answer with quiet

 answer with quiet and now i see

ways i could have done that

but at the time i only knew

how much time, effort and money

i had put into setting up the sale

so that my family would have help

since i can no longer do as much

as i want to do to help them without

risking an incapacitating stroke

my defense position is anger

bless the lord that my daughter’s

reaction is gentleness

she kept me laughing, and quiet                                          

gift from Miller and Thompson

 haiku

a gentle anthem

re-dedicates despite pain

or war, “I Choose Love”

welcome barrier

toughened bare feet so the cold

is recognized but does not, for a beat,

spread through my being when i step into light snow

i can dash to do what needs be and hurry back to shelter

without chill if i am quick

how i wish my anger knew such a buffer before erupting

slow response

over many years

i’ve learned – most times –

not to react in anger

but to respect

my body

and soul’s reaction

and wait until my head

truly tempers my emotions

only then can i speak or

write with kindness

compassion takes a bit longer

after hearing Billie Holiday

fear and anger gnaw

what might grow compassionate

yield instead strange fruit