Invitation

Snow bank house,sticky note reminders,  construction sites,

 giggles,  cabbage patch baby reclaimed from storage 

box of another childhood, notebook jottings, 

duplo, pens, cars, computers, trains, encouragement, 

peek a boo,  strollers stuck in snow, 

books and 

voices,  long on earth,  supportive, 

newly arrived, through sign, 

symbol, words recognized,  or not, 

eyes brimming with delight at being 

dancing in beat,  heart pumping, 

pounding, gathering, 

life filed, ears open to joyful

awareness of life's surround sound beauty

cherish full filment

gkn Jan 21,2016

The Multi Cultural Calendar

I took it down late, the new year had come, 

no phone call during the holidays, or shopping 

trip visit,  just you and me,  except maybe 

that day in Ottawa, you're such a traveller now, 

the change in airflow, 

the touch of your hand on 

my heart reminding me,  

you continue,  as my companion 

in snowfall or rain,  in sunshine or shadows, 

when I am present 

there you are with me, 

the calendar a gift from you to me,  a tradition,  I 

knew what the package held,  received with anticipation, 

the art,  the stories,  the holidays shared, 

a gift of you to me, heritage, culture divergent as we 

were, you saw me, see me, 

and yet the wall is bare. 

gkn 2016 

On Being 2016

The invitation to be present calls, 

continues to call,

 as I lay in bed healing, growing  

My body aches, 

my soul, my spirit are at peace,  

I notice the difference.

I am able to stay in bed,  to care for me.

I am blessed, 

memories of celebration, of chaos, of laughter, 

of song, of games, of listening and sharing stories, 

of eye contact smiles, of hugs, of kisses, 

of tears embraced 

surround  me

2016 has arrived, another year, another slate waiting to be filled, 

I get to chose thebeliefs I embrace or challenge, 

the words I write,  or speak,  the activities I engage in,  the love

I receive and give,  the trust I share...

Sending New Years blessings to each one of you! 

May 2016 be for you a great year of growth filled blessing. 

With ongoing gratitude for all of who you are in my life and all you teach me

and others! 

gkn Jan 2016

Birthday

It comes, 

now, for 61 years,

right after, in the midst, 

of christmas celebrations, 

busy ness

It comes,  

childhood found me 

surrounded by

cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers, 

birthday song for me

between carols

It comes, 

arrives with memories, 

telephones calls, tea in bed,  

messages of love, support, 

surprises,  visits, 

shared delight, laughter 

It comes 

a fanfare of blessings 

on Boxing Day, 

now, for 61 years, 

mine. 

gkn 2015

Wally

With thanks to Derek Wallcott " Love after Love"

"The time will come

when, with elation

you will greet yourself arriving..." 

She named you after a poet, 

a fluffy little fur ball, black, white and brown, today

you companion me.

Invite smiles in the mirror, 

through rain, sunshine, clouds, rainbows, 

reflecting the stranger, recognized. 

Hand on leash, on heart, 

tears of recognition. 

"Sit. Feast on your life"

gkn Dec. 2015

Quotes from Derek Wallcott's poem Love after Love...check it out! 

Dec.21

The dark

The light 

One voice 

One body

Living, breathing

Darkness

Seeking lights return, 

I wait. 

Advent

"Do not grow old, no matter how long you live.  Never cease to stand like curious children before the Great Mystery into which we were born."  Albert Einstein

It is dark,  the train has just pulled out of the station, safety instructions filter in, along with conductors search for someone travelling all the way to Montreal,  someone's breakfast catches my attention as I sip my tea.  

I am heading to a hub of curiosity,  a three year old,  engaged and excited by yesterday's Christmas tree acquisition,  wondering why it is not yet Christmas.  

This Advent wait is long. 

It is dark.

We have left the city. 

How long must we wait, to see the way before us?  

How long must I wait?  

Can I stand curious before the Great Mystery?  

Do I dare to release all anxiety?  

Replace it with 

the changing dark, the shadows,  the stories they tell. 

This Advent wait is long.

Stopped,  new companions join, 

by desire, by longing for certainty, for 

security, for light

My seat shakes, vibrates, enfolded in darkness, 

the journey continues

This Advent wait is long. 

"Do not grow old, no matter how long you live.  Never cease to stand like curious children before the Great Mystery into which we were born."  Albert Einstein

gkn Dec.2015