REPRIEVE

My eyes seeped through the Willow tree

My eyes seeped through the willow tree
Walked along the grass and sand
And immersed in the cool lake water

My ears listened to the still quiet air,
The occasional passing hum of a tiny airborne insect,
And my own heartbeat, alternating with occasional intestinal rumble

My thoughts flew across the sky to the water’s other edge
Exploring the mountainside where I peeked into the mouth of a cave
To see a mysterious creature napping quietly in the dark coolness

From the porch chair I had not moved
Except my eyes to blink away the warm dry air
And my hand to swat away a fly

A rare reprieve I briefly found
Contrasting completely to the fast pace of modern noise
That most often engulfs and exhausts me

CARTWHEEL FOR GRANDMA

IMG_0699IMG_0700Grandma came to visit

She never looks the same

She lives far away

So on the plane she came

 

I drew her a special picture

And wrote her some words so dear

She loves these things I know

Because she always smiles with a tear

1468698_730652626964332_279971798_n

I showed her my best cartwheel

My sister played her song

My brother did his yoyo tricks

Then we giggled and hugged the night long

 

Grandma says we’ve grown too much

And she thinks we are all so pretty

But it is difficult to understand us

When our voices blend completely

BREAD OF LIFE

I am proud to say that my husband, SKIP BLANCETT, has been an outstanding leader, through truth and by example, the entire time I have known him.  We have been married for 47 years as of last May, and I cannot count all the “beautiful flowers that have bloomed” due to his influence and example throughout these years.

 I wrote the following poem some years ago when disappointed with the dishonesty of a  person in a leadership role.  It was a sad truth that I had not seen before that time and it was a struggle to find understanding.  I am posting this poem now as a testament to the honest, moral character, and outstanding leadership example I have witnessed personally in Skip all these years.

Skip is also the hardest working individual I have ever known and will give of himself whatever it takes to help someone, to solve a problem, to help make a situation better, or whatever positive difference it is within his power to do.  I have seen him do it over and over again.  If it is possible at all, he will accomplish it at all personal cost.  Unfortunately, not everything can be fixed quickly and not everything can be fixed to please everyone.  I can say that I know he will not give up trying.

With all this said, I am asking each of you to vote for Skip to be re-elected  Mayor in the May 7th election.  Everyone’s vote will be needed due to the possibility of numerous write-in mistakes. Many could see just one name on the ballet to mark and might not think to write in a name.  We are doing everything we know to make it easy.  We need all the help we can get. Tell your friends and neighbors to vote!  Personally take them to vote if necessary.  Thank you for all you do. This is so very important for the best future of Salado.

Gratefully,

Gayle Blancett

BREAD OF LIFE

In the name of power

Compromises are made

Twisted truths come down in a shower

As words are shaped to reflect a slightly different shade

 

What is this power driven monster

Hidden beneath the surface so smug

That constantly mistruths bolster

Could it be the simple need of an admiring hug?

 

Our trusted leaders

Great responsibilities hold

Certainly they should be truth creators

For such character one must be very bold

 

True and lasting power is among the fruit that is given

It blooms in life as a most beautiful flower

A sweet bread created with a truth leaven

For all of humanity to devour

 

BIRTH OF BEAUTY

Forgive me if you have seen this one before on my website.  It is in my 2012 archives. 

Beauty comes from within, I know

But on the outside it best does show

Seeded deeply in the heart

From where sincere meaning must start

It germinates with nutrients gathered from the soul

And works its way to the surface to reach its splendid goal