the predicament is this:
how to welcome paradox:
are you vast enough?
open? willing?
can your heart spread wide?
that is what is asked for
the courage to breathe it all
thank you to Margaret Rooney for the title phrase
2022 ©Amrita Skye Blaine
I’m writing a poem a day. These are drafts—they may never turn into anything more or they might flower.
the heart of the matter 