cannot, but can

i could not take on her cancer

but i could be with her for tests

and treatments and have her

with me for times of recovery

i cannot heal our society’s lack

of faith, courage to face the truth

or refusal to take responsibility

for the care of others

but i can be there to support

and encourage my friends

and love my family with all of me

however inadequate for the enormity

of the task, knowing that i

am not alone in caring

childhood memories rewarmed

boxed and taped, sent off

to loved relatives leaves me

warm with memories

being there

he reached out, came to my door

his children’s book in hand

quietly there to give and to listen

he networks so well simply by

being where you are with questions

that assume your intelligence

and insight—

            who can resist responding?

learning to say no

rather than feel

resentment

i need to say no

i am here because i have

needs i can no longer

handle on my own

i have so little left

to help others

i must say no

to what you ask

and even demand

of me, take it

as you will

inherit the joy

spending my children’s inheritance

but they don’t even want to hear

my apologies

“I want you to be happy, mom”

what greater proof could i have

that i am the luckiest person

i’ve ever known

in memory of Virginia Heald

In memory of Virginia Heald

Haiku

gentle soul smiles welcome

bending to help without a word

but encouragement

                                    mjNordgren  2/16/2024 N

unobtrusive

we seldom hear the quiet ones

who see without comment

often without judgment

aware and sympathizing

watching for unobtrusive ways

to remove an obstacle or ease

our path without our knowing

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onboard fun

laughter with the skilled

and playful chef who closes

his eyes so i can’t see him

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giggles and guffaws

 the giggles and guffaws

of our gang of four

contribute abundantly

to the noise in The Meating Place

but as the infant in her buggy

still sleeps, we continue to tell

tales and laugh with the joy

only precious friends can give                      

generosity leads

 generosity is a leading trait

of those around me

with never-ending awe

i hear our Writers in the Grove

listen to and support each other

i watch church members go

to do for others what needs

to be done but would never

be demanded or even asked

and family surrounds me

with priceless gifts of love

and forgiveness