For my one thousandth post, I have the pleasure of posting two poems by
poets Vicki Hill and Steve Haarman, who sometimes goes by the pen name Stansberry McKricken among others. Vicki’s poem begins with images of life along the shore of Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula. Steve wrote his poem about New Mexico in 2014. Interestingly, Steve and Vicki are in Santa Fe right now.

“Early Enchantment” by Vicki Hill

Dew drips from non-guttered rooftops as the
Sun lays light more each moment on earth’s canvas
Watch day unfold: captured light is released
To paint dunes, grasses, bracken with long fingers
Soon to reach everywhere.
Cobalt waters:
I look up to see how well the sky matches;
Gull-feather clouds won’t bring rain today, a chance for
A delightful beach walk: a 5-star day, the first for school

Children return their familiar bricks and whiteboards, as
I recall all those years of weeks of ritual acquisition and
Preparation from Aasics to zoology specimens that might be
Needed: the mounting anticipation, anxiety tinged by
Eagerness to leave the limited world of home for that of friends,
Each hour’s variety–even learning– then raucous bus rides home
Unless friends angled by to give a parenting stretched hope thin
For safety. After-school activities smorgasbord to sample, investigate, participate.

I now go to nature’s school, with unexpected finds and knowledge every hour,
Recall the applicable lessons of long-ago, many poetic verses committed
To memory, songs and psalms randomly bursting forth praise as creation bears witness to
Heart and heaven,
Both within view, grasp, hands trained to open, and share.

“NEW MEXICO” by Steve Haarman

I like New Mexico
Wasn’t born there
Somehow feel like a native
This is my kind of land
Mountains and valleys
Green and brown
Sunrise and sunset
Both beautiful
Even the moon
Knocks you over
There are lakes
Areas to ski
Just the living
Is enough for me
The air is good
Especially the breeze
On a sunny day
I like that warmth
The people, too
Seem to appreciate
The native traditions
Sacred things
The lore of the Indians
The cathedrals and churches
Spanish architecture
The spirit is almost touchable
Tradition and art
Unique, but familiar
Longing for the past
Looking forward to tomorrow
Santa Fe is great, but
Just one of many choices
New Mexico
My dream
I like it

Stansberry McKricken
January 16, 2014 ^