Civil War sisters
stayed on the farm
baled the hay
plucked the geese
found meadowlark eggs
when bringing home the cows
Brothers went to war
carried a musket
lived in a trench
wounded
amputated
but lived to tell
Sisters and brothers
halves and wholes
swore by the candlelight
there would be slaves no more
black and white
crystal clear
sharp image
prompt by Toads
you have jumped
knowing clouds are vapor
air drag is reduced
with limbs pulled in tight
reach terminal velocity
all the acceleration
you will ever have
this time
Short drive ahead to the bridge in Alabama. Structurely sound destination after all morning at the museum in Montgomery. State flag criss cross in red paint, the hands of children.
A group of students move quickly through the displays, the guide stopping for a moment at the cotton gin. In the next room a KKK robe complete with hoodie.
Follow that cotton trail down to the market square, dressed in cotton shorts and tops, to profit from the unknown. Slaves were traded here under a necklace of lock and key.
On the other side of the street is the state capital building. One block to the south, the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, where plans were made.
Where others walked not so long ago, we drive the Freedom Trail, and finish where they started, the Edmund Pettus Bridge, named for a Confederate General and KKK Red Dragon.
On a building wall situated in the middle of town is a huge sign “Honor the past. Build the future.” Forgive the past and know that there are many dishonorable events.
My last day of work was Wednesday. I am saying farewell to twenty eight years of coaching. Next to nothing compared to life. Always telling people what to do. Now the real life begins. Farewell to the people was not easy. Some said goodbye to me and some did not. No tears, just smiles and recognition. Will I recognize you later on the streets, riding the ferry, or in a pool?
Storm
Thunder
Hard lightning
To last all day
Who can say what’s next
Hail wind flash flood warning
Best to stay home if you can
Keep your eye on the distant clouds
Even the weatherman is confused
Off the horizon double rainbows form
prompt from dVerse to write an etheree
Carefully copied
Speaking aloud each word
The “mindful priests”
precured a black
and special recipe
to fill their ink pots
Store and protect
Collect
The scribes
set in charge
of God’s
written revelation
polar vortex has brought ice and snow
pushing south
the mountain lakes are frozen
our beach walk turns to a dance
feet against the sand
pirouettes of the wind
joyous leap remembering
you have always been a dancer
My legs grow strong from river walking
Focus on strength of moving water
Find balance
Enjoy sound of water power
In the morning calm
Intrinsic value of exercise
Strength and power from within
Carry that into daily living
Find balance
Support
Renewed spirit
Walk more
Sit in balance
Walk in harmony
wordshophop 