Grief can be a savage beast
that can pounce at you
any time, tearing your heart into unrecognizable shreds…
and then there are times that it sits beside you like an old friend
quietly keeping you company,
while you wait as an unseen power
gently mends your heart
and pieces them together
one shred at a time.
By: Carla A. Romarate-Knipel (copyright 2023)
Bell Lake, Woodbury, NJ USA
photo by: Carla A. Romarate-Knipel
By Carla Romarate-Knipel
Fiery tree ablaze –
red-orange leaves entrancing
my sorrowful eyes…
walking away, sad –
looking up the clear blue skies
longing to see you…
this beautiful day –
reaching out to embrace me
as I sit alone.
you are in the warmth
of the sun, shining brightly
on my tear-stained cheeks.
the cool, gentle breeze
touches my face, dries sadness –
leaving only love.
In the sheer silence
You speak to me, loving God –
I breathe and listen.
My Mom, Ligaya
Joy in the flesh, gave your all –
you live in my heart!
Pretty pink blossoms
I watch you bloom, awed by joy –
blessed by your beauty.
#1 Hot Latte
“Extra hot,” I asked,
“coconut milk, vanilla –
one sip, “ouch!” burned tongue!
#2 Rainy Wednesday
cold, damp rainy day
somewhere it’s nice and sunny –
not in Woodbury.
#3 Sermon prep
scribble the Gospel
not on paper but your heart
wait for it to speak.
#1 Avocado in chicken wrap
Hidden deep in lush
greenness, chunks of white chicken,
meshed in sweet goodness.
#2 Iced Vanilla Latte
Bitter at first sip
delightful ‘dulce-ness,’ glides
down my eager tongue!
#3 Coffee shop vibes
Feeling the rhythm –
the music of energy
shared humanity.
I gaze at the trees
Their branches covered with snow –
I shiver, in awe.
Choose Joy: Poems, Prayers and Prose 