Thursday, December 14, 2023. Cold out there as I write these words at midnight. Otherwise fair weather. But cold. I had dinner with Sharon King Hoge who writes for us about her travels covering the globe from this-at-home’s eyes traveling across the keyboard.
Leaving Sette after an evening discussing our anecdotal experiences in life, we cross the avenue to my car, my little Mini-Cooper convertible, get in, and the car won’t start. It lights up but after a single chug of the ignition, it turns off. Sharon, the world traveler, was more prepared along with the advice. She called AAA and was told a driver was on his way (from way across town).
Meanwhile I’m running back and forth to Sette to warm up. Finally, less than an hour after making the call, the very cheerful (truly) driver checked it out saying it sounded like the battery was dead. He jump-started it and off we went (after the AAA guy removed his cables from the motor). Tomorrow I will take it in for a new battery.
Moral of the story: there are times when we all need to recharge our batteries.
Which, speaking of: Last week I received this book in the mail. Firstly, I know the author, the poet, although that was/is his center. However the author is a particularly nice man, a good friend, kind, courteous, gracious but never presumptuous. So, being ready for some words of the poet at this particular time in our state of confounding, I opened the book.
I’m a voracious reader although don’t normally read poetry. I’m well aware of its power and importance. The words are simple and clear. They provide a voice as if it were being said to you.
Reading it, I naturally thought of the poet who is longtime friend. Although I soon found myself as the center of the words. And I liked them: brief, clear and real; like it or not. But comforting. And so, I wanted to recommend it as a perfect gift for a friend and anyone you like because it is simple; and a relief from those moments abounding all of us at one time or another (or all the time), and very often at this particular holiday in our lives; always.
It is soft-cover but sturdy and substantial for the better part of us. You can get it on Amazon.
Here are four examples, perfect to read when you can rest quietly for a few minutes –
The world too fast
To acknowledge
Your perfection.
I take it then
Upon myself.
Advice
To me:
Get rest,
And wear
The weight
Of self
Lightly.
Two more. Because they can read so quickly you may find it as a Whole poem –
The square refuses to square.
Geometry won’t add up.
Logic has surrendered and
The puzzle has rejiggered
Its ultimate solution.
I am lost in
Patisserie’s
Glass cases of sweets.
Bonbon ganaches,
Napoleon flats,
Raspberry whip?
Oh, the joys of
Sour postponed.
