http://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/4thechildren/The blog will include poems that I have written and what they mean to me. I will include essays that I have written and how they came to be. I have some amazing photos to share and some useful but quirky views on things. Having recently completed a graduate writing class, I am on fire with the power of language to heal, give hope and connect. I hope my work will touch you in some meaningful way.hourly12000-01-01T12:00+00:00http://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/4thechildren/592439I spent the better part of last Saturday with someone who was bereft and bombed. When I talked to her the day she had gone back to the rat who broke her heart and is dragging her down in his own alcoholic morass. It felt like all my comfort was wasted because she was so wasted that she didn't...http://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/4thechildren/592436It's been so long since I had an opportunity and the peaceful spirit to sit and write. Sparkles of joy are returning around the edges -- I like it. It is a hopeful time in the American story. I was out doing errands today and based on the traffic and number of shoppers, I find it hard to believe...http://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/4thechildren/589149Been busy trying to slay the dark dragon of depression. It's hard to write in the dark times. It seems that all one's energy must be expended just to get through the day. There is no rhyme or reason to explain it. Getting By Leaves tumbling and turning in my head while I struggle to get up out of...http://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/4thechildren/588254In church this morning I heard the hymn, Lamb of God, during communion service and I was overcome with grief that my 18 yr. old son has chosen to go live in a house where his morally challenged father is the live-in landlord. My son J. believes every lie that his father tells and gets defensive...http://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/4thechildren/587923As sure as you are that God is not; as sure I am He is! Turn towards the Truth in times of tribulation. Rows and rows of poetry all lined up in my head. Isn't it time to examine why we have become the land of the oppressed and the home of the bully? (3/95) People without hope are not likely to...http://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/4thechildren/587919As part of my paperwork purge, I came across my old notebooks and started gleaning them for material. I quickly revisited the past 20 or so years of my life and I've written volumes. My new year begins with the following life circumstances: First child, a daughter who is a sophomore in college...http://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/4thechildren/587543I am sensing a subtle shift in the tenor of American discourse. Nearly every other news story of 2008 was about someone's ethics violations or abuse of the public trust. I think president-elect Obama embodies that sense of civility and courtesy that seems to have been lacking in our society for a...http://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/4thechildren/587174I guess today is the 1st official day of school vacation. Most schools are off until next Mon. 1/5/09. The whole week stretches before me. So many household tasks await me that I will probably procrastinate until later in the week. I should seize the opportunity and get it out of the way while...http://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/4thechildren/586709Terror On A Bridge Fear of one kind turned to fear of another One sunny day on a bridge. A beast stalking his prey overtook her and Forced her to the side of The bridge by the rail. Terror and fear mingled with rage on the Bridge while the world Watched and turned away. Screams of torment still...http://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/4thechildren/586706A Poem for Trapped Things This morning with a blue flame burning this thing wings its way in. Wind shakes the edges of its yellow being. Gasping for breath. Living for the instant. Climbing up the black border of the window. Why do you want out. I sit in pain. A red robe amid debris. You bend and...