Reflection

Saw my reflection
As I stood next to the light
It was my reflection
But clearly. I did not notice
The squinting eyes
Pear shaped nose
Lips that made faces at me
I glimpsed at the mirror
Try, perfecting a smile
No, try smiling with some teeth
What about a side pose
No, Frontal side
Wait a minute,
Slightly move a  leg forward
No, not right
The left side shows me better
No sunlight
Try a shaded room
No, shadow
Scared what people think
Find your smile
Practice the reflective look
Look and feel good

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Reflective Reflection

Inspired by Olga Noble

She was, our Mother
Still Mother
Petite yet shapely
Beautiful smile
Silhouette five feet three inches
Prayerful
Confident
Jack of all trade; but,
Mastered the architect of clothing
Soulful Sundays,
She designed the styles
As they came in her dream
We were the models
Constantly sketching
She wasn't boastful
But styling always
Fashion sense current
Constantly creating an illusion
We wore the creations of her vibrant flavor
Creatively crafted by our MOTHER
Still our Mother

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Whispered Words

Inspired by a client who believed that people were entering her room from the bathroom roof, and they would sleep quietly on the shelf in her closet.  Upon investigation, this was unfounded.

Not myself today
Nothing made sense
Constantly murmuring
This isn't me
Am I simply fed up?
Conversations ended abruptly
No compassion in my voice
Meaningless whispers
Silent stare at the ceiling and walls
Unkind thoughts
No secret, I am not myself
Constantly dizzy
I shake seldom
I will stay home again, tomorrow
I am tired
Tired of doing nothing
They watched while I sleep
I scream for help
Security come,  no break in
But how did security get in
I whispered, "They slept in my closet"
Hoping I am not loosing it
Could it be happening?

If poem used, PLEASE GIVE CREDIT!

A Stranger

Morning care
Brushed hair
Mouth care
Side rails
Braided pony tails
Facing window
Watching quails
Stretching her hand through the rails
Motions for my hand
Her smile so grand
Hands warm from moisture
Massaging her hands gentle
Smiling as she laid upright
Comforting her head
Eyes glitter with gleam

Relieved by her spouse
Gifts, chocolate
Joy filled her eyes as they danced
Never been apart
60 years and counting
Leaning for a kiss
He pulled the chair closer
She stretched her hand towards him
Spoke less
More gestures
We held her hand
Tight squeeze and smile.
Stroking her hair gently
Her face like a glowing candle
The day has a start
The end we cannot see.

Not Alone

She laid in the dark
Blinds drawn
Lights dimmed for comfort
Cascading waterfall
Flowing from a teapot
Light classical music
Echoing throughout the room
Her daughters laid next to her
Gentle stroking her striking silver hair
Clutching at her hand
They watched as her heart beat became rapid
Long
Short
Rapid
Short
Tears
Tears flowing down their cheeks
Hands resting on her stomach
Tightly closed hands

Bargain! Soup Greens

With much delight I head straight to the discounted produce section at my favorite Shoprite at Aramingo in Philadelphia; there I  have a selection of fresh produce. This selection is fresh if used same day or otherwise prepared and freeze.

Let me explain the way it works for me. Most times, I purchase multiple packages, sometimes I need it the same day,while the rest is cleaned and stored.

My favorite is the Soup Greens they only cost ninety nine cents ($0.99) regular price $5-$6 dollars. Here are the produce:

1. onion
2-3 parsnips
1-2 carrots
1-2 pieces celery
1-2 turnips
Herbs: dill, parsley, leeks

Here are the packages; I usually purchase 3-4 packages. My first thing is to sort,clean and discard the herbs. No need to shopping for onions because I just harvested four from the Soup Greens. All my produce is then peeled, washed, and put away in small freezer bags.Soup Greens is not only used for soup and stew.

The Day I Stayed by Angelita C. Brown

Mom wasn't herself today
So I stayed a while
Engaging conversations became more difficult
Her eyes wandered, strangely around the room

Tear drops fell from my eyes
As I sang the lullaby, she sang to me
She made faces, seemingly more perplexed
Her eyes settled on the caregiver as she smiled

So I captured the moment
Paula she whispered
I proceeded to capture her elegant smile
Recognition of repetition
 
I am a photographer

Dad too was a photographer                         By: Angelita C Brown

Mother was an artist
Tears came streaming gently down my face
         
For that moment I was Paula
As  I laid next to her I whispered
Mother it's me Paula
She wrapped her arms around me as we slept.