Best Keepsake Poems
The lace of a Lily
and grace of a bee
the face of a flower
and sun on the sea
Silhouette shadows
cloud painted skies
rivers of peace
a bird as she flies
colorful lichen
the succulents glow
still water mirrors
and Autumn’s first show
All of them captured
as moments in time
life’s truest treasure
these moments of mine
grandma gave paper money, I didn't spend
fragrance of her touch I saved
up there in stars she lives...
April 6, 2017.
Form K - Kimo - Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Broken Wings
Syllables: 10 /7 /6
across my bed
I drape
a vintage
handmade quilt
sewn with precision
and loving care
it keeps me warm
it keeps me safe
as if
at night
still in the arms
of my sweet grand-mother
as if
at night
she were still here
with me with us
Published in my 24-page photo/anthology ~ALWAYS WITH ME~ 2020
AP: 1st place 2025, Honorable Mention 2026
I hold in my hand Mama's old fold-up Kodak
In its steel-blue case shut with a tiny curved silver latch.
I carefully unlatch it, watch the worn-out flaky bellows
Extend like an unwelcome, nonfunctional ********,
Emitting a strange smell I remember from my childhood
Seventy years ago, when Mama sternly warned,
"Don't let me catch you playing with my camera! "
But I did, every chance I got; it beckoned to me
Like the epitome of enticement, the soft furry succulent
Cactus she warned us kids never to touch.
But I did, once … once, believe me, and never after!
And I said her camera was the only thing I wanted
That belonged to her when she was gone.
The cactus wrinkled and died years ago from lack of care.
Sacred to my heart,
An immemorial love:
Relic of my soul.
Scars from the past I keep for the sake of
Awareness, affirming I'm
Stronger and wiser now
Written April 1st, 2017 for the Kimo contest sponsored by Broken wings
Sue opens her late grandma’s trinket box
filled with pretty rings and beads
Which item should she choose?
Contest Form K Kimo
Sponsored by Broken Wings
04~02~17
The creek is running swollen from the snowmelt.
The nights are getting shorter day by day.
The crocus pose like dancers in recital;
A portrait of the garden’s first bouquet.
Forsythia bloom golden by the pathway.
Azaleas wait their turn along the fence.
And all of it together tells the story
Of nature living in the present tense.
The squirrels are acting frisky in the treetops
And rustle through the canopy above,
Emerging from a season’s hibernation
As patient and enduring as your love.
Today I’ll take my axe and split some cordwood,
Replace the stacks I’ve burned the winter through,
And when I have my second cup of coffee,
I’ll dedicate my resting thoughts to you.
Remember me
Not as I am
But how I used to be
Don't be afraid
To say my name
For you it's not forbade
Hate me not
I did not leave you
Please save me a spot
On the court
Or on the field
I'll be with you in your heart
-Miranda Lambert-
**This is a dedication to my husband for the loss of his brother Michael 07/13/10,
may you rest in peace and keep my dad company, we Love you!!**
twin oval azure pools reflect visage
memento of lovers' tryst
precious bundle gurgles
----------------------------------------------
1st April 2017
My first Kimo... written for the "Form K - Kimo" contest sponsored by Broken Wings.
(Third Place)
I cherish this doggie wrap
That hugged you, me at night,
A keepsake of warm adventures;
Piled with my own jacket--
I cherish this doggie wrap
A Bible, spine b r o k e n and pages worn
stirs memories of Mama;
her treasure my keepsake.
4/3/17
For Broken wings Form K Kimo contest
The Last Token
This last token, my true love gave
Before dying a soldier brave
A pearl necklace with pendant bright
I wear it always, day and night
It makes me feel that he is near
I'll ever cherish his love dear
He spent his life savings for me
And gave this love token freely
Today he is no more, I know
But his love is with me to show
His memories I hold so close
That only my pearl necklace knows
This last token my true love gave
And as I stand before his grave
I feel his presence close to me
He will always my true love be
04.01.2021
For Constance La France's "'K' contest, New or Old" contest
When I am at the end of my days
Remembering in so many ways
If there is only one thing I could take
Of all memories, one special Keepsake
It will not be an item of the norm
Not even a picture to keep me warm
Instead, it will not be a "thing" at all
An emotion, at will I can recall
These feelings held within my heart and soul
Eternally, I wish to swallow me whole
For it's this moment, here and now
Shout to the world, making my vow
I now know exactly what it
means
His love now, forever, and betweens
His love I can finally accept
One moment, a memory forever kept
So peaceful, I cannot bear to wake
To show my love, he is my keepsake
3/10/23
Writing Prompt- "K" Words
Place 2nd
Sponsor- Constance LA France
Tell me that you've felt a failure
In doing what was right
While pillows dampen, salty
Amidst the restlessness of night
A wonder, wonders bless the wicked
And the same thing in reverse
Ensure the gnarled vines of virtue
Aren't easily traversed
With what was once a gleaming moral compass
More a burden than a tool
Its rusting ends give rhyme to meaning well
A witty slogan of the fool
The firmest grasp fatigues to loosen
Slipping chains cut like a knife
In vain, try letting go completely
This blessed curse carried for life
As tainted blood drips from your calloused palm
And every orangy link
Try not to smirk upon the splashes
More rewarding than you'd think