encourage everyone
You ignored me growing in your way
Perhaps your boardwalk would stunt my growth
Living underneath everyone’s feet in the dark
Maybe that’s what you thought
Go for a walk on your fancy wooden path now
But slow down as you pass me by again
I might just trip you up for a dip in the creek
My persistence and desire to grow outwitted you
© 2021 All Rights Reserved
My July birthday
Begins with a morning walk
While birds sing to me
Pollen on my hands
And blossoms under my feet
Say spring is here sneeze
Falling orange leaves
Freely float and swirl downstream
Lifecycle complete
Rainy winter walk
Splashing childlike in puddles
Cold wet socks and shoes
© 2021 All Rights Reserved
July assignment for my library poetry club
No matter where I go or what I do
With or without a friend or lover
Regardless of the size and caring or care not of my family
In spite of my worldly possessions or lack thereof
Whether I’m in good health or poor in body or soul
I’m always lonely
Sheila, age 46 -1994
© 2021 All Rights Reserved
No more days of loneliness
I am getting a puppy to love
To snuggle with me on lonely nights
And walk with me at the crack of dawn
Beds and bones and squeaky toys
A leash and collar and harness, too
Beef training treats and biscuit cookies
A shoulder sling carrier and a playpen
My empty home is full of expectation
With barking, whining, jumping and kisses
Expected on my birthday very soon
A special gift from me to me
The doctor prescribed a dog
An emotional support animal
To ease years of anxiety and depression
A pet is the best medicine of all
~ Sheila – I named him Schroeder. He is a longhair English cream miniature dachshund born 5/31/21
They say opposites attract
But compatibility is not guaranteed
We disagreed on an important issue
Harsh words exchanged impulsively
Then you shut down the last four miles
I had my fill of your silence
Two can play that game
I turned off my cochlear devices
Retreating into my silent world
I left my sandals behind to walk alone
Never looking back, I walked home
Unaware you were calling out my name
Seeking reconciliation and compromise
We were both wrong to be silent
© 2021 All Rights Reserved
My gold band saved to pretend I’m married
To protect me from unwanted advances
But I never wore it again
I never need a defense
Me and my empty heart always go home alone
© 2021 All Rights Reserved
Every time I see the grand old flag of stars and stripes
Every time I hear America the Beautiful or The Star Spangled Banner
Every time I see a sailor, marine, soldier or airman in uniform
Every time I see the Statue of Liberty
Every time I watch a bald eagle soar through the sky
Every time I see a parade and bystanders holding babies and flags
I get a lump in my throat that I can’t swallow
I can’t see through the continuous flow of tears
It gets me every time
© 2021 All Rights Reserved
Proud to be a citizen of the United States of America
Have an amazing day ~ Sheila
Oh how beautiful my native country because of azure, spacious skies
And majestic mountains and rolling grassy plains
For this alone would I die
America, my America, God loves thee oh so well
So stay clean, loving and pure, and do not fall
God gave you life, America
Stand on His strength and hold close your faith
And you shall not fail
© 2021 All Rights Reserved
Sheila, age 16, written in 1965
When one finds a beautiful, enchanting flower, he plants it, takes very special care of it, and watches it grow to be even more beautiful.
Also, when one finds that certain person who fills his heart with sunshine, love begins and this is the planting.
He cherishes his one and only and he takes very special care of it.
Then, every day this flower-like love grows to be even more beautiful and so much stronger – that it becomes everlasting.
© 2021 All Rights Reserved
~ Sheila, age 15, Spring 1964
