Musings

All posts in the Musings category

Spirits in the Night

Published April 28, 2016 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

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There’s a story on the island

of spirits in the night,

a special place where they go to dance

on the sand in the midnight moonlight.

You can hear them singing

and laughing

as they hide in the fog,

they play hide-n-seek and

ride the surf’s roll.

You won’t see their faces—

but they see your soul,

they watch you and hear you

as the island winds blow.

Their seaweed hair wet,

limbs swaying in the mist,

the moonlight gone,

as the sand turns cold,

they return each night,

it’s their favorite place;

well—

that’s what I’m told.

(Photo and poem by:
Kathleen Stevens)

An Old Woman

Published April 28, 2016 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

112

Beneath the shade of an old oak tree,

there sat an old woman

completely free,

humming and singing

an unfamiliar song,

with sounds so sweet

and words not long.

Her white sun-kissed hair

blowing like a running mare

on the tails of the wind,

and her tan leathery skin,

draped with a dress

vibrant in colors

and apparently unpressed.

A spell she cast on me

as I sat near,

how lovely, how serene,

with smells of sweet flowers

awakening in the spring.

A warmth filled my soul

as I closed my eyes,

how peaceful was the

never-ending blue sky.

I could stay there for hours,

no time was addressed,

I had no where to be

and,

I needed the rest.

(photo and poem by: Kathleen Stevens)

Never Ending Abyss

Published January 21, 2016 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

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Your unwavering stance

Occupied a barren region,

Lingering there like a withering flower

Before you ultimately departed;

I suffered–

Missing our laughs, and talks,

And trips to new places –

I endured your scarcity;

I mourn we loss the time

To conquer our declining bonds,

Previous to your leaving, and you

Finding a new dwelling place,

Somewhere I cannot visit-

The ever unfathomable crevice

Between us –

Befalls a mystery to me,

I meditate upon the why.

What threw us into that chasm?

Our not holding each other dear,

Dropping us into that never ending abyss –

I assumed it would pass with the rain,

Then we would have another day,

Another laugh, another talk, one more hug.

It never came to pass –

With great sadness –

Tears grasp around my throat, my mind, my heart.

I shake my head and I say, “Not”.

How I wish it naught!

(Painting and Poem by: Kathleen Stevens/2015)

Capture of a Moment

Published January 13, 2016 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

back yard5

The capture of a moment,

A song that is sung,

Words dancing across the page,

Began when I was still young.

In my heart of memories

There is a special revise,

Seizing steely rains

Rippling through dark and

Forging angry skies-

Issuing me a process

To thrust Heaven’s gate wide,

Escorting in the sunshine

To the chambers of my mind,

Allowing me to capture words,

At times along with goodbyes,

And yet, stringing them together,

Fashioned and designed,

Freeing them to dance,

For moments at a time.

(Poem and Photo by: Kathleen Stevens/2016)

A Winter’s Wish

Published December 29, 2015 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

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I yearn to lie down

On the soft green grass,

And feel the sun’s warmth upon my face,

Allowing my mind to find a peaceful rest,

And put the day’s troubles in a box

Stored away for another day.

I long to hear the birds sweet songs,

And watch the harmony of the leaves

Dancing and floating by the wind’s soft breath.

A sigh released from deep within my chest,

I close my eyes,

And rest.

A Poet’s Pen

Published December 13, 2015 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

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A cold winter night-

in my sentiment my muse arose

depositing poetry at hand,

with way of my pen—

my contemplation obtaining shape,

my face against the wind,

my essence engaging in words realigning,

together with stillness of reason

and spirit unconfined,

language assembled,

selected in the same way as a trusted friend-

with my muse, I write.

(photo by: Kathleen Stevens/2015)

Where Did You Go?

Published December 6, 2015 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

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When the night is dark,

And the moon is absent from the sky,

And a choir of crickets sings their own lullaby,

Where do you go?

When my arms remain empty

And the wind gently whispers my name,

And I gaze upon the stars,

Where do you go?

When my heart aches to feel your breath

And the warmth of your soul,

And the silence is heavy,

Where do you go?

When I’m no longer here

To feel completely alone;

Where did you go?

HOME

Published December 1, 2015 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

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It is elevating to retrace my footsteps

In the direction of the mountains,

To gaze at the new fallen snow,

To witness the glistening of icicles

And how they form in the sun –

In my spirit I have returned home,

I fathom my journey at this moment,

And it ensued into a long-lasting one.

I appear as before in outward view,

A few more lines, a few more pounds,

A softened heart, I wear no mask,

And childlike notions—I allocated—

I outgrew.

In my own right on a midsummer night,

In my sentiment—mountains reminiscent of,

My muse arising depositing poetry at task.

By way of a pen—my contemplation

Obtaining shape,

My face against the wind,

My essence engaged in words realigned,

Together with a stillness of reason

And spirit unconfined,

Mysterious language assembling,

Selected in the same way

As a trusted friend,

In my spirit I have returned home.

Life’s Blowing Wind

Published October 24, 2015 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

137

The wind of life blows through me,

At times- it whispers,

At times- it wails;

Allow my soul to be a reed,

And sing a song that never fails,

Wordless singing is clearly true,

Either wailing wind

Or skies of blue;

Give me joyous musings,

If you please,

While in the distant church bells ring,

Birds dispersing magnolia seeds

Along tree- covered silent streets;

And, as sunset wraps herself in dress of gold,

Emotions fade like falling stars,

Streaming past heavens wide and far,

Swiftly subtracting wounding words,

Allow my soul to sing a song.

Word for the day

Published October 18, 2015 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

223

The night is nigh with parting day,

Winds blow slowly over land,

As I stroll homeward on my familiar way,

The sunset dips behind any man-

Far from the maddening crowds and stressful life,

The pleasing anxious night is nigh,

Leaving arms of warmth this blissful day,

A kindred spirit shall be my mate,

Let me see him at daylight’s break,

And while the sun sets on my lawn,

And as the creek rushes near my stance,

His love will erase all my fear,

Gentle hands will stroke my hair,

Heart of strength presses me near-

The more he gave, the less I spoke,

A slumberous sound and loving dreams,

I welcome night and the silent breeze,

The night is nigh, and I am pleased.

Word for the day

Published October 13, 2015 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

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I rest on my terrace and the sky is clear,
A few wisps of white clouds are drifting near,
I hear the splashing of water in the fountain nearby,
And the garden plants stretch higher each day that passes by.
The evening is warm as shadows commence their dance,
A light kiss from the wind for me and the plants;
It’s peaceful around me,
As birds do their singing,
A lovely chorus for me and
All who will listen;
GOD gave us nature,
And sweet designs from above,
I know that I Thank Him,
I hope it’s enough.
(photo and words by: Kathleen Stevens/2015)

My Muse

Published July 20, 2015 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

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A midsummer night-

in my sentiment,

My muse arose-

depositing poetry to task,

A contemplation obtaining shape,

Essence engaged in words realigning,

A spirit unconfined,

language assembling,

selecting words the same way-

as a trusted friend-

by my muse, I write.

(written by: Kathleen Stevens)
(painting by: Kathleen Stevens)

Your Mask

Published June 6, 2015 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

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Your mask covers your being-

like darkness draping over the sunlight,

Your mind seeks the world with penetrating eyes-

undisputable waves, persuaded glances,

A vanity inside your heart abides-

building fragmented exhibits

like slivers of shattered glass

reflecting dual faces-

Dusted with suffering,

Prolonged anguished moments,

a whirling frenzy, a heart running-

thoughts and longings,

Winged hand-in-hand with dreaming-

yet,

You guard your soul-

knowing your mask keeps you

Standing alone-

a safeguard-

evolved and amassed-

holding little understanding;

your mask-

Leads only to emptiness,

A prisoner-

inside your encased world mask.

Do not accede to life’s ragged hand-

slaying your treasures-

Disrobe the mask you wear and sanctioned-

allow love and tranquility to be released-

Allow your soul to breathe unleashed –

Allow yourself permission to be free in peace.

Remove your mask-

And give love a chance.

(Painter: Kathleen Stevens, Acrylic on canvas, ‘Mask’

An Old Woman

Published May 1, 2015 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

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Beneath the shade of an old oak tree,

there sat an old woman

completely free,

humming and singing

an unfamiliar song,

with sounds so sweet

and words not long.

Her white sun-kissed hair

blowing like a running mare

on the tails of the wind,

and her tan leathery skin,

draped with a dress

vibrant in colors

and apparently unpressed.

A spell she cast on me

as I sat near,

how lovely, how serene,

with smells of sweet flowers

awakening in the spring.

A warmth filled my soul

as I closed my eyes,

how peaceful was the

never-ending blue sky.

I could stay there for hours,

no time was addressed,

I had no where to be

and,

I needed the rest.

(written by: Kathleen Stevens)
(art work by: Kathleen Stevens, acrylic wash on copper)

Angels

Published April 9, 2015 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

angel

Angels in the winds

High above the waters

In a land not forsaken

By God’s own gracious hand.

I count the glowing windows

As I pass them in the night

Rows of little beacons

Showing me there is life.

Moments of comfort,

I am at peace

In the silence of the darkness

As angels watch over me.

(written by: Kathleen Stevens)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Published November 26, 2014 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

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HAPPY HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

May all my family, friends and followers have a great and wonderful day!!

May we all find our blessings and give thanks!!

May we all look upon the skies and land around us,

and find the beauty of life!!

Hugs to all!!

signed with affection,

Kathleen

Nature’s Attire

Published September 5, 2014 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

a photo2

Clothe me in your body’s gown,

Raise my spirit to heaven’s crown,

Through the times of solitude,

I watch the seasons change their moods.

High in the leaves of the old oak tree,

A blue bird sings a cheerful reveille.

My quiet spirit fills the air,

The mountain’s presence everywhere,

I lift my hands charmed by nature’s dress,

Dancing in the moonlight’s painted loveliness.

There is no pain or tears tonight,

As all lay in peaceful sleep once more,

Beneath the sky’s restful silence foretold-

Soon arrives the sun’s waking rise,

And by her side is morning’s fire,

And all is clothed by nature’s attire.

Happy Father’s Day!

Published June 13, 2014 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

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To my Father,

Life is full of challenges

With dry and dusty roads

But, we knew we were loved

As you showed us rainbows.

You wiped each tear

And said, “Believe”,

Holding each hand

You taught us to dream.

You could have been weary

But we never knew,

You only showed strength

Healing each wound.

Your words did encourage,

Your wisdom embraced us,

You allowed us our choices

As your prayers did protect us.

(In Remembrance of my father who passed away only six months ago from cancer)
(May you rest in peace)

**For you Dad,

We couldn’t have made it in this life full of pathways

If you hadn’t been holding each hand in your heart

Each and every day.

Thank you father!!

An Old Woman (someone’s favorite!)

Published April 24, 2014 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

27219_1090712925968_6761519_a

Beneath the shade of an old oak tree,

there sat an old woman

completely free,

humming and singing

an unfamiliar song,

with sounds so sweet

and words not long.

Her white sun-kissed hair

blowing like a running mare

on the tails of the wind,

and her tan leathery skin,

draped with a dress

vibrant in colors

and apparently unpressed.

A spell she cast on me

as I sat near,

how lovely, how serene,

with smells of sweet flowers

awakening in the spring.

A warmth filled my soul

as I closed my eyes,

how peaceful was the

never-ending blue sky.

I could stay there for hours,

no time was addressed,

I had no where to be

and,

I needed the rest.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Published November 26, 2013 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

sunrise

HAPPY HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

May all my family, friends and followers have a great and wonderful day!!

May we all find our blessings and give thanks!!

May we all look upon the skies and land around us,

and find the beauty of life!!

Hugs to all!!

signed with affection,

Kathleen

Almost Here!

Published November 22, 2013 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day – I cannot wait!!

For fabulous Thanksgiving dinner party:

Anticipation,

Joy,

Feeding guests,

Enjoying guests,

A perfect celebration!

Finest of everything:

Ambiance,

Food,

Wine,

Music,

Decorations,

Silverware,

Chrystal glasses,

Entertainment,

Laughter,

Thankful hearts;

I cannot wait!!

When He Looks At Her

Published November 8, 2013 by Kathleen's Writings & Art

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He gazes at her,
Eyes shining;
He dances with brimming over love
Designed for her;
She is purely his.
He adores her,
Endorses her,
Certainly he speaks not a ruinous word
Alongside affirmation of her.
His life fulfilled to surging
Into the vessels of his children,
And grandchildren with hands embraced;
He measures their love
As no prior.

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