AN ORDINARY FEBRUARY DAY
By Ann M. Clinton
The bashful sun hid in the gray cloudy sky
Too shy to stand bright and warm its admirers
The winter day remained cold, dim and quiet
There weren’t even any shadows to provide some visual amusement
Still there were those brave souls out for an afternoon walk
The playground was empty – no one was riding on the swings so busy on warm weather days with young children pumping their legs so they could reach high into the blue sky and glide pleasantly back and forth, back and forth down to earth.
Today the swings stood still.
It is an ordinary February day.

JANUARY

By Ann Clinton
January – cold and quiet
First month of the new year
Follows flashy, bright December
The month of good cheer
A long month of dark
Mornings and early nights
We patiently await spring
With its sunny sights
But cold, clear January
Offers a gift, too
Stars gleaming in a dark sky
Present a panoramic view!

Autumn Evening Mirage

By Ann M. Clinton

The warm autumn evening

Still held evidence of the

Sultry afternoon – bats now

Circled the street lamps

On this quiet country lane

One of the houses had large
Windows open to catch an

Errant breeze or two
I stopped for a moment

Drawn by the movement

At the window
I stepped closer
And saw a faint figure

She moved like a wraith

Filmy gown sweeping the floor
Her voice in cadence with

The whispering of her long

Flowing gown
it sounded like
She was asking

“Where are my glasses?”

She was joined by another figure
Shorter than she, also in a gown
That billowed as she walked and
Made a soft sound that seemed
To answer

“You are wearing them.” 


SEPTEMBER SONG
By Ann Clinton

See you in September
Happy greetings made in June
Those days we do remember
Colorful autumn came so soon

Exciting adventures planned for Fall
Encompassing journeys enjoyable for all
Inspired new energies do abound
Calls to action now resound

Engaged together on work begun
Our purpose enlightenment, education and fun
Sharing ideas and good conversation
Awaiting autumn’s treasures with anticipation

The Gray Wool Sweater

By Ann Clinton

 

Among the many brightly colored items

 

Residing in my clothing closet

 

There is one garment that is

 

Alien in its demeanor and style

 

There is no question it is different

 

And, that is its appeal

 

It hangs simply, almost sadly draped

 

A crooked sleeve of gray

 

Rests on its neighbor

 

A new blouse of lacy rose

 

Together they make the odd couple

 

Daring, vivacious and perhaps flamboyant

 

Accepting the gentle pressure

 

Of age and experience.

 

 

Ode to the Ladies who lunch

By

Ann Clinton

 

The room was dressed for an elegant party

Sheer curtains on the windows allowed

The spring sunlight to brighten the room

Floral centerpieces in yellow, lavender and pink

In crystal bowls sat atop the lace tablecloths

Place settings of fine china completed the table décor

 

Off to the side a long table held wrapped baskets

Filled with goodies and ready to be raffled

Some of the afternoon luncheon ladies

Would be going home with an extra prize or two

 

At noon the doors of this festive room would open

And the ladies who lunch, volunteer and share their

Considerable talents would enter the room

They would be bedecked in their spring finery

All ready for an afternoon of conversation,

Meeting new friends and honoring women who

Have made a difference in the community…

 

Congratulations to the ladies

Honored at this year’s luncheon

Virginia, Sallyann Cammie,

Joan, Edith, Elissa, Marie,

Margaret and Geraldine

 

 

Watching the World Go By

By

Ann M. Clinton
Regal white cruise ships glide by
Where are they going
I wonder with a sigh
Cargo ships, ferries and tankers
Pass my windows too
Ships sliding through the Narrows
Adding to my view
From my windows I can also see
Matchbox sized cars
– At least they seem so to me –
Moving along the Belt Parkway
Sometimes travelling slowly
At other times quite briskly

The full moon is a sight to behold
First pale yellow then shining gold
It starts low in the sky
Rising steadily over Brooklyn
As the river traffic goes by
A Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin moon
Which will be visible to all soon

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES

by Ann M. Clinton

Roiling clouds of black, silver and gray
Curtained an already worrisome day
Electric streaks roamed the sky
Claps of thunder sounded nearby
Darkness descended taking the light
Obscuring the sun – day becoming night

Would stars and moon shine once more?
Would morning appear just as before?

Havoc reigned for several hours
Torrents of rain then turned to showers
As morning crept near
Soft blue skies did appear
Welcoming breezes gentle and sweet
Inviting robins the morning to greet
Encouraging flowers to stand straight and tall
A new day beginning for one and all.

October Songs
By
Ann M. Clinton

1.
Stars shining and bright
Light up the clear autumn night
Days rich, golden and warm
Offer a garden where bees do swarm

2.
Apple trees laden and lush
Ready for picking – now don’t rush
Kitchens perfumed with cinnamon and spice
Anyone for pie – you don’t have to ask twice

3.
Gossamer clouds fill the sky
Watching those puffy clouds glide by
Lively imagination on high alert
Did some of those clouds
Look like witches on brooms
Dancing daintily around the full moon?

4.
Scarecrows standing survey their domain
Fields of pumpkins that remain
After children have enjoyed a great time
Choosing a special pumpkin a sure sign
HALLOWEEN WILL SOON BE HERE!!

Whispered Words
By

Ann M. Clinton

Floating on clouds puffy and light
Enjoying the moment – a magical night
Whispered words soft and sweet
Enough to make my world complete.