Elise Skidmore

Poetically, October was a slow month for me. The real world took over any creativity I might possess as the weeks hurtled pass me in what felt like the blink of an eye. Happy things for sure: visit to my daughters in Massachusetts, celebrating anniversaries (8^th for them, 46^th for my husband and me), and my youngest daughter got engaged! Like I said, lots of blessings to bring the family joy. There are writers who write every day; I’m not usually one of them. That being said, November 1^st starts the PAD (poem a day) challenge, so I’m going to give it my best shot. Fingers crossed that I’ll make it to the finish line. I won’t be sharing every day’s efforts with you, but with luck you’ll see a lot more from me than you have been lately. I hope you’ll enjoy this poem for Day One.

Savor the Now

Summer is over and fall nears its end,
one season dies as another is born.
Holidays are coming fast upon us;
commercial greed breeds panic, 
believing we are perpetually behind.
Our lives have become endless goals
we check off as we head to the next,
rather than a journey we take in as we travel,
relishing uncharted roads and new experiences.

There is so much to look forward to—
particularly since I've embraced retirement.
I like to live each holiday as it comes,
and in the new year there will be birthdays 
to keep a joyful momentum.
There is a dream trip on the horizon,
and a wedding to plan and celebrate.
So much joy.
Awash in anticipation,
I want to bask in the moments,
taste the love and happiness,
savor the blessings of life.

The world ends at every sunset;
close your eyes and let dreams fly.
Life begins anew with every dawn;
open your eyes and feed your soul.

~Elise Skidmore ©2022