There is Change in the Wind Part II

The wind is still blowing
and is predicted to blow
stronger, harder, longer
still
The wind is part of the change

There is one more wind chime
in my garden
a small wind chime rests
in the bare branches
of our potted lilac tree

a gift to my mother
while she still lived
loved by her grandchildren
despite her binges
as they always included
a great story

"just listen," she said, "it gets better
every time I tell it!"
I miss the stories
lost in time
I don't miss the drinking
but she won't mind

The lilac tree offers the promise
of blossoms in this it's ninth year
as we haven't seen it bloom yet
it's presence offers hope

until spring it's branches hold
only the miniature bird house
and tiny buds bursting from each branch

hanging from the painted bird house
are tiny silver chimes
only three
but three is enough
to play a tune

alone
they each are silent
last night people kissed
at midnight
I wasn't there to watch
like Cinderella
I ran home before
the midnight hour

while fire works exploded
my kisses sailed on the wind
to children grown and gone
to family & friends
to loves of my past
or love that has never been
I have not always been alone

and I know how to do this
how to live my life
which occasionally
I am true too

I create a grotto full of music
songs dancing on the wind
A plastic St. Francis
watches over all
protecting the illusion

An imaginary world
with substance and beauty
as long as we believe it is real
the birds come to eat and drink
and I watch the flowers bloom

A Ferdinand savoring their scent
in her quiet sanctuary
where I can see the river
and in the early morning
hear the ocean hum to me

I watch the bulbs reach skyward
a universe hidden
inside their d n a
I invite the angels in to play
& make new friends

I shall start the new year here
in my tree house nest
by writing, brushing my teeth,
walk, work, done...
"chop wood, carry water"
a pretty acceptable plan

I shall start the new year
by putting away the past
and embracing the present
savoring the days
as they sail past
on the winds of change

Change is good
as my change purse
will attest to
a gift from my youngest
knowing how it will
make me laugh

Change is also inevitable
the only constant I know
and I am the curious type
anxious to see the unfolding

to feel the wind in my hair
and hear the girlish laughter
of my mischievous, amazingly
amusing muses
as they sail by

taunting & teasing me
whistling a tune in my ear
knowing all the while
I am tone deaf

As I greet the morning
and the new year begins
I feel a surge of gratitude
carried on the wind

Thank you, my children,
for having blessed my life
Thank you, my friends,
for all the joy you bring.

Thank you, my family
for being brave & strong.
Thank you, old lovers
for having loved me.

Thank you, wind,
for bringing me my songs.
Thank you, Angels
of Love & Light
for bringing faith to find me
when I was lost.

Thank you, God,
for all this
and more.
Amen