Author / Cheryl Batavia

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Posts by Cheryl Batavia

A retired teacher and mother of three adult children, I live on the Gulf Coast of Florida with my soulmate, Robert. Leisure activities include discussing current events with Robert, watching movies, and playing Scrbble. Robert usually wins! I also enjoy going to the beach and taking road trips with my daughters. One of our favorite pastimes is observing the wonderful wildlife that surrounds us. I keep busy writing poetry, and I would be delighted if you visited my website!
by Cheryl Batavia

Beauty Berries

Female Cardinal
Male Cardinal

Photos by Joshua J. Cotten from Unsplash

Beauty Berries, Photo by Cheryl Batavia

Beauty Berries

Cardinal perches, so alive,

atop a beauty berry bush,

fluffing feathers, bright-eyed,

she surveys the bounty.

Clustered along the branches,

green pearls ripening

to plump, shiny berries…

magenta meals for birds.

Fuzzy leaves fading

at summers end,

reveal beauty berries

in all their autumn splendor.

Echoing in the woods beyond,

cardinals are calling…

rippling silver songs

of unadulterated joy!

Copyright 2020 by Cheryl Batavia

by Cheryl Batavia

BABY, Service Dog

BABY on the Job with Joseph Batavia

BABY, Service Dog

BABY’s not a pet…

she’s my service dog.

BABY’s well-trained;

she has a very important job.

BABY knows it’s time to work

when she is wearing her vest.

BABY reads my every mood.

She knows when I am stressed.

BABY loves to work;

I take her everywhere.

I am calm and safe

because my service dog is there.

BABY on the Job in the Forest, Photo by Joseph Batavia

Then we go home to chill;

I take off BABY’s vest.

BABY eats her supper

and flops down for a rest.

I find a movie on Netflix

and lock the door.

BABY cuddles up beside me,

and I listen to her snore.

BABY is my friend.

a member of my family.

I take care of BABY,

and she looks out for me.

Copyright© 2020 by Cheryl

Service dogs are trained and certified to help disabled people to live independently. The first and most well-known service dogs assist those who are blind, but service dogs and other service animals now help people with a variety of disabilities. For example, there are dogs who assist those in wheel chairs and people with epilepsy. Remember not to distract a dog who is wearing a service vest. Never pet or feed a service dog without the owner’s permission.

by Cheryl Batavia

Honeybunch & Sunshine

Photo by The Lucky Neko from Unsplash

Honeybunch & Sunshine

Babysitter’s cat

had kittens. Wow! Honeybunch

was so excited!

Calico kitten,

Sunshine, was a birthday gift…

Honeybunch was three.

Photo by hp koch from Unsplash

Small girl and kitten…

Honeybunch and her Sunshine

became lifelong friends.

Sunshine was sunny…

swatting and chasing cat toys,

purring and snuggling.

Photo by Kate Stone Matheson from Unsplash

Cuddled in slumber,

Honeybunch and Sunshine roamed

in the land of dreams.

Hiking through the woods,

Sunshine walked with Honeybunch

down to the river.

Photo by omid armin from Unsplash

Honeybunch grew up,

Sunshine lived for fourteen years…

They were lifelong friends.

Copyright© 2020 by Cheryl Batavia

by Cheryl Batavia

Purple Ruellia

Purple Ruellia, Photo by Cheryl Batavia

Purple Ruellia

Ruellia flowers open

with the sunrise,

bringing joy…

and vivid butterflies!

Ruellia mingles with stick-tights,

so you think it’s a weed?

You must be joking, friend…

a weed? No, indeed!

Mexican petunia

is its other name.

Even if it were a weed,

I’d love it just the same!

The garden book warns

it’s invasive; don’t be surprised

if you hear me describe ruellia…

as “naturalized!”

Copyright© 2020 by Cheryl Batavia

by Cheryl Batavia

Parenthood

Photo by Jordan Whitt from Unsplash

Parenthood

Child in agony.

Parent watching powerless

to take pain away.

We share children’s pain…

from scraped knees to tragedies

to their misspent years.

If we didn’t love,

we wouldn’t feel the anguish…

wouldn’t share the joys!

Photo by Wonderlane from Unsplash

Copyright 2020 by Cheryl Batavia

Hello, everyone! It’s so good to be back! 🙂 I have a new computer battery. Two new features, Archives and Categories, have been added to my site. Just click “Archives” at the top of the menu next to the folder icon, and you will find both of them there.

Over the next few days, I’ll be catching up on my emails. I know I’ll find some gems! ❤ All the best! Cheryl

by Cheryl Batavia

What’s this World… Coming to?

Photo by Nashua Volquez from Pexels

What’s this World Coming to?

Costs today are skyrocketing.

Look how much the plumber’s pocketing!

Technology is changing way too fast!

Let’s continue doing thngs as we did in the past.

Singers today sound like sick cats!

Why do parents let kids dress like that?

Nothing these days is made to last.

Quality and service are things of the past!

You won’t hear me making remarks like this;

I may be over the hill, but I try to resist!

Well, you might hear me say a thing or two,

but only when I’m sure that it’s true!

Reprinted from Life in Inspiring Places

Copyright© 2019 by Cheryl Batavia

This will be the last post for a while. I will be taking a break, doing some computer maintenance, and catching up on neglected tasks. When I return, I will need to reduce computer time to give my eyes more rest. All the best! Stay safe and be happy! ❤ ❤ ❤ Cheryl

by Cheryl Batavia

Hurricane Laura

Hurricane, Photo by NASA from Unsplash

Hurricane Laura

A killer hurricane named Laura

wrecked homes, fauna, and flora.

Roaring across the Gulf Coast,

raining and blowing, doing her utmost

to be remembered as a horror!

Copyright© 2020 by Cheryl Batavia

Hurricane Laura made landfall in Louisiana, US, on 8/27/20, reportedly the strongest hurricane ever recorded there. After causing widespread destruction, and six reported deaths, it was downgraded to a tropical storm and is currently headed north along the Atlantic coast.

by Cheryl Batavia

Dreamers & Dreams

Shopping Trip, Photo by Jonjakkapat Parrueng from Unsplash

Dreamers & Dreams

Infants & Toddlers

An afternoon nap,

learning how to walk and talk,

a warm hug from Mom.

Childhood

Watch cartoons with Dad,

birthdays and school days,

take care of your pets.

Middle School

Talk on your smart phone,

sleepovers and soccer games,

a new ten-speed bike.

High School

A date to the dance,

college entrance exam grades,

part-time job, first car.

University

Seeking vocation,

finding the perfect soul-mate,

looking for a job.

Adulthood

Building a career,

establishing a family,

children growing up.

Middle Age

Secure and stable,

serving the community,

children succeeding.

Senior Citizen

Love your grandchildren,

mentor next generation,

work on bucket list.

Copyright© 2020 by Cheryl Batavia

by Cheryl Batavia

Tropical Storm Marco

Morning View from My Window, Photo by Cheryl Batavia

Tropical Storm Marco

Bright Florida dawn.

Sun streaming in the windows…

Marco expected.

After morning tea,

comes tropical storm Marco,

gray sky and breezy.

Reading my emails.

Suddenly I realize…

it’s sunny again!

Preparing my lunch.

Wind! Sheets of silvery rain…

Marco blowing through!

Late afternoon sun…

Louisiana awaits

Marco’s arrival.

Copyright© 2020 by Cheryl Batavia