Poets Salon: New Beginnings

POETS SALON

– 12/15/21

Hosted by Kathabela Wilson

twenty feet in the air
first time I flew he says
weeks by his side
while they repaired his wings
my resilient husband*

~ Kathabela

*(After a serious accident, hit by a small truck in a green light crosswalk.)

Ο Ο Ο

Genie Dancing in Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Center Institute, Spring Celebration
(Photo – Rosie Sato)

Genie Nakano

in December
my husband had two strokes
total eclipse…

I love this man
with little wings growing
a dragon who floats all around
Today is all I have
that’s what he has to say

we live for the day
watch the sun taking glory
our little dog wag no tail
we hold hands in the dark
take walks in the park
listen to tales of beyond

angel man
keep growing those wings
together we’ll fly out of here.

Ο

with
each breath
I begin

mind expanding
growing new pathways
right and left
the body electric
with frequencies of joy

Ο Ο Ο

Cloud exclamation (Photo – Pamela-Shea)

Pamela Shea

A week and days shy
Of one’s thirty-eighth birthday
Is too young to die

The recent hospitalization and death of my daughter’s life partner was one of the most profound experiences I have ever had. I found solace and emotional expression through writing poetry and getting out in nature, both of which have helped me navigate the ups and downs of existence throughout my life.

Moving into strength
Surrounded by gratitude
Accepting the good
Greeting opportunities
Leads us to discovery

The grief surfaces
Even in celebration
Waves are arising
To wash away heaviness
Buoying us into the light

Rest, My Daughter, rest
Allow healing to begin
For now is the time
To release tears and sadness
Into the ocean of love

Burn, Fire Friends, burn
Let water wash away ash
As earth supports us
For we are all connected
Gaining strength from each other

Clouds drift slowly
Like memories in my heart
A new day starts
And I hold on tightly
As birds twitter “let go”

Ο

Heart leaf (Photo – Pamela Shea)

New Beginnings: Notes and Credits

Genie Nakano is a poet, dancer, spoken-word performer, lover of animals, cook, gardener, yoga and meditation teacher, loves being with family, and has a passion for writing. She has published 3 books of tanka and haiku poetry. She lives in Gardena, CA. Her blog/web is: GenieNakano.com.

Pamela Shea says: “I have lived my entire life in the Los Angeles foothills, which I lovingly call my forever home, having been born in Glendale and living in Sunland, CA, for over forty years. I’m retired from having worked in the fields of health and fitness. I love hiking and photographing nature. I am the 9th Poet Laureate of Sunland-Tujunga, a position which has brought me great joy in connecting with my community and beyond.”

Memory Lane
> You will love to visit, with Grace Galton and Kris Kondo, the beauty of our related salon in 2018, "Encouragements and Consolations."

Submission Guidelines

Suggest your own theme. or write Kathabela for a theme suggestion. We publish every two weeks. Send short poems, free verse, haiku, senryu, tanka, cherita, haibun, tanka prose, short prose poems, etc., or your own unique approach, to Kathabela by text message or (click here to email her directly). We can feature your work again after five months. Multiple Submissions can be saved to appear later:

1. Send a short bio, with comments on your theme.
2. Send photos or artwork by you, or friends.
3. Put your poems directly in the email.
4. No attachments except photos.

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