(Joseph MacRae, February 26, 2025, feast day of Our Lady of the Fields (Paris). Image from my journal.)
Bear’s To-Do List
If only I could remember where I hid my honey jar
safe from prying eyes.
I now regret it is only safe from me.
Oh, the moment I find my precious honey jar —
I'll be a rich bear indeed.
*From prompt: Freewrite as inspired by these words: if, regret, rich. From Daisy Barrett-Nash’s Legacy Lines, February 26, 2025.
Mill Creek stream restoration gathering
Clemen's Lumbar Company, Philomath:
Old RD-8 Caterpillar at the abandoned Clemens' Mill
Interpretation day at Clemens' Scout Lodge
Our True Spirit Rises*
The poets, they understand —
Keep writing.
Against bird flu, doom scrolling, anything
makes you think there is no hope,
Close your eyes, some simple verses
sky, she sweeps
earth flowers — reaps
It will get your mind off your troubles.
Not dwelling but creating, growing
in Light — a remedy in wait.
Take daily.
*Title is quoted from Audre Lorde, Poetry Is Not a Luxury.
*From prompt: Reflect on this past year's engagement in Daisy Barrett Nash's Legacy Lines (Writers at Play), what stands out? February 12, 2025.
(Joseph MacRae, February 5, 2025, feast day of the The Elets-Chernigov (Chernigov Spruce Tree) Icon of the Mother of God. Image from here.)
How to Make Peace
Start at home.
Start simply.
Mend bitterness, quarrels, disagreements with I love you. I forgive you.
Please forgive me. May God forgive the both of us.
Reach out at work. Don't be afraid to say I'm sorry for what happened
the other day — the greening with envy, seeing red, white lies.
Give forgiveness, if you would receive forgiveness.
Love your family, neighbors, your co-workers. Yes, even the one
who always sneaks the last cookie, snags your parking spot.
Love and forgiveness, it is a beginning.
*Freewrite as inspired by Audre Lorde’s “The Cancer Journals” (from Daisy Barrett Nash’s Legacy lines, January 29 and February 5, 2025)
(Joseph MacRae, February 26, 2025, feast day of Our Lady of the Fields (Paris). Image from my journal.) Bear’s To-Do List If only I could re...
