In the Garden

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He asked me,
“Will you join me
in the garden?”
In turning my head,
I turned away.

He asked me,
“Will you help me
in the garden?”
And my inaction
was action enough.

He asked me,
“Are you peaceful
in the garden?”
And the light of truth
lit up my mind.

He asked me,
“Are you happy
in the garden?”
And without question,
I knew I wouldn’t be without.

I asked him,
“May I join you
in the garden?”
The scene changed
When I saw the change in me.

I asked him,
“May I help you
in the garden?”
As the seasons pass,
may I pass on the harvest!

I ask you,
“Will you join me
in the garden?”
For the whole of Life
is whole in you!

—
A second response to Kim’s garden prompt, linked up with
dVerse OpenLinkNight #184, where Grace is hosting.
OLN is a fabulous free-for-all (i.e. there’s no set prompt). So stop by and read and/or share one poem of your own! You never know what gems you’ll discover here!

Garden Growing

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I’ve always wanted a garden,
But I fear my thumbs are black,
Coated in sadness and sorrow,
The only things that grow for me.

I’ve always wanted a garden,
But I gave up long ago,
Coated in unfulfilled wishes,
The only fruit on barren trees.

I’ve always wanted a garden,
And I tried to plant before,
Coated in dreams and desires,
That only others brought to life.

I’ve always wanted a garden,
But I’m not the child I was,
Coated in sadness and sorrow,
The only reason nothing grows!

I’ve always wanted a garden,
And I know my thumbs are green,
Coated in wishes and hopes and dreams,
My garden is a fruitful scene!

—
My response to Kim’s Tuesday Poetics prompt at
dVerse.

Whether growing a garden or anything else, the only mistake is not to try!

My mother and grandmother each kept a garden as long as they could – flowers, vegetables, herbs, berries and strawberries, grape vines, pear trees, and maybe more I don’t remember. I do remember picking beans, onions, and other vegetables, but whether it was spoken or not, I always felt like I was all black thumbs next to their green ones.

It seems too late in a way, but I’ve come to appreciate the value of gardening, especially growing produce to brighten your table and health. Yet I’ve been too overwhelmed to garden, knowing I couldn’t keep the extensive gardens my mother and grandmother had.

Suddenly (it wasn’t, but feels like it was) I’ve blown off all these expectations. To that I can only, honestly say, “Thank God!” I’ll start small with some herb pots, and I might even lose some. But the only way I can really fail, is if I never try!

Happy gardening, whether it’s plants or the garden of thoughts and beliefs we so often neglect!

Masterpiece

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If you received this post by email, click the URL to hear this song.

This is a good song for any time of year, but especially just after the U.S. presidential election and Veterans/armistice Day!

Instruments: Egg shaker, zills (finger cymbals)

1. United we stand
And reach out our hands
In circles that never cease.
As energy spreads
All beings are fed.
So may we be linked in peace!

2. With every demand,
We try to expand,
So differences may decrease.
But look on ahead
With caring instead,
For love is the bond that frees!

3. O reach out your hand
And joyfully stand
In making a masterpiece!
Your heart and your head,
In unity fed,
Encircle the soul of peace!

—
This song is an alouette, like
Carpe Diem – Seize the Day!

Warm Oatmeal Smoothie

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I’ve never posted a recipe before. I don’t even know if this is original. If not, please speak up so I can give proper credit! All I know is, I was hungry and needed a warm, healthy, uber-simple bedtime snack! This smoothie is vegan.

Ingredients

* 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats

* 1/2 cup water

* 1 tablespoon almond butter

* 1 tablespoon cinnamon

* 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional)

* 1 ripe banana

* Warm water as needed to blend

Directions

This is super easy if you have a single-serve blender or smoothie maker. But you can also make it in a mug!

1. Cook oatmeal: Put oats and 1/2 cup water in a microwave safe blender cup or mug. Microwave for 10-20 seconds. It should be a little watery.

2. Add flavorings: Add almond butter, cinnamon, chia seeds if using, and/or other warming spices of your choice. Amounts are approximate; let your taste buds guide you.

3. Add banana: Peel 1 ripe banana, slice in half or as needed to fit in blender cup. If you’re not blending, mash the banana first, then add to mug and mix well with a fork.

4. Add water: Add warm water as needed to blend ingredients well. Even if you’re not using a blender, you might want to add water until you like the texture. Blend or mix until the oatmeal is smooth and drinkable.

That’s it! No spoon, no mess!

Endless Variations

Hot: Add a dash of cayenne pepper (I haven’t tried this!)

Chocolate: Add cocoa powder, but be careful! Unsweetened cocoa powder can be really overpowering!

Apple: Add diced apple either before or after blending, or use applesauce.

There are others… But whereas before I was hungry, now I’m tired! So I leave it to you to create your own cup of deliciousness!

Carpe Diem – Seize the Day!

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In the morning sun,
Golden threads are spun.
Shards of rainbows greet the day;
Sparkling dewdrops smile
For a precious while.
Gather nectar while you may!

Soon the day is run,
Noon is halfway done.
Taught to work and not to play,
Lest you act the child,
Cramping proper style;
Yet – no virtue in dismay!

Evening fast begun
Over everyone.
Keep the restless thoughts at bay,
Strongly face the trial,
Step-by-stepping mile;
Simple path, enlightened way!

—
Gayle hosts today’s Meeting the Bar, where we write an alouette. It’s a fun, interesting form, so please join us at
dVerse!

Quick Ode to Quiche

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If you think you’re baking stinks,
Just try this little pie!
Fill it up with yummy stuff
Or hide it in disguise.
You like cheese? Then by all means!
With meat and veggies too.
Simple dish that’s so delish;
We thank you, letter Q!

—
Written for De’s Quadrille prompt: a 44-word poem (not including title) that includes the word cue or some form thereof! Head on over to
dVerse
to read, be inspired, and take your cue from us!

Power of a Song

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If you received this post by email, click the URL to hear this song.

Instrument: Brio – Red Cedar Concert Ukulele

1. Ever wonder why you hum?
It’s to keep from feeling glum!
You sit a while and find a smile
To meet whatever comes.
When the music starts to play,
You open to the day,
Shed worry in a hurry,
Knowing everything’s OK.

Refrain:
“But it’s only music!” folks reply
When I say it’s love and light.
Just let it touch you when you’re down
Or help you right a wrong,
And you’ll know the power of a song;
You’ll know the power of a song.

2. When it sounds a little sad,
Music gathers up the bad.
It matches you and catches you,
And lifts you till you’re glad.
If your heart is feeling cold,
That song’s worth more than gold.
It warms you up and fills your cup
With comfort for the soul.
Refrain:

3. If you don’t know who you are,
There’s a song that does, by far.
Let it shake you up and wake you up
And lead you to the stars.
‘Cause that brilliant spark and shine
Is the One and All-divine
Who rings in you and sings in you
A special song of life!

“‘Cause it’s not just music!” I reply,
And I say it’s love and light.
Just let it touch you when you’re down
Or help you right a wrong,
And you’ll know the power of a song;
You have the power of a song!

Even Christ

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If you received this post by email, click the URL to hear this song.

Instrument: Tempo – Seagull Excursion Folk Acoustic Guitar

Refrain:
Even Christ was a child once!
So how can you be anything else?
Even Christ was a child once!
So be gentle with yourself.
Yeah, be gentle with yourself.

1. You might be all grown up on the outside,
But on the inside you still cry.
Oh don’t be sad or let it make you mad,
And here’s the reason why.
Refrain:

2. You might take care of children and others,
Thinkin’ no one cares for you.
Oh don’t give up or hold back your love,
‘Cause you are precious too.
Refrain:

3. You might be lookin’ for an answer
To somethin’ you don’t understand.
Oh be a child with a faithful mind,
And know the pow’r at hand.
Refrain: (Twice)

Be gentle with yourself.

Cutting Edge

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If you received this post by email, click the URL to hear this song.

Instrument: Brio – Red Cedar Concert Ukulele

1. So many rules to follow in this life,
At work and school and in the places
Where we sleep at night.
And as we try obeying all the rules,
Let’s take the time to realize
The Principle of Truth!
Refrain:

2. Each lifetime is a classroom or a stage
With all the props and prizes
As rewards if we behave.
And as we do our best to play the part,
Let’s never miss the bliss of being
Who we are at heart!
Refrain:

And the whisp’ring hopes convey
There is a better way!
So listen to the Spirit
As you meditate and pray!
Refrain:

3. We see our health as anything but strong,
The treatments running rampant
Like the litany of wrongs.
And as we ask the questions for a cure,
Let’s bring to mind the One Divine
Who healed us all before!
Refrain:

And when the Spirit speaks, oh may we hear!

Refrain:
‘Cause We’re living on the cutting edge of Consciousness,
Where we can seek and find our purpose here.
The only thing to do,
It’s simple but it’s true,
Is keep our mind and body pathways clear
And do the Will of Spirit in good cheer!