Smiling - Day 1 of April Poem a Day Challenge

A friend of my daughters

And my sons

When he's with us, he feels like one

Of my own, that is.

Appearing last week

In his camos and boots

At my front door

Smiling, like he always does.

Succeeding in his covert surprise

I tried not to cry

His mother and I sharing

A knowing glance

How to make this last?

I don't know where she

Finds the strength

If his absence breaks my heart

Then how...? Never mind

Because he is here

Right now

At my front door

Smiling, like he always does.

 

 

Caren E. Salas

 

 



April is National Poetry Month, and for the past few years I've participated in Robert Lee Brewer's Poem a Day Challenge. He posts prompts on his website, which will hopefully inspire me. For Day 1 (yesterday actually) the prompt was "New Arrivals" and could be arrivals of any kind. This poem is dedicated to our friend Nate (I've mentioned him before) and his mother Sharon.

Stand Tall

Always stand tall
Whatever you do
With a heart burning brave
And a life that shines true.

Don't ever have doubts
Let your dreams take you far,
Why reach for the sky
When your soul owns the stars?

But if on your journey
It feels lonely, or rough,
If your will and your strength
Ever don't seem enough;

Just keep standing tall
Keeping this thought in mind:
Those who love and support you
Are not far behind.


Caren E. Salas


This is for Nate, my unofficially adopted son, and for Sharon, his real mother, who has a brave heart too.

When You're Here

I don't want to hope too much
Afraid my dreams won't come true;
Worrying I might jinx it
Somehow, and my wait will be
Longer still. Still I will wait
Believing, not believing.

You say you'll see me soon;
Nothing could keep you away,
But yet so much can happen
Over time. So forgive me
My fears, anticipating;
I'll believe it when you're here.

Caren E. Salas

Robert Lee Brewer's Wednesday Poetry Prompt: "I'll believe it when..."
Dedicated to those with loved ones in the military, overseas and elsewhere.
Photo: nctimes.com