THE VIEW OVER MORNING COFFEE by Ginny Brannan

A young man I’ve known since birth is soon to be married...

I wanted to give him a gift, and so am passing along some advice given to me by my dear aunt back in the days when I was still dating, on knowing if someone was the “right” one. She said imagine the person you are in love with sitting across from you having coffee in the morning. Can you still picture that same person across from you in 10, 25, 40 or more years? And so with 34 years and counting, I share this secret of longevity.

In a life filled with constant change: joys, sorrows; ups and downs, many view relationships as disposable. It’s true that partners may not always see ‘eye to eye’ with the other, but at the end of the day—or I should say in those early morning hours when you still can’t imagine sharing your “coffee” with anyone else, you know you have made the right choice.

The View Over Morning Coffee

by Ginny Brannan

I’ve yet to tire of the view

refined by changes over time

the tiny shafts of morning light

brighten landscape till it shines.

And on the grass the morning dew

reflects like diamonds on each blade

dampness slow to dissipate

it lingers under oaken shade

The shadows shift, the seasons pass

a single constant still remains:

I see the young man I once knew

despite the years, he hasn‘t changed.

How do you know if love will last,

as decades pass will it remain?

If face that greets you in the morn

in ages hence will still sustain?

I’ve yet to tire of your face

familiar as my mirrored own…

your smile lines, your silver threads;

our stories etched on skin and bone.

As morning breaks we pour a cup

and through the steam we greet the day,

again I’m taken with the view:

your smile takes my breath away.

(For Chris and Rick with love. And for my Ray, whose smile still “takes my breath away.”)

Ginny Brannan: Residing in New England with husband of nearly 34 years, son and two cats, Ginny Brannan took poetry and creative writing courses in both high school and college. Foregoing degree, she headed directly into the workforce. In 2009, Ginny found herself out of work and facing the ominous task of finding employment in a cyber world and declining job market. Struggling to keep afloat, a long-time friend suggested she tap back into her creative side and pick up a pen and write (or Macbook and type as case may be). She credits the therapeutic effects of writing to getting her through this stressful time. Ginny writes both traditional poetry and free verse. She has been published in The River Muse, an on-line Art & Literary Journal. You may read more of her poetry on her website here, listen to her recite her poems here or connect with her Ginny on twitter.

~If you are interested in seeing your poetry appear in this blog, or submitting a poem by a woman that has inspired you, please click here for submission guidelines. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!~

IMAGINE A WOMAN by Patricia Lynn Reilly

This poem invites you to look upon yourself with loving kindness… Gazing at your own true reflection, you will discover that everything you have longed for “out there” is already within you! I invite you to love your creativity fiercely. Faithfully plant seeds, allowing under-the-ground dormant seasons, nurturing your creative garden with love and gratitude. In the fullness of time, the green growing things thrust forth from the ground. It's a faithful, trustworthy process. AND it takes time and patience. Blessed is the fruit of your creative womb! I invite you to trust your vision of the world and express it. With wonder and delight, paint a picture, create a dance, write a book, and make up a song. To give expression to your creative impulses is as natural as your breathing. Create in your own language, imagery, and movement. Follow no script. Do not be limited by the customary way things have been expressed. Your creative intuition is original. Ga...

STILL I RISE by Maya Angelou

Six years ago, I had the privilege of listening to Maya Angelou speak live on the value of poetry at the University of Florida. I share these reflections with you again today, in honor of her birthday. I was relieved to get one of the last seats available for this rare event, having arrived at five for Maya Angelou ’s free speech at eight. The historically long line began with people settled into beach chairs in winter coats busying themselves on tablets, or eating sandwiches for dinner. As helicopters hovered above and newscasters below, I felt the excitement of realizing that thousands of people were gathering together to hear an eighty four year old black woman recite her poetry! Maya Angelou speaking at University of Florida on Feb. 27, 2013 When the curtain rose -after an overflow of hundreds were sent away- we lucky ones on the inside greeted Maya with a standing ovation, as she smiled sweetly, beginning her talk using metaphors from nature. Maya asked...

IN THE STILLNESS OF THE NIGHT by Ginny Brannan

Just take a moment to pause... When life becomes rote, and frustration grows from being immersed in the same routine—different day, sometimes we need to remind ourselves that peace is still there—within our grasp— if we just take a moment to pause and enjoy the stillness and beauty around us. In the Stillness of the Night by Ginny Brannan Late winter’s eve and all is still the lawn lies bathed in silver light— gray shadows race across the yard and climb atop the windowsill to draw my gaze upon the sight. I stare out to the moonlit night, across the deck and wooded path fresh–painted by new fallen snow. The scene infuses with delight; this gift inside storm’s aftermath. Half–buried now, the old birdbath lies shadowed deep in indigo— it waits on promise of the spring when arctic chill has finally passed and snow gives way to new green grass. With gratitude, I hedge to go; tranquility allays my soul… I turn ...

Journey of the Heart

Search This Blog