A Note for My Students

From the Rodin Museum in Paris, May 2023 I'm hoping to grab your attention When you even deign to come to class. I don't wish to see that you are downloading Photos of shoes or underwear, as by you I pass. I am trying to teach you how to think, And I don't wish to... Continue Reading →

The World is Yours, Little Angel: What Do You See?

Do not be afraid, little angel girl, To always be the best you can be. Never let anyone put you down, For you are smart, kind, and lovely. One day, you will lead this nation To live up to the words of its creeds. Your intelligence and joyful heart Are exactly what this world needs.... Continue Reading →

Democracy Without Impartiality Lacks Love

Bench by the Road, a memorial to Tony Morrison, in Sullivan Island, Hilton Head, South Carolina, an entry point for enslaved people. Oppression abounds! No impartiality. Sexism, racism, ableism, ageism, classism, and heterosexism. Where is the love? Written for the Weekend Writing Prompt #325: Impartiality in 15 words, from Sammiscribbles.

Ode to the Graduate Student on Social Security: Wordle

Playing in the Park Diderot in Courbevoie, France, in May 2023 Many think that we are grumpy old people in need of assistance, Who should consider themselves fortunate to have lived so long. But we still have an inventory of gifts to share with the world. We aren’t sitting in fairgrounds prepared to sing our... Continue Reading →

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Chocolate

The Chocolate Story Museum in Gaia, outside of Porto, Portugal, in the World of Wine complex I will not quibble with you over my fervent belief That my beloved chocolate in all its forms is a true panacea. I swear that when my days have deteriorated to insanity, Chocolate kisses are a talisman bringing sanity... Continue Reading →

I Won’t Compromise My Intellect: Fandango Flash Fiction Challenge

He wiped the dust from the stairs before we sat down. His disdain for me masqueraded as a concern. So when he uttered those four dreaded words, I knew I wouldn't like what I was about to learn. No matter the slant he tried to put on the words, I knew that my heart was... Continue Reading →

Take Me With You, Mr. Train Engineer!

I wait for the trains to pass each day, Watching enviously from the hillside. I wonder where they are headed, Wishing I was going along for the ride. So many places that I could visit and see, And peaceful people I so long to meet. But I can only dream as the trains go by,... Continue Reading →

A Long, Cool Glass of Lemonade is the Cure!

Garden in Sintra, Portugal June 2023 Sip of lemonade. Don’t want to melt in this heat. A long, hot summer. Written for RonovanWrites Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge: Melt and Summer.

A Promise Is Forever

Image credit by Jules Paige Fort Washington, WI Looking at the rainbows over the water, My soul finds sweet peace once again. I remember the joy found in such beauty, When I visited the ocean with kith and kin. I'm grateful I learned early the power of the water To soothe me and take away... Continue Reading →

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