Skip to main content

I TOOK A SHORT WALK by Lisa O'Neil-Guerci

 

I TOOK A SHORT WALK 

          by Lisa O'Neil-Guerci 

I heard the music 
of wind and water
as I took a short walk today.

Nature had graciously asked 
if I wanted to join in
their afternoon of play.

I might have known 
I'd step into
their home-

that they of course
would become the words 
of another autumnal poem. 

That I'd come upon
and smile to see
a heart-shaped yellow leaf
propped against an oak tree~

both seeming to be waiting 
patiently for me.

I should have guessed
that sorghum and cattails 
would be slow dancing 
with each other...

of course they would~
it was clear to see
they're longtime friends 
turned lovers.

I then inclined my gaze upwards towards branches
which held the sun
tenderly in their arms.

A few leaves were stained 
with the first blood 
of the season's russet hue

it shouldn't surprise me 
that the afternoon sky
would be so perfectly blue~

and that the white lambs 
of clouds would scatter...
changing shape
as the breeze
coaxed them along~

harmony heard 
as the voice of the lake
joined in the rapturous song.



Lisa O'Neil-Guerci:
I am a poet and writer from New York, blessed to be a mother, a grandmother and professional caregiver within the elderly community. I possess an ageless heart and spirit, and my mind and soul swirls with poetry. Writing has been my passion for as far back as my memory can reach. Composing essays and prose during my emotionally tumultuous childhood provided an escape into a world where my imagination could thrive—where creative expression of all kinds became the North Star of my life's compass. My spirit is especially stirred by the innate spirituality I keenly sense when surrounded by nature, and much of my poetry is based upon these themes.  I enjoy reciting my poems at open-mic events, and am a regular contributor to Confetti Magazine, in which I was a featured poet. My work has appeared in several places online such as Rebelle Society, The Elephant Journal, and The Medium. One of my poems is included in an anthology entitled Blue Motel Rooms. My debut book, entitled Souldust, is soon to be released by Golden Dragonfly Press.

 

*For submission guidelines, click here.*

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

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...

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 ...

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...