Thanks, Sylvia!
Well, It is a week, isn't it? No matter how you believe, the events of this week will forever stay in our minds. Blessings for our country to keep its firm beliefs going forward and to heal quickly, with all of our help. We must keep fighting for what's right!
Here's a quote that feels special for gratitude to Jone Rush MacCulloch and her yearly idea to send postcards to a group. We sign up and she coordinates the lists.
"To Send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart." Phyllis Theroux
Thank you to Linda Mitchell, Mary Lee Hahn, and Carol Varsalona for the wonderful mail, pictures, postcards, bookmarks, and of course, poetry, that I've found in my mailbox so far!
upon the lake
silverdrops dance
as a new year arises
breathe in
winter's freshness
exhale earth's frostbitten bite
Carol Varsalona
recently minted
shiny coin of here and now
ready to be spent
Mary Lee Hahn
Year of the Ox
Monday, Ox delivers brush and brooms
to sweep old year away
Tuesday, Ox brings uncles, aunties
hong bao and rice cakes
Wednesday, Ox shies at red banners
good luck poems they swish and sway
Thursday, Ox shakes golden bells
hoping kitchen god will stay
Friday, Ox eats and rests contentedly
firecrackers pop –
wishing 新年快乐
Happy New Year's Day!
Linda Mitchell
I love these New Year offerings, and am glad that poetry goodness is enriching your life at a time when so much seems wrong with the world. Poetry makes a difference!
ReplyDeleteI usually start January with a Month of Poetry - but the new year crept up and caught me unawares. But today, being back amongst the PF crew and reading these little snippets, I feel a yearning unfurl... I think some poetic play is is required. Thank-you for sharing these gems.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you, Linda. Oh what a crazy first week it's been. At one point I had two computer screens up--one for the news on when teachers in my state could get vaccines and the other on the certification of electoral votes....and then there was a school board meeting the same night over returning to school that lasted until 2:45 am because the notion of returning to our buildings is so contentious! It is good...very good to receive a ray of sunshine in the mail box. I too have some lovely postcards and I treasure them and the creative spirits that made and sent them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Linda. And I love the quote from Phyllis Theroux.
ReplyDeleteOoh! It's the Year of the Ox - what a sturdy, calm, and powerful image you've presented. May we ride that calm and sturdy contentment most powerfully into a new world.
ReplyDeleteI like those "golden bells" Ox shakes from Linda, Carol's "silverdrops dance," and Mary Lee's "shiny coin of here and now" thank you all for keeping us in the present with your poems! And thanks Linda for sharing your poetry treasures!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing these New Year's offerings. All of these are beautiful in words and images.
ReplyDeleteLinda, thanks for sharing this lovely gathering of shared poems-- and for joining the Poetry Friday gathering this week. We really need it this week in particular, don't we?!
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone! I have had so many things to do today that I've tried to spend the time reading everyone's posts. I'm glad you like my gifts. They have provided a respite during this challenging week.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I love the Theroux and I will never think of letters in the same way. The cards are lovely and I have some too. How fun to receive them!
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely, Carol, Mary Lee, and Linda. The cleansing bite of cold air, the shiny coin of a year ahead of us, the traditions we share for the 50th time or the first -- those are things to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janice & Laura. I'm sitting here watching the snow out my window, & yes, celebrating nature's gifts, trying not to watch tv news, maybe later? The postcards are welcome gifts!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your poetic gifts with us, Linda. I also love the quote you've shared. I always have good intentions about writing letters, but my follow-through is terrible. This quote is just what I need to keep in mind and be better about this. Snail mail is more important than ever these days!
ReplyDeleteI've been pretty good about writing postcards, mostly to my grandson, Catherine, but I know how much letters are loved, still remember some special ones from others long ago. Yes, I love these mailbox 'hugs'. Thanks!
DeleteWe both had 'hugs' on our mind this week, Linda! Your hugs in the form of amazing poetry and gifts lift the spirit in such a tangible way. Thanks for sharing your bounty with all of us, too. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, and hugs all around are sorely needed this year already! Thanks for yours, too, Bridget!
DeleteI got a hug in my mailbox the other day, too! Not part of any particular exchange, but a lovely card from a PFer with her art and haiku on the front. Gave me huge smiles!
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying these lovely mailbox treasures, too. Each brings hope for this new year.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura & Kimberly. It makes me happy to hear about the hug & yes, the hope!
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely! Thanks for sharing them!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Ruth. The receiving is always a pleasure!
DeleteLucky you! Thanks for spending some of your newly-minted wealth on us, Linda.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Heidi. It's fun to share!
DeleteIt's been so much fun to have mail to look forward to!
ReplyDelete