poem

Breeze in My Fur

Happily walking towards my mom’s car,
Orange leash tethered to my harness.
Walking sideways with a wiggle and joy,
I hear my mom opening the car with her keys.

“Ready, Tuffy? Jump!”

I finally figured the way in, that is right.
Sitting in the rear seat of my mom’s car,
A little whine and she understands.
Mom lowers the windows just for me.

Cool fresh breeze tickling my whiskers,
Smelling Spring’s sweet air.
Shedding season it is, but I don’t mind,
My scent is strong, Mom reminds me all the time!

Riding on my mom’s car at the back seat,
Adventures with her are always unique.
The last time she tried the small trunk instead,
I tumbled down when the door opened wide.
Pressed against the door like jam in a jar,
Poor mom felt guilty – that went too far!

My hair floats free in golden clouds,
Dancing in sunlight like summer dreams.
Mom wrinkles her nose but I don’t know why.
The smell of the car mixed with spring’s delight,
the feel of breeze caressing my fur,
pure joy I cannot hide.

The sounds of vehicles passing by,
A rock music to my ears under the spring blue sky.
The people who wave at me as we drive along,
Their friendly waves make my tail wag with glee.
The dogs in other cars catching my eye,
Some friendly and some shy as we pass by.

Sometimes I bark at dogs we pass by,
Some get a wag, others a fierce “Hi!”
Mom laughs at my selective hellos,
The way I choose friends, nobody knows.
So many humans smile when they see my face,
My Labrador joy spreads all over the place.

My nose pressed to the window glass,
Taking in scents as landscapes pass.
Mom says, “Tuffy, you smell so bad!”
I tilt my head – why is she sad?
I notice her cracking the window more wide,
As I continue enjoying the ride!

At traffic lights, I sit up tall,
Gazing at people and places we pass by.

Where are we going? I wonder with glee,
Our favorite trails with trees to see?
Is it the wooded trail where squirrels play?
Or just a simple neighborhood walk today?
Perhaps the groomer’s where I happily recline,
The brushing and pampering feeling simply divine!

Each place holds joy, each trip a treat,
With mom beside me, life is sweet!

From Heartbeats to Manhood: Twenty Years with my Dear Son, Manav

Five years into our journey together,
You joined our family, changing us forever.

The Beginning

Ecstatic to know new life grew within,
The changing shape, a joy I’d never been.
Though skinny all my life before this time,
Each flutter in my womb felt so sublime.
Cravings strange and new consumed my days,
The sweets I sought – now your beloved ways.

March light was shining when you came to be,
When placed within my arms, all pain set free.
A joy so deep, no words could ever convey,
Your serious eyes, my father’s look at play.
A legacy continued, wise and true,
A story spanning generations through you.

Little Explorer

As a toddler quiet, rarely did you cry,
Drawers and cupboards caught your watchful eye.
The kitchen was your playground, full of charms,
Utensils scattered freely by your arms.
On dishwasher doors perched with pure delight,
Forks and spoons in vents – a puzzling sight.
We’d rush our chores before you’d hear and run,
Your ears so sharp, determined, quick to come.
Unstoppable your spirit, bright with fun.

Growing Mind

Your childhood days were focused, sharp, precise,
With puzzles, presidents, and Legos to entice.
So trusting was your heart, so kind your way,
Your brother’s tricks you’d fall for day by day.
We captured every moment, smile and tear,
Each memory a treasure we hold dear.

Compassionate Teen

As teenage years arrived, your heart stayed true,
Birthdays at shelters showing what you’d do.
“Bring food, not gifts,” you’d tell your friends with care,
Your simple giving spirit, rich and rare.
You taught us how compassion lights the way,
Your wisdom far beyond your years each day.

Letting Go

Now independent, strong you’ve grown to be,
Though part of me would keep you close to me.
Sometimes I wish to pull you back within,
With love I’ve learned to let your spirit win.
Your happiness, the gift I’m thankful for,
As you explore what life has held in store.

From our safe nest you’ve flown to distant halls,
A college journey heeding learning’s calls.
Each month we meet, our arms stretched wide to hold
The man you’re fast becoming, brave and bold.

The Man Today

Still focused, loving, steadfast in your ways,
Unconditional our love through all your days.
We thank you for the person that you are,
A guiding elder brother, like a star,
Supporting siblings with your gentle hand,
A role you’ve always seemed to understand.

Forever Love

My baby, boy, and man—all three in one,
From heartbeats beneath my skin to who you’ve become.
A young man standing tall with strength and grace,
My love grows deeper as you set your pace.
Know that your mother’s heart is always near,
Through triumphs bright or mistakes made from fear.

Twenty years of watching wonder grow,
Twenty years of love that overflows,
Twenty years of memories we treasure so,
And countless more as life continues to unfold.

The Awakening: A Personal Ode to Spring

After winter’s grip, when darkness falls at four,
And cold restricts my breath, my walks, and more,
Boredom and laziness creep like frost across my mind,
As sinus troubles leave me slow, confined.
Headaches plague me when I dare to step outside,
Despite layers double-covering me, head to toe, I hide.

But March arrives with warming, gentle rays,
Inviting me to venture out with confidence these days.
Without the fear of sinus pain and strife,
I breathe fresh air that reinvigorates my life.

The birds return, their songs fill morning skies,
Virginia’s Warbler notes so crisp and clear,
The Towhee’s gentle mew, a sweet surprise,
Grosbeak’s calls that make each pathway dear,
Titmouse chatters as the sun does rise,
While Sapsucker’s odd voice brings springtime near.

Their symphony, a healing music so sweet,
As daylight stretches, winter’s grip retreats.
My dog bounds joyful on our lengthened walks,
Smelling gleefully the fresh grass wet from night’s rain.
While nature silently, yet deeply talks
Through tender buds and leaflets, bright and new,
And cherry blossoms, pink in morning dew.

My body freshens with the vitamin D,
As sunlight bathes and sets my spirit free.
The people, too, emerge with brightened face,
With random chats and smiles in every place.
The elderly venture out to feel the sun,
Acknowledging that spring has now begun.

This season celebrates renewal’s power,
As hibernation ends with every flower.
My hibernation’s physical souvenirs
Dissolve with steps that banish winter’s hold,
As longer trails and warmer days unlock
The energy that winter had suppressed,
My limbs feel lighter, spirit less distressed.

Spring whispers promises of life reborn,
As butterflies and honeybees swarm blooms just formed.
Tulips unfurl in vibrant celebration,
Virginia Bluebells carpet forest floors with blue elation.
Bloodroot – lovely and delicate – dots leaf-covered ground,
Where Shenandoah trails with spring’s treasures abound.

My balcony awaits its freshly potted flowers,
A tradition kept through countless springtime hours,
Each year to nurseries with my son I go,
A cherished ritual since he was five years old.
We carefully choose blooms, his picks and mine,
Our balcony transformed to my happy shrine.

This special place where hours slip away,
As I watch sky and trees throughout the day.
I meditate and listen to the birds,
Their evening murmuration needs no words,
Inspiring me to write, my journaling, poems and stories.

Happy, cheerful, fresh – the words that fill my heart,
When spring approaches and winter’s clouds depart.
My inner landscape mirrors spring’s release,
Each blossom bringing undoubted peace.