ZZZZZennias

 Peacefully sleeping

With all of my friends

We were ZZZZinnia seeds

So comfy, so cozy—-

 Suddenly the roof was ripped off our home

Fingers pinched us

and scatttered us in a row

Spaced apart from the rest.

I prefered being a part of my 

family not apart from!

I liked being as we were.

But it was time to change.

Then, we were covered with

dark soil which after a while

felt oddly comforting. 

But I am so lonely

Missing my friends,

Iafraid of this new unknown world.

I feel a warmth from above

moving closer.

Each day, inching my way 

toward that warmth.

Breaking ground,

I see that warmth is making me stronger

I look around for my friends

And I only see Marigolds

In full bloom

Cheering me on with their

Bright yellow pom-poms

I urge my friends to try 

this new arrangement

and one by one they follow me.

With support and encouragement,

We are content:

We are  ready to bloom.

McCrite Love

I came to McCrite broken:

weary from care-giving,

limping with sciatica,

emotionally drained.

But, here at McCrite, I found love:

the love of a neighbor checking in on me,

the love of a work out buddy who said, 

“Have a Good Day”,

the love from a resident welcoming me with a goody bag 

that included the Cardinal schedule,

the love of people in the dining rooom inviting us to join them.

the love of friends who prayed for me and Dave

the love of a support group that helped dry my tears

Now, it is my turn to return that love

with a poem or two,

a welcoming smile,

with a listening ear, and

a hug,

with a laugh at breakfast or happy hour, or

a birthday card slipped in the door.

The people at McCrite

found all of my pieces 

and helped me re-assemble myself

I’m not the same person but a new and improved version of myself.

thank you.

April 2026