Wednesday May 10 2017  AND POETRY SINGS FROM WITHIN

 

A few months ago I read a short article in the Madison State Journal soliciting poets to write a poem consisting of 4 or 5 lines for a competition.  Three winners would be chosen and the winning poems would be published on a Madison Metro Bus.  Since it had been so long ago since I entered the contest I assumed that I had not made the cut.  So, needless to say, I was quite surprised and delighted to find out that my entry had indeed been chosen as one of the winners.

My poem may be painted on the outside of a bus for all of Madison to see!  The May 2016 article below contradicts what I remember this year’s competition stated so I don’t know if this year’s rules are different from last year’s rules .  Following is an excerpt telling about last year’s competition.  I thought you might find it interesting.

 

“May 2016

…“Metro got such tremendous feedback from their ridership — it’s making people happier to ride the bus,” Wolf said.

Since then, the project has seen huge growth. Originally only for high school students, the contest has since expanded to include all ages, from elementary school to adults over 18. Over 300 poems were submitted this year (2016), including, for the first time, Spanish-language contributions.

Oscar Mireles, the current Madison Poet Laureate, sees the acceptance of bilingual poems as a recognition of the growing Latino population in Madison.”

Mireles had the task of reviewing 300 poems to select the top 30. This involved reading them multiple times.

“When I went back the second time, I read them out loud, because sometimes when you read them out loud they change,” Mireles said.

The theme of the poems was “Write your Madison.” Poets were instructed to “help us see what you see and hear what you hear.” In response, individuals submitted poems about the Capitol, sunsets, the farmers’ market, and even the Little Free Libraries around town, Mireles said.

Bottom of Form

The top 30 were then handed over to Firman’s typography class at Edgewood College. Firman, an assistant professor in graphic design and multimedia, had her students pick poems and design graphics that highlighted the themes of the poem.

Firman believes the project is beneficial because it gives her students a chance to work with an outside client, as well as see the tangible results of their efforts.

“For the students, it’s pretty amazing to see your work printed that large and in the real world,” Firman said. For graphic designers, all too often, “its all computer based and you don’t get to see the actual thing.”

After the graphics were completed, the poets were publicly recognized for their work at a reception. Poets, family members and supporters packed into the American Family Insurance Dream Bank to honor the poets and hear their winning selections. Winners were also given a copy of the graphic designed for their poem.

The poets ranged from nervous elementary school kids to published authors.

“We probably had a 70 to 80 year span from oldest writer to the youngest writer. Poetry really is for everybody. We want to bring poetry to the community and bring the community back to poetry,” Mireles said.

One small boy had been selected to recite his poem in Spanish. The poem explained that he loved buses, because they bring him to parks. Too nervous to read it by himself, Mireles had the whole audience help him out and read the poem with him.

To Mireles, this story illustrates why the program is valuable, as it displays the power of poetry to a younger generation. 

“I wish when I was younger that I would have been more exposed to poetry. The poetry I was exposed to was in a dusty old book and was by some old guy I’d never heard of, and it seemed so distant,” Mireles said. “With all this poetry, it’s so local and Madison-based, and it seems very alive.”

The end

I will not publish my winning poem until after the reception in June. 

 

AND POETRY SINGS FROM WITHIN

Kathleen Martens

May 10, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Poetry is my world of wonder

In nature’s realm of great plunder.

Beauty waiting to be seen

Dressed in finery as a royal queen.

 

Waiting to be gobbled up,

A visual beauty on which to sup

If one would stop to take note

And read in nature what God wrote.

 

The blue of heaven; nature’s delight,

Offering a panorama full of light.

The ever changing magnificent sky

Filled with clouds and birds that fly.

 

The ocean view in all its glory,

Poetry in movement tells its story.

Never-ending waves that wash ashore

Speak poetically for evermore.

 

Poignant splendor of mountain peaks

Is a poem man doth seek,

Poetry in motion to climb so high

A poem so virtuous; knowing one could die.   

 

Morning dew in dawn’s light,

A beautiful poem one can sight.

Magic glistens beneath one’s feet

And morning’s glory, the world meets.

             

The eye can feast, the nose inhales

All the wonders one can smell.

The ears can hear and fingers touch,

And the mouth tastes nature’s lunch.

 

In the secret heart a poem is born,

A spirit refreshed, never forlorn.

Nature speaks in rhyming verse

With bountiful pleasure and open purse.

 

And poetry sings from within

As each day’s poem becomes a friend.

And soul is filled with joy and wonder

Of nature’s offerings to be plundered.

 

Much of today was spent in the yard thinning and transplanting ferns and hostas.  It was so refreshing to be outside working alone.  It was as if I could hear my gardens whispering verses of poetry into my heart.  Often when working alone short poems come to me, I smile, and they are gone.  Another lovely Stay-cation day filled with beautiful moments!

 

Thank You God for the beauty that surrounds me.

Thank You God for the beauty of Your handiwork.

 

GOD BLESS YOU!

Tuesday May 9 2017  STAY-CATION: SYNONYM FOR WORK-ATION!

 

“STAY-CATION”: SYNONYM FOR “WORK-ATION!”

Kathleen Martens

May 9, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

What a marvelous week

To just stay at home,

But we should have known better

Than to answer the phone.

 

Hubby now has been called away,

But on a righteous endeavor!

When you do “Kingdom work”,

It sometimes last forever.

 

So Wednesday is out of the question

For the two of us to gather.

But just between you and me

Solitude is sometimes my rather.

 

What I especially like

In this week without plans

Is all the “work” we are accomplishing

With no outside demands.

 

Our library is taking shape

But we still need more space

Upon which to line our books

So each one has a place.

 

So tomorrow I’ll be alone

And it’s my day off from the gym.

I can do whatever I like

So I might just climb out on a limb.

 

An unplanned day here and there

Is like a precious gift.

I can choose to be quite focused

Or give myself a chance to drift.

 

I’ll let you know at day’s end

If I accomplish or veg-out.

The real beauty of an unplanned day

Is that I’ll enjoy it without a doubt!

 

After I returned home from the gym Dave and I intended to work together for one hour this morning and then eat lunch and play cards.  But…the work sucked us in.  We needed to move things around in order to open up the floor space so we could bring furniture in from the former library.  The books and shelves were moved a couple of weeks ago.  Many of the books still remain boxed due to lack of shelf space.  One end of the room is stacked with boxes and furniture we plan to donate.  It felt good to get so much done.  It took most of the afternoon but neither one of us wanted to quit.  

I took a few pictures on my phone in order to give you an update.  I have no artwork hung on the walls or final touches completed.  We are still in the imagining stage.  We are calling this our “LEFTOVER ROOM”.  Except for the additional shelves, which we need to buy, everything else in the room is leftover from some other part of the house.  Our loveseat we purchased 38 years ago.  The pale blue wingback we purchased at the same time.  The chairs across from the loveseat are the two from the previous library.  The two chairs facing the shelves came from my office.  Of course the trunk is old and we’ve been dragging it around for 40 plus years.  The secretary (which at present is surrounded by what we plan to donate) is unseen at this point and was also purchased about 44 years ago.  It was already about 40 or 50 years old when we purchased it.  Several items were props I used for photography.  And the old table by the window has lived its past 25 years in our laundry room.  It will be my Bible study desktop for taking notes.

It’s been lots of fun playing around with the old stuff we already own.  Somehow it all works, at least for us.  There is nothing I love more than a home that looks lived in and shows a bit of wear and tear to prove it. 

I look forward to selecting the photos we would like to display.  Dave has suggested that I recreate the story of my 2015 United States and Canadian trip.  This room has served me well these past years as my studio.  The only photos I displayed were those of clients.  Dave is now encouraging me to create the story of our lives upon our walls.  He just hopes I won’t hang a hundred different garden and flower prints.  Due to the chance, I just might do that, we have decided to work together creating the collage of our lives.  Remember, the cobbler’s children have no shoes.  Well, the photographer’s children have no photos (on the wall).  However, I do have lots of photos just waiting to be rediscovered.    

This Stay-cation so far has been awesome!  We haven’t been able to avert a few appointments but our focus is still on doing what we want for one entire week.  I already have a future week set aside!  A planned week of unplanned days!  How awesome is that?

If you are interested in seeing our work on display please check out the photos below.  We don’t yet know what the room will look like when we are finished.  It will be fun to see if our mish mash will make a splash!  Actually, not knowing is quite fun.

 

Thank You God for this day.

Thank You God for a husband who is so wonderful to be with and who willingly works beside me.

Thank You God for books and for those who write them.

 

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK!  GOD BLESS YOU!

P.S.  I just asked Dave what he thinks about our week so far.  Here is his comment: “As they say, so far so good.”

And he just asked what I think about it.  He is waiting to help me proof the above.  I think I’ll let the blog say it for me.

Monday May 8 2017  HEAVEN SENT

 

HEAVEN SENT

Kathleen Martens

May 8, 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

I think I’ve found the solution

That will make a day stretch out

By doing every little thing I want,

And of such I will tell you about.

 

First wake up without an alarm.

Four forty five A.M. is the perfect time.

Without nary a concern start your day     

And to yourself be especially kind.

 

Prepare your body for the day ahead

With your normal routine.

Then walk into your kitchen

Which the night before you left pristine.

 

Have a cup of soup with chicken

With a great big spoon of rice.

Read and eat at your leisure,

And your day starts out so nice.

 

Then change your plans at the drop of a hat!

Going to the gym can always wait.

So instead I boiled ten eggs

And cut vegetables on a plate.

 

And then I left and worked out

And had a water massage to boot!

Afterwards I went straight home

To finish working with my loot.

 

My loot was lots of veggies

For our most favorite salad ever!

A wonderful recipe with a creamy sauce

And worth my entire endeavor.

 

Then I received a call from a friend

While Dave and I were occupied.

And when I finally hung up

Lunch was prepared and set aside.

 

And after lunch, side by side

We worked diligently in the library.

And we accomplished so very much,

As if we had help from a little fairy.

 

Though there is still much to do

We decided to take a hike.

The afternoon sun in awesome slant

To provide the camera with perfect light.

 

We entered the privacy of our woods

And walked all the paths,

Careful to adhere to the trails

Walking slowly rather than fast.

 

What a leisurely way to play

Enjoying both sun and flowers.

In sparkling light of God’s creation

We felt endued by the Creator’s power.

 

Serenity and peace in magical moments

With the man who stole my heart.

But the day was not yet over

We still had the evening to start.

 

We sat outside in our paradise

Enjoying our gardens in spring.

And the day was oh so fine

Filling our hearts with a song to sing.

 

And the night is not yet done

As I write the events of this day.

We are so enjoying this week

Whether at work or at play.

 

I think I could become used to this

And should make it a monthly event.

I believe this STAY-CATION week

Is actually heaven sent!

 

Thank You God for such lovely spring weather.

Thank You God for protecting our flowers from the frosts we’ve had.

Thank You for our beautiful woods.

Thank You Lord that the mosquitoes you created are not yet hatched!

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

IF YOU ARE NOT RETIRED YOU HAVE SOMETHING MIGHTY FINE STILL YET TO COME!

Sunday Sabbath May 7 2017  ONLY WHEN WE FIRST SEEK GOD

 

ONLY WHEN WE FIRST SEEK GOD

Kathleen Martens

May 7 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Who is he who is the richest?

What is wealth to the world?

How much money is enough?

How is happiness unfurled?

 

Is the richest the one who owns the most,

The one who sits upon a throne?

No, it is actually the one

Who is content with what he owns.

 

Is it accumulation of gold and fame

That makes someone wealthy?

No, it is not the man with prosperity,

But the one who is spiritually healthy.

 

How much money is enough?

Is it what you have in store?

As answered by a prosperous man,

“I’ll be rich with just a little bit more.”

 

How much wealth does it take

For those owing so much not to fuss?

Lasting happiness comes when we are content

With what God has provided for us.

 

Seeking happiness a worthless task

If you seek not first heaven above.

For only then will all your knowledge

Culminate in understanding God’s love.

 

Happiness and joy are the gifts

God desires His children to own.

And when we seek first His kingdom

He showers blessings from His throne.

 

With wisdom and knowledge

Comes much pain,

But when you first follow God,

He makes it all for gain.

 

Desire wisdom and seek knowledge

That you understand wisdom received.

Adhere to God’s Word and commands

And in His Son always believe.

 

And only when we first seek God

Will happiness flood our hearts.

When intermingled with the joy God gives,

Our lives will have a new start.

 

The above poem was inspired by today’s morning message presented by Pastor Greg Pechacek, titled: “HOW TO HAVE A HAPPY LIFE”. 

You are invited to listen to the sermon at: www.citychurchonline.org.

 

Thank You God for dedicated Pastors who study Your Word.

Thank You for this lovely Sabbath Sunday.

 

GOD BLESS YOU!

P.S.  Reminder:  This is day one of our STAYCATION!  I hope this week goes by quite slowly!  REMEMBER TO LIVE IN THE MOMENT AND SAVOR THE JOY THAT GOD PLACES IN YOUR HEART.

 

Saturday May 6 2017  THE ERRATIC WEEK AHEAD

First comment: I FINISHED DESIGNING THE LAST PAGE OF THE ALBUM PHOTOS A FEW MOMENTS AGO!

Now remember what I wrote recently regarding the album…I still have miles to go but I feel celebratory tonight after finishing the last page.  It feels like a great accomplishment!

Now regarding the week ahead; which has been a week long awaited.  IT IS OUR STAYCATION!  We have agreed to have no schedule; stay home or go whatever our moods beckon and to stay away from work!  I own a book entitled ‘NO TIME FOR TACT/ 365 Days of the Wit, Words, and Wisdom of Larry Winget” By Larry Winget.  One of his quotes is:

“All talk is just that: talk.  All the words written on these pages are just that: words.  If you want things to get better, take action.   Don’t just talk about it.  Don’t just read and think about it.  Do it.”

Dave and I have talked about having a stay-cation for a long time.  Several weeks ago we finally decided to do more than just talk about it.  We made the decision to cross off an entire week and not schedule any appointments: one full week of NOTHINGNESS.  Oh, the two calendar pages for this week look so awesome in their blankness.  Dave’s been working hard in the yard since the snow has melted.  I have so many restrictions on my time because of all the self imposed activities I choose to do.  So we decided to “DO IT” rather than just talk about it or read about others who have done it. 

But…there are always those little sneaky activities that shouldn’t be ignored such as EXERCISE!  We choose to look at exercise as part of our essential living plan; sort of like eating and sleeping.  There are just some things our bodies needs each day and we have no desire to deprive ourselves of those needs.  Dave has two commitments each week that involve other’s lives and he chose not to ignore his commitments.  However, for the most part we will be on our own together.  We have some ideas fermenting but we will simply take each day as it arrives and then decide what, when, and where to go as the ideas present themselves.

Will I write a blog?  As of right now I am uncertain.  If I do not write the blog I have personally committed to write a daily poem in my journal.  Does that mean I will publish each day?  I don’t know about that either.  I guess it just depends upon my day.  So, please do not be concerned if my blogs/and or poems are erratic.  This entire week may just become an ERRATIC WEEK!  Sounds good to me!  However, just so you know, the word “erratic” is not a word I would choose to describe myself.  But I have decided to go with the flow, at least for this week.

 

THE “ERRATIC” WEEK AHEAD

Kathleen Martens

May 5, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Just the WORD “erratic”

Has a negative sound.

It is not a description

I want hanging around.

 

Unpredictable is one meaning,

And who wants to be that?

Impulsive, volatile, and fickle,

And that’s the simple fact.

 

Another meaning is unreliable:

Brash; variable; and defective.

Which to me would mean

Most likely ineffective.

 

Inconsistent is another word

Which points to being conflicting,

Another trait I’d rather not

Have as my depicting.

 

Erratic too means changeable,

Unstable and unsettled.

Not a description I would want;

I’d rather be called quite able.

 

But this week will be different.

I’ve decided to let my hair down!

Wearing a perpetual smile

Without nary a hint of frown.

 

I will choose to be variable;

Allowing what will be will be.

And live out this entire week

Being footloose and fancy free!

 

Thank You God for the luxury of doing very little for one week.

Thank You God for directing our paths with week.

Thank You Father for the gift of time.

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday May 5 2017  LIVING MY DREAM

Dreams are different for each person.  My dream might possibly be someone else’s nightmare and vice versa.  But, I must say, I am living my dream.  This is a topic I have touch on in the past but it became an apparent reality once again today. 

The topic of old age came up this morning when discussing the issue of my droopy eyes.  Dave seemed to think my eye was swollen but I think I finally convinced him it was not swollen, rather just droopy on the outside edge due to aging.  Oh, the topics that could be heard in the privacy of an older couple’s dressing room!  They have certainly changed from years gone by.

Well, Dave supposed (out loud) that we are just growing older together.  I responded with the reminder that growing old with my husband was the dream I carried in my heart when I walked down the aisle toward him on our wedding day.  He peeked around the bathroom door and gave me a big smile and said, “Well, I guess you are living your dream!”  And so I am!  And there is no better dream to live than the one I am living now. 

As the older generations pass away there are fewer and fewer people who can acclaim so many years with one spouse.  For some I suppose a long marriage could reflect years of trouble and turmoil; for us (according to me) it has been delightful and fulfilling.  And today I am truly living my dream.

When Dave holds me in his arms he is still the young groom, full of strength and vitality.  When he smiles at me a surge of warmth floods my soul.  When he kisses me (yes, we still kiss) it still causes me to get the goose bumps, and to know that we have honored our wedding vows puts the icing on the cake of my 44 year old dream.  And the best part is that my heart still smiles deep within just knowing he loves me in return. 

When one loses a spouse I often wonder if the pain is greater because no longer is there someone on which to lavish love upon, or if the greater pain is the absence of no longer having love lavished upon one’s self from another.  I try to never take Dave’s love for granted.  I cherish every day and every hour I live with this man.  And I thank God that I have lived two wonderful dreams in my life; the first, living long enough to raise our children, and the second, to grow old with the groom of my first marriage. 

 

LIVING MY DREAM

Kathleen Martens

May 5, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

The spark of life in my lover’s eyes

Has never dimmed throughout the years.

And my love for him has only grown

Through laughter and through tears.

 

He’s the light of my life, comfort of my heart,

My earthly gift from God above.

From the moment I laid eyes on him

I knew he was the man I loved.

 

Through the year love has blazed

Regardless through joy or sorrow.

We made a choice to stay true

In all of our tomorrows.

 

And time has passed, and we are old

Regardless how young we may act.

Sometimes it’s just fun to be a kid again,

And that’s a plain old fact.

 

We need more help and struggle a bit

But we are there by each other’s side.

And I pray for the continuation of my dream

That together we’ll always abide.

 

Things are changing and we’re a bit slower

And words sometimes lost in the air.

And we don’t even look the same

With graying and thinning hair.

 

But when I look through my dim vision

I see my man so crystal clear.

He is still the man of my dreams

And I always want him near.

 

Young love is passionate and hot as fire

But “old” love is better still,

For it has been forged through the flames

And overflowing in strength, the heart it fills.

 

Thank You God for my husband. Never let me take him for granted.

 

When life seems to be more than you can bear, take time to count your blessings.  You may find your blessing is snoring right there beside  you.

 

GOD BLESS YOU!

P.S.  And it isn’t even our anniversary!  That happens next month!  44 YEARS!!!!

Thursday May 4 2017  A MELODY BORN IN THE HEART

 

A MELODY BORN IN THE HEART

Kathleen Martens

May 4, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

Plethora of sunshine,

Blue skies and skittering clouds.

A recipe for a heartfelt day,

Especially without the crowds.

 

Arboretum in all her glory

Beckoned me to come.

I knew in my heart of hearts

My senses would have fun.

 

Oh to see with actual praise

The beauty that God portrays,

The divine of His creation

Arranged in artful display.

 

Delicate scent of lilac blooms

Await the eager sense

Of the olfactory;

Unhampered by a fence.

 

The sound of breath

In whispered wind,

Stir passion in the heart,

Of lover who is friend.

 

To touch elaborate petals

Fragile as delicate lace,

Then to speak in flowing tongue

No sense has been erased.

 

All senses awed in wonder

That what meets the eye,

Sight and sound, touch and taste

And fragrance from the sky.

 

What sweetness is imbibed

Wafting on gentle breeze?

Delicate offering of nature’s choice

That the heart doth seize.

 

And the soul fully engaged,

Connects to nature’s tune.

A melody born in the heart,

Dancing under morning’s moon.

 

My day began at 5:00 a.m.   My first stop was my 7:00 a.m. dentist appointment; second stop was two hours at the gym; the third was a scheduled barber appointment at 11:30 a.m.  I had an hour and fifteen minutes between the last two appointments and I felt the beckoning of the Arboretum calling my name. 

The sky was blue, beautiful thin white clouds wafted overhead, the breeze was gentle, and the air was brisk. Perfect slant of sunlight, no crowds, and beautiful blossoms; what more could I want!  My car effortlessly drove the mile or two down the road as if it were on a planned excursion.  I set my timer to alert me as when to leave for my hair appointment, took out my iPhone camera and commenced catching the light.  It was as if my heart was floating in a surreal paradise.  Some of the trees were still flowering and the lilac blossoms were just beginning to open.  When I arrived at the arboretum parking area and opened the car door I immediately smelled the fragrance of purple, pink, and white lilacs.  And believe it or not, they each have very distinct aromas.  I touched and tasted, viewed, and heard the quiet rustling of wind caressing the branches.  Such peace!  Such beauty! 

 

God, I thank You for the beauty I experienced this morning.

Thank You God for the tug in my heart which caused me to turn my car toward the arboretum.

Thank You for serenity.

Thank You for the amazing beauty of Your creation.

Thank You Lord that I can see, touch, taste, smell, and hear that which surrounds me. 

I especially thank You Lord that you have opened my heart to experience that which you have created.

 

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

GOD BLESS YOU