Posted in December 2013, Rhyme

Appearing

Appearing out of nowhere,
These old enemies of mine,
Cause me to falter
As I begin to write each line.

Self Doubt, Intimidation, Fear,
All make their appearance.
They cause my mind to wander,
With their sudden interference.

Yet somewhere within me,
Another appearance is made.
Confidence and Determination enter,
And cause those enemies to fade.

Once again I begin to write,
And the challenge I do undertake.
It appears my poems will be written,
And perhaps a chapbook I will make!

Rhyme
Leona J. Atkinson  12-05-13

Posted in November 2013, November PAD Chapbook Challenge 2013, Rhyme

The Spare Room

It’s some better today.
The pain in my heart has not gone way,
but the initial reaction to it all
has fallen away like a leaf in the fall.

All that lies now within my sight,
is a room that is empty,
but cheery and bright.
Void of his things, it sits there,
clean, and willing to be called “spare”.
This room that held him and all he held dear,
is with me still, though he is not near.

It helps that it has a different look,
for when I pass by I don’t see his favorite nook.
New pillows and coverlet are now upon the bed,
and the walls hold my pictures instead.
Traces of him are no longer found in there,
were it not so, it would be too much to bear.

I pray that someday, he will find his way,
and God will show him what to do and say,
To accomplish the purpose that God created him for,
Then the spare room will rejoice, and might hold him once more.

Rhyme
Leona J. Atkinson  Posted 11-16-13 (Originally written May 27, 2011)

 

 

Posted in November 2013, November PAD Chapbook Challenge 2013, Rhyme

What If?

What if your dream came true today?
Would you enjoy it, or look for another to come your way?

What if all your cares were taken away?
Would you truly be able to enjoy the day?

What if a miracle was granted to you?
Would you give thanks to whom it was due?

What if all your wishes came true ?
Would you be happy or seek more for you?

What if, after change came, you did concur,
that things were better the way they were?

Rhyme
Leona J. Atkinson  11-15-13

Posted in Ekphrastic Poetry, November 2013, November PAD Chapbook Challenge 2013, Ode--Irregular, Rhyme

An Ode to an Old Friend

The Pink ChairYou sat there with me, in good times and bad,
Sometimes you were the closest friend, in the natural, that I had.
You supported me when I needed to weep, and
You often held me until I fell asleep.
With you, I would spend time, either alone or with family,
thinking, praying, reading, studying or just dreaming about a future journey.
You always went with me each time I moved,
and because of you my life much improved.
I’d curl up so cozily in your place,
and God would meet me in that space.
He’d talk to me in my head, or remind me in His word, of things He’d said.
It was with you that I learned so many things,
about how to reach out and share my blessings.
You were always there to comfort and hold,
even though you were becoming very old.
Your age made you look a bit worn out,
but in your ability to stand firm I did not doubt.
But then the time came that I had to let you go,

How I’d manage without you, I did not know.
At that time I no longer had the room nor space,
And I let you go on to another place.
Someone else took you in for their own,
and I am sure gave you a great new home.
But I just wanted to tell you that I miss you so,
and wish I wouldn’t have had to let you go.
It may sound funny, but it is oh, so true,
Old Pink Chair, I really miss you !

Ode-Irregular—Ekphrastic Poem
Leona J. Atkinson  11-11-13

Posted in November 2013, November PAD Chapbook Challenge 2013, Rhyme

A Word

A word came into my life today,
and it was totally brand new.
It caused me to stop and think
of what I was about to do.

It made me realize
that words can change a life,
Their entrance can bring about
the beginning or ending to strife.

Spoken in just a moment,
at the proper time and place,
a word can make a difference
of winning or losing a race.

For good words are treasures,
golden nuggets received along the way
hold them close ,dearly,
for they can truly make your day.

And then, when the time is right,
choose to let those good words go,
and right into the life of another
some goodness you will sow.

Rhyme
Leona J. Atkinson 11-08-13

Posted in November 2013, November PAD Chapbook Challenge 2013, Religious, Rhyme

Creation reveals the Creator

Vic_Viv_LincolnCity_073113I gaze upon the ocean with her mighty roar,
while above me the eagle does soar. 

A crab, which is a work of Your
Own Hands,
is displayed for me upon the sands, 

as I walk and think and pray,
I give You thanks for every day. 

Thanks for the sun that shines and the moon’s fair light, 
the trees that shade and the stars at night. 
You made it all and called it good,
in six short days, as only You could. 

As I look around me and bless Your name,
I must remember Your greatest acclaim, 

the image of Yourself, created in others and me, 
people, reflecting Your beauty for all to see.  

 Rhyme   Leona J. Atkinson  11-05-13

Posted in Holiday, November 2013, November PAD Chapbook Challenge 2013, Rhyme

Goodbye Thanksgiving

In the news today I see
Christmas Sales have begun
That’s what retailers are promoting
Now that Halloween is done
No more waiting for Black Friday
Stores are open Thanksgiving Day
Cyber Monday is no more
Shoppers need more time they say
So forget about Thanksgiving
That Holiday is obsolete
Consumers need extra time to shop
Not give thanks, stay home, and eat.

Rhyme
Leona J. Atkinson  11-02-13
Holiday Shopping Season Kicks Off Early–KGW News–Portland, OR.

Posted in October 2013, Rhyme

A Guy named George

I met a guy named George today,
Quite a character was he.
97 years old,
And still full of glee!

He came into the room singing,
Every song mentioned he did know.
Verse by verse he’d sing them out,
He really stole the show!

Our Dance Team came prepared,
Joy and happiness to bring.
Yet it was we who were blessed,
As we listened to George sing.

George showed forth a true joy,
That only faith in God can bring,
As he smiled and encouraged all,
To just open up and sing!

Rhyme
Leona J. Atkinson  10-28-13