Florida Poison Ivy
Bold poison ivy…
red leaves in January.
Last blaze of autumn!
Long days and warmer weather…
Autumn lingers into spring.
Copyright© 2021 by Cheryl Batavia
Florida Poison Ivy
Month / January 2021
In Celebration of Home
In Celebration of Home
Learning
rythm of place,
the passage of time here.
Ever-changing seasons roll by…
one year.
Mindful,
we have lived here,
sleeping, dreaming, waking
in a world of endless wonders,
our home.
Grateful
for sun rising
and setting in splendor,
waxing and waning of the moon,
bright stars.
Peaceful
domain of green woods,
play of light and shadow.
Whispers of breezes, songs of birds
soothe us.
Wisdom
from wild creatures
making their living here
in profusion of simple joys.
Serene.
Peace lives
under our roof.
Love lives within our walls.
Windows frame nature’s spectacle…
souls soar!
Our home…
solace from cares,
sphere of the mind and heart;
dreams and desires find fulfillment
within.
Copyright© 2021 by Cheryl Batavia
Although we had planned never to move again, we left our beloved home near the beach and moved inland to escape red tide. This poem celebrates one year in our new home as of February 17, 2021.
Lost & Alone
Lost & Alone
Lost and alone you are now!
Destination unexplored.
Light becomes darkness,
day becomes night.
Friendship unanticipated,
unfounded fears…
companions are strangers!
Shared experience,
shared fire and food.
Seen and heard…
Empathy.
Heard and seen,
food and fire shared,
experience shared.
Strangers are companions…
fears unfounded,
unanticipated friendship!
Night becomes day,
darkness becomes light.
Unexplored destination…
Now are you alone and lost?
Copyright© 2021 by Cheryl Batavia
This is my first attempt at writing a palindrome poem. My thanks to David, at Ben Alexander for his explanation of his method for writing a palindrome and for his encouragement.
Lounging Around
Lounging Around
Stretched out on green grass,
finding pictures in the clouds
and four-leaf clovers.
Supine in the snow,
arms and legs stretching outward.
Sculpting snow angels.
Sprawling on the rug,
playing with a new puppy.
Wiggles and wet kisses.
Lounging on the beach…
eating ice cream, feeding gulls,
talking, holding hands.
Sleeping warm in bed,
snuggled under the covers,
alarm set for six.
Lolling on the couch,
old movies, buttered popcorn.
Relaxation mode.
Soaking in the tub,
warm bubble bath, soft music.
Children fast asleep.
Bedded in a tent,
cricket songs and coyotes.
Camping with the kids.
Dozing in a hammock,
taking an overdue nap.
Smell of fresh-cut grass.
Loafing on the chaise,
watching grandchildren playing.
Iced tea with lemon.
Copyright© 2021 by Cheryl Batavia
Florida in Red
Red Leaves
Autumn at Christmas.
Red poinsettias linger,
welcoming the spring.
Red Sky
Red winter sunrise.
Short winter days grow longer.
Red winter sunset.
Red Birds
Cardinal’s crimson.
January…spring fever.
Woods ring with bird songs.
Copyright© 2021 by Cheryl Batavia
Florida’s Change of Seasons
The change of seasons is subtle in South Florida. Times given vary, but are approximate for where I live.
In Florida, most trees and plants are green all year, but some are deciduous. Red Maples and Virginia creeper are among Florida’s deciduous plants. Their leaves turn red in late December and fall around New Year’s.
Poinsettias are native to Mexico and grow well in South Florida. They typically bloom in December, and their red bracts stay on the plants for several months. Pink and white are other popular poinsettia colors.
As is true in many places, winter sunrises and sunsets tend to be especially vivid.
Male cardinals get their bright mating plumage in mid-January, and the woods, which have been silent for a while, are alive with bird songs. Spring and baby birds will not be far behind.
United We Stand
Our best days still lie ahead. Together we will choose hope over fear, unity over division, and truth over lies.
Joe Biden
United We Stand
We Americans are a strong people.
We will reclaim our democracy
and restore the American dream.
“Equal…under the law,”
“endowed…with…unalienable rights…
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,”
“a government of laws, not of men.”
“United we stand, divided we fall…”
United we stand.
Please see the sources for the quotes used in this poem at the end of the post.
Copyright© 2021 by Cheryl Batavia
Pledge of Allegiance
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Sources of Quotes in the Poem, “United We Stand”
“Equal Justice under the Law” adapted from the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution. Inscribed on the front of the US Supreme Court building.
“endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” President Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence.
“government of laws, not of men” President John Adams
“United we stand, divided we fall.” Origin unknown. Motto of the State of Kentucky
Pajama Days
Pajama Days
Cozy pajamas,
no neckties and no high heels…
My laptop and me.
Comfy in loungewear,
feet up, hair down, my music…
Me and my laptop.
Rocking baggy sweats,
snacktime on the balcony…
My smartphone and me.
Working, learning remotely,
blogging, creativity.
Copyright© 2021 by Cheryl Batavia
As the coronavirus pandemic comes to an end, families who have been working and learning remotely may be returning to school and to the workplace. Though most are eager to return to normalcy, many will have moments of nostalgia over “pajama days.” Fido will miss them.
Gulf Coast Poet 