Lenton Rose

A time to reflect,
earth looks forward
to the resurrection,
the lengthening of days.

Tulips spring forth
from their winter's tomb,
bluebirds lift praise songs
in the poplar trees.

Purple and white blossoms
nod their heads
along a stone sidewalk,
gems in a garden.

A girl's tears fell
on the snow,
angels turned them
into the Lenten Rose.
                --Brenda Kay Ledford

Wishing all my blogger friends a blessed Lent season and very happy Easter!

Brenda

Coronavirus

Our weather here in Western North Carolina just can't make up its mind whether it's winter or spring.  The jonquils are blooming early.  Last Saturday snow dusted these little flowers, but they just kept on letting their little light shine.

Well, we are having some hard times now.  The coronavirus worries a lot of folks.  Last night national news said, "It's not if the coronavirus comes to the United States, but when."

They suggested we get some supplies and "get ready" for the pandemic to strike!

I hadn't been too much worried about this epidemic until last night when national news gave us that warning.  Frankly, it scared me to think that this horrible disease might strike America.  I saw where they are working 24/7 trying to manufacture enough masks for our country.

This morning I called every pharmacy, health care facility, the health department, Wal-Mart, and hardware in our area trying  to locate a mask just in case the coronavirus reaches our part of the country.  I could not find a mask anywhere.  I looked online and even there they had sold out and would not restock for another month.

Fear overcame me.  What if the epidemic reached America?  What would we do to prepare for it?

I tried one more place looking for a mask.  A new hardware in Hayesville, George's Hardware, did have just a few masks left, but said they were in very short supply.  The clerk promised to save me a mask until I got to town.  It was indeed amazing that I was able to find a mask.

Now I know how it feels to be afraid of a pandemic.  My parents survived the polio epidemic, the flu epidemic, measles, small pox, TB, and other health crises.  How did they live through such fear?

I know the Lord took care of my parents, my grandparents, and my family.  He's the same God yesterday, today and forever.  I'm just believing that He will take care of us now and we will make it through this latest crisis.  As the old song goes, "I'm living by faith."

I hope all my blogger friends stay well and healthy.  My prayers are with you and that the coronavirus will not reach America and will end in the other countries.

As spring approaches our little part of the country, the light of Christ will shine on us, too.

 

The Little Leprechauns

There were some leprechauns
where the shamrocks leap.
They slid down a rainbow

and splashed in gold.
They danced with glee
because you see

they found a pot of gold
at the end of the rainbow.
After an Irish rain,

the little men sang
and wished little Reagan
Happy St. Paddy Day!
  --Brenda Kay Ledford

This poem appeared in "Pancakes in Heaven" journal.

I wish all my blogger friends a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Brenda

THE COLOR PINK

Pink is playful,
blowing bubble gum,
licking cotton candy.

Pink is a peony
perfuming the crisp air,
a rain shower of petals.

Pink is calming
like a mountain stream
making sweet music.

Pink is creative,
playing notes
inspiring the artist.

Pink is pretty,
soft as a bed
of feathers.

Pink is love,
a dozen roses
on Valentine's Day.
            --Brenda Kay Ledford

This poem appeared in "West End Poets Newsletter,"
                                       December/January/February 2020

Happy Valentine's Day to my blogger friends!

Brenda

Song of the Red Birds

Listen to the songs
of the red birds perched
on the highest branch
of the naked tree,
the east wind tosses
their feathers,
tilting their heads
to the snowflakes twirling
across the woods,
the Red Birds trill,
"Cheer!  Cheer!  Cheer!"
on the grayest day
of the New Year,
they do not hear
the other creatures
complaining and shivering
in the cold winter,
the Red Birds keep
a cheerful song of their hearts
as they bob and sing.
          --Brenda Kay Ledford

This poem appeared in "Pancakes in Heaven,"
                                       January 2020 issue

I wish all my blogger friends a very happy New Year!

Christmas Presents

                                 My great-niece, Reagan, and her Grandma Barbara



Little hands rip the paper
from the Christmas presents,
Reagan jumps up and down with glee.

Decorations sparkle on the tree,
surprises tumble from boxes,
little hands rip paper.

The adults laugh and clap,
a puppy sings merry tunes
from the Christmas presents.

For awhile peace reigns,
we celebrate with childish eyes,
Reagan jumps up and down with glee.
                --Brenda Kay Ledford

I wish all my blogger friends a blessed Christmas and joyful New Year!

Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving Day,
I gaze out the window,
reflect upon my blessings.

Beauty unfolds:
layers of blue ridges rolling,
ancient Appalachian Mountains.

Home of the Cherokee Indians,
feather clouds floating
through the azure skies.

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice leaves
flutter in the wind,
poplars wave their gold palms.

A wedge of geese
trumpets above corn shocks
and drives down on the pond.

Maples reflect like cinders
on the aqua waters.
White-tailed deer appear

like ghosts from the laurel thicket,
the last rose scents the cove;
I'm grateful for many blessings.
                     --Brenda Kay Ledford

I hope all my blogger friends will have a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
Brenda