She felt a little guilty sitting down alone to a small feast, but really, could you BLAME her? It had been a hard time: caring for loved ones who are far away, navigating the political news, and finding time for her own needs. It really had all been too much. As she reached for the OLIVE tapenade and a SLICE of crusty bread, she sighed. Closing her eyes, she focused on the tastes and textures – salty and spicy layer of tapenade umami, the chewy, pillowy, soft crumb of bread within that crunchy crust. She sighed again, only this time less exasperation and more pleasure blew out on that little puff of breath. She appreciated the chance to express all the feelings, like the ELITE connoisseur of life that she was.

Georg’ann

Cats lying on ancient stone
don’t look so GREAT.
Scraggly WHITE one I took
for dead, ears mostly scab.
In our SUITE we hear them
fight and mew. Three kittens
below the balcony
trot behind leathery man
with a bowl. Hardship delayed
for youthful ELITE.
Children laugh in the square.
Rooster crows. Time passes.

Heather

PETAL drops, red like
BLOOD, a stain on the
DOILY, ODDLY charming

Georg’ann

Descending mountain path.
One for goats, not donkeys.
As in not what was intended.
Far from my destination I arrive
at a SHORE. Serendipity led.
FOUND crystal clear salty sea.
Plunge into the cool, cleansing
salty sweat. Giddy as these salts
become one. White limps move
through ODDLY heavy water.
Weight of immensity.

Rocks rise, massive and sharp.
Stones lay, small and smooth.
Contradiction harmonious.
Floating unknown, fully known.
Accept respite from discord.
Securely held in immensity
I am weightless.

Heather

a little imagination

i COULD dream a world
one that knows UNITY
no bombs BURST
the only steady THRUM
the beat of your heart
next to mine

Georg’ann

Boy’s room an expanse
of wood floor covered
in stacks of soccer cards,
Piles shift daily, his pleasure
to organize but never TRADE.
Three solid white monkeys,
each holding a TORCH,
light the long L-shaped hall.
Under an ocean view, drift
to sleep. THRUM of crickets
in concert with the clock.

Heather

Ready, ready, ready!

Packed TIGHT and light
Ready with my tickets
My TOURS all booked
Travel-ready TAUPE suit
Pressed and ready to go!

Georg’ann

ARISE my heart,
wonder at tiny things.
Golfball sized suet feeder
dangling from street tree.
A child’s handiwork?
No birds near this PLACE.
Barely visible, this netted
TAUPE sculpture swings.
From inside the cafe
Nelly sings, “I’m like a bird,
I’ll only fly away.”

Heather

On the moss
I sit, turning over
TAROT cards like
WORRY stones.
Above, a VIREO sings
in the CURIO cabinet
created by the trees.

Georg’ann

Resting, still I travel

Daydream GUIDE fetches
an apricot TULIP,
plays bassoon MUSIC
in a CURIO shop.

Heather

Hold me not in SCORN
As I CLING to the old
No KNACK for
No ability to adapt to
The new requires much
And I’d like to rest
Let me sit on a BENCH
Share my lunch with birds
MUNCH along with the squirrels

Georg’ann

Challenge to TRACE steps
back to courtyard discovered
in evening amble. Outcome
focus disorients. Let it go.
Around unknown corner
she comes into view.
Arrival from opposite direction.
Remove sketchbook from POUCH.

Art before LUNCH,
Feast on flowers
and church towers.
Gather a BUNCH
of greens, bread and cheese.
Earthy bread if you please.
This way toward picnic park.
Or maybe that way.
Let’s amble along,
its past time to MUNCH.

Heather

It had been years SINCE I had seen her. We had gotten into a bit of a WRONG spot with each other and hadn’t figured out how to fix it. It all dates back to the time that she tricked me, and I DRANK some foul concoction. It was at summer camp, one of those exquisitely humiliating experiences that even if you forget the details, you remember the emotions. A PRANK for the ages, to be sure, and it all came flooding back when I arrived at the banquet and saw that she was there.

Georg’ann

Streets of Berlin

Frequent SIREN sound
makes urgency known
while still kind to ears

Boy and American Opa
never cease to PRANK
many times cry wolf

Heather

It was a GIVEN. You just can’t be in this tight of a crowd and not get jostled about. Still, it gave Mary a bit of a SCARE when a stranger’s ELBOW jabbed her in the side. Her reflex was to give a HEFTY shove back. But, perhaps, she should extend a little grace and pause before acting. Glancing around her, Mary could not identify the culprit. Too many people and too much movement, she decided. Not one to hold onto PETTY grudges, Mary adjusted her hat, her dress, and her attitude.

Georg’ann

Berlin Women’s Open

Upset in 3rd MATCH.
Initial ENTRY power slams. Winning
game after game.
Sudden collapse becomes
PETTY. Throws racket, hits
into crowd, yells at ref. Cries.
Loses despite standing.
Underdog takes a top ten.

Heather

We are back. And after a few days of trying to help, I am BLANK, empty. I need a minute to catch my breath. Nevertheless, I am committed to being there, and I SHALL keep on. When it comes to helping those we love, I admit there is a holy GRAIL: some ideal of perfect familial love. In truth, all we can do is show up, be trustworthy, and hold the space for whatever is needed. I try hard to remember that it doesn’t have to be perfect, that our best efforts can AVAIL In any case, being in person is so much better than text or EMAIL. How else can we share memories, laugh at remember silliness from years ago, or remember the little QUAIL who lived in the backyard?

Georg’ann

EXTRA moments to sketch
potted PANSY or dried bouquet
Maybe little boy in profile
with his regal nose, wavy bangs.
Pencil for the child and me.
His mother works in CHALK.
New forms for future installations.
White vase on light wood
holds a single QUAIL feather.
Peace lily lush, multi blossomed.

Heather

The weight of the past was like a CLAMP on my very body. Strange aches and pains emerged, in the OUTER edges of my feet or in a hip JOINT. There was nothing I could do. SHOOT, I couldn’t even blame anyone. How do you hold a GHOST accountable?

Georg’ann

Barely AWAKE,
FOUND ourselves
in a STORM
of frustrations.
Upon arrival, pale
GHOST versions.
No substance left.

Heather

C’mon, let’s claim a PLACE
Show a little STYLE
LUNGE forward with verve
Throw off the unwanted BILGE
C’mon, let’s live a little

Georg’ann

In the market square

LIGHT filters through
GIRLY sundresses. Sheer
pastel ruffles from cleavage
to ankle. Visual BILGE
on ancient cobblestone.
English poppy bouquet
licks chocolate gelato.

Heather

She enjoyed the stir she created when walking into a room. Intentionally, she was quite a SIGHT. INKED from head to toe with beautiful, intricate designs, it amused her to wear PLAID, making her a busy swirl of color and lines. 

Georg’ann

Known for simple elegance
she mostly CHOSE clothes 
with clean lines, PLAIN, 
no pattern. Occasionally 
a statement accessory in 
Leopard, PLAID, or polka dot.

Heather

With a PAUSE, an arched eyebrow,
a shy smile spreading while 
looking up and down that 
lean and RANGY frame,
“You’re quite a fella. 
Want a piece of TAFFY?
It’s from Atlantic City.”

Georg’ann

Carnival man moves
to LOWER the safety bar, 
Riders STAMP their feet, 
bodies bursting with anticipation. 
Car begins its steep ascent. 
Eyes shut tight, hands clenched. 
Fearful I might FAINT. 
Acceleration as we pass the crest. 
Rapid motion, flinging against 
one another, pushed to edge. 
In a flash it’s over. Stumble out. 
Take my hand, pulling toward
cotton candy, popcorn, TAFFY.

Heather

Thanks, Heather!

QUICK to throw together, 
delicious and satisfying,
BERRY crisp is a winner
across the BOARD!

Georg’ann

Encounters with GUILT, 
steaming from shame. 
Tearful tales of compensating 
for having been made to feel 
unwanted and unworthy. 

Down descends claw 
from mechanical CRANE arm
in the gyp machines, 
always coming up empty. 
What was it grabbing for anyway?

Walking along the WHARF
man SPARS with the air, 
invisible attacker, fear is real. 
Almost trips on a loose BOARD. 
Woman whispers, “we are enough”

Heather

EVERY BELLE knows it’s true: a good haircut gives one a new LEASE on life. And a new pair of shoes? Look out, world!

Georg’ann

Tomorrow we BEGIN
preparations to LEAVE. 
Sign a new LEASE on life, 
as the idiom goes.

Heather

We ALIGN, despite a list of differences 
that could PROVE to CURSE 
our friendship from the start. 

We return again and again 
to the heart of it all.
We relish the way we 
revisit our shared history. 

We REUSE skills and strategies, 
co-creating endless combinations 
that keep us alive to 
the joys of each other’s company. 

Georg’ann

Retreat Abundance

As always, too much. 
EXTRA everything. 
In the kitchen we HOVER
over leftovers, deciding fates. 
RINSE containers, strategize 
artful REUSE, new offerings

Heather

HEAVE-ho, we plunge ahead 
No QUEST too big
No goal too lofty
Let us cut the deck
play POKER with these 
men who think they are gods
Let’s EDIFY them, show our worth  
and challenge their pretense

Georg’ann

Grasping life, I MOURN. 
Grief limns the ordinary
with golden halo, almost neon. 
The way the sun lit the clouds
last week at sunset while we
laid under the swings, reveling 
in nature, backs on astroturf. 
Sweet and SPICE, our time.
Commingling spectrums EDIFY.
Sharpened sensibilities softening.
Softening all my hard edges,
Highlighting what matters 
like the warm glow of sunset. 

Heather

What is that SOUND?
Do I crawl out from 
under the DUVET?
Do I dare to look? 
What possible information, 
what single DATUM
would motivate me 
to leave my cosy nest?
None, I conclude, and
so, I roll over.

Georg’ann

He’s got COURT again next week. A sense of life on the line. OCD kicks in, needs to pull a together a look that reads respect for the proceedings, for himself. Closet holds no options, he heads to the basement, pulls out a MUSTY suit jacket, runs his THUMB over the lapel. Remembers the look she gave him when she caught her first glance. He needs to feel that level of ease, conveying confidence without being cocky. In every detail chosen he strives for shame to be MUTED. 

He’ll go alone this time. Told me he doesn’t want to be reduced to a single, unchanging and largely inaccurate DATUM. Terrified her eyes would never again be able to look upon him with love. Her love is the only confirmation that he has any worth left.

Heather

I CHOSE a CAUSE. I focused and began to  organize. This helps CEASE my daily anxiety, connects me to others, and generates hope. This is how I am meeting the moment.  May we all find a way forward.

Georg’ann

Unplanted annuals laid to WASTE,
as are the few pretty pots put together
when spring blew in the urge. 
Friend generous to SHARE
abundance of seedlings. 
Spring days filled,
other choices made
June has arrived
with departures imminent. 
These plants will wither, 
circumstances changed. 

In this moment I fully admit
what inactions have indicated
for weeks. There, on the stoop,
the promise of nectar neglected.
Glancing with guilt, I see how
they CEASE to be priority, 
or even possibility. 

Heather

We INFER that it will take a WINCH to get the BASIN into place. Thankfully, this part of the fountain is PLAIN and unadorned. It will still be challenging to fit it in among the horses, mermaids, etc. We decide to draw straws to see who gets the pleasure of explaining this new problem to the guys in ADMIN. I was very relieved that it was not me that pulled the short straw.

Georg’ann

Pencil POINT freshly sharpened,
Coffee cup close at hand,
Glasses on, music off.
Work has BEGUN.
Each task another link
in a long CHAIN of tedium.
This day set aside for ADMIN.

Heather

Time well spent

We meet across the grocery aisle,
greet and exclaim over the
happy accident. Not enough, we
say, I must see you more today.
Oh, a plan, we must make,
as arm in arm we go.
Let’s SPLIT a POUND of
beans. I’ll give you five bucks,
not a PENNY more.
Heads together, chums forever

My house or yours, no matter which,
for we will putter in the pantry,
pull together a soup, heat up
a hearty peasant loaf. While we
set the table, we can write
a PAEAN to the humble fare.
Then we shall recite this encomium –
our panegyric song shall narrate
our feast. For dessert, we will PREEN
and admire our clever selves,
self-satisfied and replete.

Georg’ann

That one quite the CHEAT.
Every FIELD played hard. No
concern for muddy consequences
Any QUERY an opportunity
to maneuver like mercury.
Puffed up, oh the feathers.
Never ruffled, proud to PREEN.

Heather

AVOID the ant hill,
watch out! there’s poison ivy!
What next?
Can it get WORSE?
Oh, no, no digging here –
It’s much too ROCKY.
Phew, a ROUGH day
for this backyard gardener!

Georg’ann

Garden Walk

PAUSE in arbor of enchantment,
BOUND by ancient wisteria
vining up limestone pillars.
She is out of place in yard
devoid of character.
Astroturf and pristine pool.
Wonder what she thinks
of what’s come to be.

We, too, are incongruous.
Yet garden gatekeepers
welcome us kindly,
ignore his smoker’s COUGH
and the ROUGH exterior
of our motley little group.

At each stop different notions
of what belongs, everything
placed in appreciation of beauty.

Heather

I am keeping a SHARP WATCH on the baby bunny in our yard. It likes to hang out in the grass, and, in general, to HAUNT the yard like an adorable little fiend. It has a HABIT of eating exactly what I have planted to keep it out of the garden. Amusing and frustrating all at the same time!

Georg’ann

WATCH the children run.
Marvel at how naturally 
they form packs, chase
with delighted HASTE. 
Up and down the tower. 
through the field. 
Slowing, imaginations spin. 
HABIT too easily lost. 
Fast friends, names unnecessary.
No biography or plans for later.
Immediate intimacy in play. 
Dusk descending, a father calls. 
Time to go. Final pleas, 
begging a few more minutes. 
We head in opposite direction. 
She turns, calls out cheerfully, 
“Bye, see you never.”

Heather

“I will BROOK no nonsense from you, evil DEMON!” The words, uttered during the workshop, led to a lively discussion. Many were convinced that there was an opportunity to make up a new IDIOM using these words. Much debate ensued as to what it could mean: devils and notions of streams and other bodies of water, coupled with the idea of intolerance. Sarah was both delighted and annoyed at this response to her play.

Georg’ann

CLASP my hand steady 
through this ROUND. 
DETOX. 
On repeat uttering 
IDIOM of ravaged souls. 
The words have
no meaning to me. 
All I need to understand 
carried in the sound of them.

Heather

The lady and/or the tiger

I adjust, I ALTER my stance.
Standing in the SHADY grove,
I look out at the tiger.
Teeth GNASH, eyes narrow:
Mine or the tiger’s?
I cannot tell. I wait.
The tiger waits.
Who will be the first
to QUASH their fears?
Who will be the first to act?

Georg’ann

This marriage

Vines GROWN woody
over time. 
Intertwined. Moving 
in different directions
weaving back together
in LEAST likely fashions. 
Rambling over one 
CHASM after another. 
Finding something 
upon which to cling. 
Seeking air, light 
at times serve to QUASH.
Untended becomes brittle. 
Leggy mass held
on solid structure. 
Season after season 
something still pliable. 
Tender shoots twist, 
old and new twirl. 
Honey scented blossoms. 

Heather

Feeling as HARDY and strong as if I had on a full suit of ARMOR, I step into the sun. It has been glorious to work in the yard – my tired body bearing witness to my continued ability to be active. I soak up the sun, as if I am a walking SOLAR battery, drawing energy from the light. True, too, that I draw equal pleasure from the cloudy, rainy days. Being the POLAR opposite of my joyful gardening days in the sun, the cool rainy days balance me out. I relish the ebb and flow of the days, feeling alive and grateful.

Georg’ann

Almost June again.
Last year preparing
for treatment. Months
filled with watching
light in the leaves
of the Japanese MAPLE.

Remembering how fear
yielded to contemplation.
Bathed in quiet, held in love.
What I need so PLAIN.
Forgotten, practice reclaimed.
Knowing within how to
navigate POLAR extremes.

Heather

Coming out of the COVER of the trees, I was warned by the low, quiet GROWL of my dog that someone or something was nearby. The park included a pretty little lake, and our wanderings had taken us to its edge. Our sudden appearance startled a few long-legged birds who had been wading in the shallows. Equally startled by their flight, I could not for the life of me think of what they were. STORK did not seem right, more likely herons. I was called up SHORT too by my dogs reaction – puzzled, a bit frightened, but determined to put on a show. It struck me funny, and I laughed with a SNORT, then I couldn’t  stop giggling. The look little Buster gave me in response made me feel I should apologize for making SPORT of his city dog naïveté when faced with wild things, especially birds much bigger than he is.

Georg’ann

Cat prowling, in search of prey. Groundhog ambles into SIGHT.
Yard creatures get a START. 
Scurry, scram to empty the field.
High or low, anyway to go. 
Riveting action, impressive skill. 
In this SPORT each has a role. 
Playing for their lives, all champs.

Heather

ROUND about now,
in the late afternoon,
the DRONE of machines
starts up. Lawn mowers,
leaf blowers, even
a chainsaw or two.
I continue silently planting,
content in the knowledge
that it is all part of the same
song: summer is on its way.

Georg’ann

Clichéd images, photo file within
White stucco HOUSE,
pots of herbs, planted bouquets.
Wide windows overlooking
olive GROVE, maybe citrus.
Beyond, just out of view, the sea.
Wood table, where I WROTE daily.
Penning thoughts in smooth loops
clicking the keyboard rhythmically
then stretches of silence
as thoughts gather.
What does a gathering
of thoughts look like?
New folder created, pinned.
Doesn’t matter about being BROKE.
Needs PRONE to being met.
Good fortune despite no fortune.
Embracing CRONE
that’s always been within.
See her looking out child’s eyes,
guardian, softly soothing.
Some days company comes.
We DRONE on about nothing,
which is everything.

Heather

It is WRONG – I don’t care how GREAT or not you are. We are not simply GRIST for your mill, the churn for your butter, or the stones under your feet. The notion that you can GRIFT your way to trillions on our backs, profiting off our pain may seem like winning now. But you are sowing the seeds of your destruction. Everything you tear down just clears the way for us to build anew. 

Georg’ann

In the garden, 
under yellow flag iris, 
sat a tiny SNAIL shell, 
almost pure WHITE.

So began a children’s story. 
It held promise of enchantment. 
Until tragedy struck. 

Such an IDIOT. 
Should have GRIPT ‘er tighter. 
Lost it to a GRIFT. 
Now my sweet story 
in deceitful hands

Heather

I’d like to see you try to ANGLE your way out of this CHORE, my friend. It was QUITE the mistake – to borrow my SUEDE vest when you were going out to eat some barbecue! Better get working on it – that vest ain’t gonna clean itself!

Georg’ann

Anticipating FLUID hip motion
she chooses black linen jumpsuit.
Large, soft, flirty ruffles
stitched onto wide, loose legs.
Imagines them flouncing.

After a hot shower, skin creamed.
Teeth flossed. Hair tossed.
One foot in, then the other.
Straps glide over broad shoulders.
Hands reach behind,
steady fingers find silver,
begin to pull gently upwards.

Zipper doesn’t want to BUDGE.
Breath holds, heart beat quickens.
Pause, jiggle tiny metal lever.
Smoothly coming together,
glides over long torso.
Lipstick on, gold dangles.
Grabs SUEDE bottomed heels.

Last glance in mirror.
Flashes herself a smile,
gives a wink, gets one back.

Heather

Won’t you be my HONEY?
SHIRK your responsibilities,
turn you life upside down, 
and SHACK up with me? 
We could shell some peas,
SHUCK some corn,
snap some beans 
It would be fine – 
mighty fine – 
to do that
with you

Georg’ann

Wondering at the ant
on the windowsill
carrying a CRUMB: 

From whence did she PLUCK
Might she get STUCK
moving treat that she SNUCK
Will it become item to SHUCK

Heather

The Painting

A courtier sits and ponders
His chin sinking into
his FURRY collar, with
eyes focused far away.
A crystal FLASK and glass nearby,
Amber liquid skillfully rendered
A FOLIO open before him.
I sit and ponder alongside,
perched on the velvet-covered
bench, enjoying this unexpected
companionship across the centuries.

Georg’ann

Annually at Rosehill

Resplendent PEONY display
bountiful GROUP of pinks and white.
Individual specimens en mass
line limestone walls and headstones.
Covering the hillside, filling the air
with perfume. WOMAN going by stops,
fills her face in a SOLID mass of petals.
Reminds me of a collage image
that might appear in Clare’s FOLIO.
Whimsy of a lady bathing in bloom.

Heather

An ache, a pain
A new lump or bump here
A creak or twinge there
The discovery of the new 
So different at 66 than at 6
A SPECK of worry intrudes
A watchful waiting ensues
I try to hold to my AXIOM
“Sufficient unto the day….”
Calmly silencing any ALARM
And taking a breath 

Georg’ann

From our PLACE 
there was no shift
in wind or SLANT of light 
coming through the trees. 
One loud thunder clap,
a few drops of rain. 
Ignored ALARM. 
Continued with movie.  
3 miles south
Tornado struck.

Heather

You may INFER from 
my position (PRONE)
that it is all too 
much to be BORNE.
You would be correct.

Georg’ann

Comes SHARP
GRIEF follows 
ROUTE home 
BORNE alone

Heather