Waves in the Sand

 

Gentle waves sweep against my feet

 

And continue a gentle sweep across the shore,

 

In a rhythm of grace that won a smile

Careless children, born of mother ocean’s womb, 

 

Teasing my toes with ceaseless, rushing voices, 

 

Chasing gulls that fly and meander here and there,

 

Their feathers, once soft and gray now 

 

Touched in tarnished silver by rays of sun

 

That splendid ball of fire, reaching down, to warm the Earth

 

And calm my beating heart, and carve away the darkness 

 

That bares the promise of new beginnings 

 

An orb so bright it shares a splashing chorus with the waves. 

 

Traveling on, I stroll in the warmth of the sand, 

 

Humming my song of blessed contentment.

 

 

I Do Not Know

 

I only know I do not know 

Touched by whispered murmurs 

Like butterflies in the sunshine

Trailing melodies on frayed cords 

Oh, that those cords were golden

Yet on I go on careless steps

With heart thumping reasons 

Trudging onward in muddy slush 

Ignorance beneath my feet.

Hope, my only companion,

A scatterings of my mind behind me

Yet on I trod with restless whims

The more I know, I do not know.

                                            

                           The painting above the Poem is by:

The Pleasure of Breath

 

What is more pleasing than taking a breath,

Even the last one as we slid to our rest

 

The in and the out and the softness we feel

I think that each breath gives a soothing appeal

  

We honor the sky and wind through the trees

The beauty of clouds is a breath, yes indeed

 

I’m sure it’s the earth just taking a sigh

Just think of that when the wind whistles by

 

And when the whiff of pot roast spells hunger

Where would we be without breath I ponder? 

 

So, take a deep breath you ladies and gents

And consider just all that your breath represents.

The Torment of the Soul

 

                                  Francisco Goya. 1746-1828

 

Creatures of the depth of time shred my slumber with their claws

Spewing boiling tar as I lay stricken by grind of their fearsome jaws.

 

Crackling tongues spew their venom, oh the putrid smell!

Oh, the wicked things that curl like all the snakes of hell!

 

They sing of all the multitudes who felt my cruel bent,

Coming back to torment me with devils they have sent.

 

Sweat turning into boiling oil and trickles down my back

Flashing scenes that shame me by all the good I lacked.

 

Riders on their flaming steeds, with hoof of red hot steel

Oh yes, the very worst of me I know will never heal

 

Far too late to sooth the past, my wickedness abounds

Devoid of hope, the rudder lost, my ship has run aground.

Dreams Before Me

 

 

The ocean darkens to sapphire blue

 

And sun fades into clouds of gold

 

I linger in the wet, clinging sand, 

 

Listening to the whispering waves

 

And feel a warmth in my soul 

 

Unleashing the spirit of precious years

 

To spring before me, sparks of youth

 

Of love and friends that linger yet, 

 

Like the waves that never end.

 

I close my eyes

 

To see lost suns that warm my dreams. 

 

 

Condensed Milk and Almonds Cookies by The Careless Cook

 

 

 

The Careless Cook’s kitchen is a wonderland of “What the hell is going on?” Most of the time He doesn’t know until he scampers in, looks at his watch and reaches for a bottle of….no wait….it’s morning. A cup of coffee is what he reaches for. Time matters. A ladies’ conclave awaits. Older ladies. Hungry and not prone to the indulgence of biding their time, neither is The Careless Cook in the ‘biding’ habit. 

 

Too long and his mind may stray to bolder endeavors. 

 

So, let’s get started, on behalf of Mr. Careless and his waiting ladies!

 

Ingredients, ummmm….think He’s got it!

 

Heat the oven to 350 deg.

 

2 sticks butter, melted

½ cup condensed milk

2 cups sugar

½ teaspoon baking powder

2 cup of flour and a couple of tablespoons more

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup slivered almonds, or more

 

Should make about 30 cookies, more or less.

 

Putin’t It teeegather!

 

Large bowl.

 

Add the sugar and melted butter.  Mix well. (Suggestion: hand held mixer)

Add the condensed milk….oh, what the hell…just toss everything else in!

Mix it into dough. Make sure the almonds are well dispersed.

 

Use a tablespoon to scoop up portions of dough and roll into balls. 

 

Put all the balls on a baking sheet (Suggestion: put a sheet of parchment on the baking sheet.)

 

Press the balls down lightly and press a few almonds on each.  

 

Bake for 12-14 minutes, but check it along the way. Cookies will be barely browned along the edges.

 

Time for another coffee, or maybe make that an Irish.  Just a suggestion.

 

Oh Temptations

 

         

 

Temptations rest in lovely dreams

Of red and yellow flowers,

 

Spreading like the softest winds

Across the greenest fields

 

In nightfall comes such silvered

Moons, bearing goblets of wine

 

Anointed with all the pleasures, 

Begging to be savored

 

Golden chimes, ringing hearts, and

Whispers of love’s bounties.

 

Do you hear the whispers tuning in the wind,

Fanning clarion’s calls to love and life?