Fear seeps trepidation creeps
Through my bones
Chilled from within
Cold-blooded — numb
Internally, eternally(?) frozen
The calendar marks the seasons
But the climate remains the same
A year of upheaval, uproar
Uncertainty, insecurity
Pandemonium
Distrust, mistrust of each other
Of ourselves
Clamor, Anarchy
Outbreak, Outcry for
Restraint, Relief
Rescue
Rising Spring
At long last
Faith warms dawn transforms
A hibernating heart
Awakened — free
Inwardly, outwardly joyful
Liberated from its stalemate
The break of day kindles spirits
Fair weathers’ watch resets, renews
Expectations, anticipation
Tranquility
Potential, promise for us
For humanity
Comradery, Community
Release, Revelry for
Healing, Harmony
Hope
*Poet’s Note: One of the first blooms of Spring, the crocus is often viewed as a symbol of rebirth, renewal, and hope.
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways I love thee, to the depth and breadth and height My arms can reach, when Joe-Joe’s are in sight To the ends of earth, I’ll sing your praise
From organic ground beef to mayonnaise Carnivore to vegan, you’re a delight The most super of markets, you’ll incite chaos when out of two-buck chardonnays
Syrah-Soaked Tuscan, Chianti Salami Marcona Almonds, Raisin Rosemary Crisps Fig Butter, Blue Cheese Olives, and Truffle Dip You’re my go-to monger for charcuterie
Plump grapes, dried apricots, Triple Cream Brie Greater provisions than a cargo ship With some epicurean showmanship My hors d’oeuvres boards become Insta-worthy
Your zesty spices are pantry staples E’eryday Season, 21 Salute Umami Blend trends, but there’s no dispute The rule of Everything but the Bagel
When prepping to set the holiday table Pumpkin to peppermint, nary time to loot Cranberry tartes, Turkey & Stuffing en croute Advent Calendars and butter with maple
But the main object of this shopper’s affection Is the grand assortment of Trader confections:
Cheesecake, Carrot Cake, cakes with molten lava Mochi, Hold the Cone, and ice cream laced with java Triple Ginger Snaps, Dunkers — Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Caramels, Mallows drenched in mint
One last confession: Your congenial crew — The courteous team of laid-back extroverts Decked out in broad smiles and bright Hawaiian shirts — Is my sultry culinary rendezvous
And so, Joseph, my merchant beau, should the grocer gods choose I shall love thee until my credit you refuse
Your devoted patron, Lisa
*P.S. My sincerest gratitude (and apologies) to Elizabeth Barrett Browning for her poetic inspiration
Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words. — Robert Frost
Tormented by prose, there is no repose until composed Stowaway brainchildren shoplifting daydreams pilfering notions and whims Tinkering with mental trinkets to keep themselves amused
Desperation demands, commands purging the pangs fermenting my soul Bloodthirsty, I breach, leach the clamors tearing my heart asunder
Revelations outcry, testify so that I may be shanghaied from my purgatory
Visceral scripts cast off clouds of gloom until there is no longer any room for agony or anger Allowing me to breathe, bathe under sun-soaked lapis skies where tears have ceased to linger
And sometimes — in due time I bide my time while inspirations ignite and speculations spark lighting fire to introspection
Librettos written Choral hymns sung Declaring sacred secrets and contemptuous contemplations
Harmonious musings Discordant discourse Communally coexist Live together Lie together Symbiotic scribbles Sprawled, scrawled Laid down on the page Relinquished to the reader for final judgment
Big Girl Panties 