Poetry – Page 4 – by tkbrown

My Morning Do . . . 17 September 2020

The Supernova

~~ by tkbrown

The path to somewhere comes out of nowhere,
curves out of sight up beyond yonder bend.
Perchance twill meet a worthy source out there
with whom to ponder just how we got here
and destination just out past Land's End.

Perhaps there will be a quaint launching pad
from whence to be flung past each orbital
rung, far outpacing mechanical cad
where stars procreate amongst ironclad
components of every known mineral.

Out where the white dwarf stars dance side by side
until one pulls too hard, with a great 'kaboom'--
a new supernova's elemental glide
casts heavy metals in universe-wide
spectacular view--chemical mushroom.

This luminous dispersal from the core
of a massive star in nuclear fusion
or gravitational combustion for
white dwarf collapse with outside forces more
than internal mass--remnant explosion.

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Photo Above: by Alex K 83 @pixabay.com.

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Just a Note: by tkbrown

The cosmos, with all its mystery, is an uncharted frontier yet to be explored. Will man ever truly know all that makes these uncharted spaces, or will it be like studies of the human brain in which we have found: “The more we know–the more we know we don’t know.”

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My Morning Do . . . “Coffee and Gossip”

~~ by tkbrown

9 September 2020 — Good Morning, I hope you had a Blessed and Peaceful day since our last communication. I was reading a peer blogger’s site this morning and the three words below popped out! So, let’s look at them and see what this is about.

“Coffee and Gossip. . . . “

. . . coffee break
a haiku ~~ by tkbrown

Morning coffee break,
water fountain milieu crowd
gossip and banter.
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“Coffee and Gossip. . . . “ said a blogging peer, and I knew what the topic of “My Morning Do . . . ” must be. I had already debated whether to write about this and was still unsure. After reading the comment, I knew–Yes, this is today’s topic!

In my haiku, I mention the water fountain, but coffee and gossip can be brought together in most any place and in most any time. The effect and the affect are still the same. Medical science has now shown that coffee is good for the health in some persons–so long as you do not partake of more than four cups per day. (Always check with your doctor before you imbibe.) When I was told to increase from one to two cups a day. I rejoiced because there was a time, I drank much more coffee per day than that, but I had been advised to cut it out completely. I did cease consumption for a few years, but eventually added one cup per day back. The gossip part–I tried not to engage; however, I am human and must enter the guilty plea for occasional infraction.

Today, I would like us to think on gossip a bit. I would like to engage your minds a bit with some questions about gossip and you:

Do you enjoy the thought of being the subject of someone’s gossip?
- I once thought long and hard on this question. The answer: No, I do not enjoy the thought of being the subject of someone’s gossip. If they cannot–or will not–say it to me, I believe they should not say it. So, I should not engage in gossip about someone–anyone–else. Jesus said, “‘Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets,'” Matthew 7:12. Personally, I believe gossip is a form of bullying. Gossip is never of the positive nature; thus it is always harmful to someone.
Do you ever engage in idle gossip about others?
- While it is easy to say a particular negative behavior is never engaged, in all likelihood, it is engaged at some point–simply because we are human. We can never get it right one hundred percent of the time. I try extremely hard not to talk about others if I am not talking to that person. It is exceedingly difficult to maintain. I sometimes do not even realize I am gossiping about someone, then I catch myself–and I am so ashamed. I have prayed and asked God to help me not do this. So, I am sure it is He who shows me what I am doing–so I can learn to stop.
Do you believe your gossip has ever been harmful to another?
- For much of my life, I never thought about this. Although I was never one to talk about others intentionally, I did engage this behavior from time to time. I am sad to say on this day: Looking back, my discussions about others–that I do remember–were never of the positive nature; so, yes, they were harmful to others. Regardless of how innocently we engage the behavior, it harms another because gossip is never in the positive or affirmative realm of discussion.
Do you know what God says about “gossip”?
- Gossip is a topic rarely discussed in church settings. I wonder why. As Christians, it should always be foremost in our mind as a behavior to avoid. It is never pleasing to God.
  - Firstly, it does not please God because it is not what we would want others to do regarding us.
  - Secondly, Proverbs 17:9 says, “He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.” Thus, any repeat of a transgression to another is harmful. I am separating myself from a friend when I do this. In many instances, the friendship will be no more.

I want to leave you with this thought: If you truly want to act as a Christian, ask yourself–“What would Jesus do?”–and ask God to show you how often you talk “about” others rather than “to” them. You might be surprised! I was!

A few other scriptures for your perusal at your own pace:

Proverbs 18:18 — “The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body.”
Proverbs 18:21 — “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
James 1:26 — “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”

All scripture above is from the Holy Bible — New King James Version (NKJV).

I hope all who are reading have a wonderful and blessed day! Be safe!

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Beyond the Black Hole . . .

~~ by tkbrown

Flung away from the earth
too far to converse with any living soul
or being--

far above the blue
where the darkness is you
searching

searching for the gem
hidden from perception--
dark, darker, darker still . . .

then you feel a tug,
pulling further away
from all you have known.

What is this about--
the beginnings of doubt,
the pulling ever stronger.

Stronger and stronger
the tugging becomes
like a giant magnet

sucking you in.
Suddenly you see
a darkness so bleak

light could never penetrate
the density perplexed
by . . .

"Sluuuuuuurrrrrrrppppp!"
The darkness pulling you in . . .
further and further

the pull tugs you under
till you begin to wonder
will it ever end?

Suddenly the darkness
gives way to bold color
'round about.

Orange, red and purple
melding to pernurple--
stream of brightness hue.

Further and further,
the journey of surrender
leads beyond the blue.

How many lightyears
has the journey taken
far beyond the blue.

Darkness once more
beyond pernurple nova . . .
the supersonic view.

Turning and looking
back where you have been--
strands of supernova

color the scene
so beautifully serene . . . 
chaotic peace ensued.

Where will the journey take me?
When will it end and return thee . . .
to earth where we live?

This journey beyond the blue,
the inner peace founding hue
with a thoughtfulness imbued.

Then . . . 
the journey back to earth
begins upon rebirth

Of the peaceful, inner truth!

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Photo Above: Autumn by Larisa Koshkina at pixabay.com.

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When ‘Age’ Sets In . . .

~~ by tkbrown

When someone you love gets old
and can't do things they used to do,
especially when it's really hot--or cold,
how does that feel inside of you?

If grandma used to get down on the floor
to play and color and laugh with you,
maybe she walked with you out the door
to see the outside and what others do.

Maybe it hurts to see mom in pain
knowing she will ne'er be the same again.
That should not keep you apart from her--
spending less time will cause memories to blur--
when the time comes you can see her no more
you will wish you had piled up mem'ries before.

So, e'en though it hurts, go knock on that door;
make some good times, do things with her.
Play a card game, cook some food!
Write down her recipes when it's really good.

Talk about things she used to do
When her mom and dad were living too.
Talk about what she did in school.
Did she protest or obey each rule?

Ask how life was different then.
Would she want life to be like that again?
Write down what she says so you won't forget.
Someday you'll read them and won't have to fret
about not remembering things she said
of her young children or the day she wed..

What did mom do when she was young--
her hobbies, talents, and songs they sung.
How did she and her siblings act
when things went bad -- fiction or fact?

How did they learn what had been done--
in order to deal with the one
who was the true perpe'traitor--
leaving others guilty no more.

All memories--both good and bad--'
will, one day, be treasured and spread
forth for perusal tenderly
when mom is no more here to see.
Only then will you know how true
your heart was wrapped in loving hue.

Only then will memories held
be treasured, embraced--with you meld.

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Photo Above: by Cassandra Ortiz at Unsplash.com

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Calendar Quindecims — September 2020

by tkbrown

September is a  time to look ahead
planning completion of special projects,
mapping special meals for the holidays,
budgeting gifts, shopping, buying no rejects
while looking at winter travel options.
Safety, facemasks, verifying inspects
upon arrival; social distancing guides
for compliance, and monitor prefect,
fees for each fractured crime come into play.
Each will effect memory time collects,
trying to normalize every aspect.
Ads for Christmas appear early this year,
already here as if adding some cheer,
and carols will play when the day draws near.

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Image Above: by Lena Helfinger @ pixabay.com.

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SUNSHINE BLOGGER AWARD

Special Thanks

Thank You so very much, darellphilip, for nominating me for this award. I appreciate your support of my blog posts. It means much to work in a mutually supportive environment with like minds. I believe that is what this award is about. By supporting each other we create a light that shines on those involved in this mutually supportive effort. The resulting “Sunshine” warms our hearts and soothes the soul. It is a blessing from God. Again, Thank You, darellphilip !

To those reading, if you have not visited his blog, you should go to https://darellphilip.wordpress.com/ and see what he has posted. He supports the work of others and consistently searches for more to include in this circle of ‘Sunshine.’ Check it out!

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Sunshine Blogger Award Rules:

Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link back to their blog.
Answer the 11 questions asked by the person who nominated you.
Nominate 11 people and ask them 11 new questions.
Notify the nominees by commenting on one of their posts.
List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award in your post.

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darellphilip’s Questions:

What are you thankful for right now and why?
- I am thankful for God’s love — the strength, clarity, love for others He instills in me; for my family — my children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins; for each person with whom I come into contact — face-to-face, in social media, and on this and other blog posts, I am truly blessed by each; for my ability to express myself in written form — both prose and poetry, for this blog page — it has helped me to expand my horizons with regard to who I am and the purposes for my writing ability, and I am thankful for the necessities of life which are provided in abundance.
Who inspires you?
- my fellow bloggers, other authors, other poets, journalists, academics, family, friends, the news. I often am inspired to pursue a new line of research or thought by the written or verbal expression of others.
Where is your favourite vacation spot?
- It varies, but typically the Ozarks in the heartland of the United States. It is where I grew up and I am enthralled with the lay of the land. I feel very close to nature and to God when I am there.
When did you first realize your love for blogging?
- About a year ago, I realized that I truly had the ability to write poetry and prose worthy of sharing with others here on my wordpress.com pages rather than saving all of it for future publication. It has actually helped me with my projects planned for traditional publication too.
Why does Black Lives Matter?
- For me, saying specifically–Black lives Matter–excludes all other races as negligible and unworthy of mattering. I believe one race is as important–and matters as much–as any other. I believe singling out one race is much more racist than most other racist statements because it excludes ALL other races. I believe God sees the color of our hearts, not the color of our skins, when He determines who is important and that persons of all races matter to Him. Thus, persons of all races must matter to me, not just one race; I believe my responsibility is determining what one projects from his / her heart and then promote those whose projections are aligned with those of Jesus Christ. The riots that are being presented as peaceful protests are harmful to others and to the property of others, as well as to the cause they are purported to support. Thus they are against God’s will, and–as such–I cannot condone them in any form. Peaceful Protests are never violent or demeaning to others. I appreciate you asking this question, because it allows me to say these things with purpose. They have been weighing heavily on my heart.
How many pets do you have?
- none — I have had pets in the past, right now it would cost more to properly care for a pet than I can manage.
What new skills have you acquired during lockdown?
- I have been able to take the time needed to improve on my health through nutrition research and finding new and better recipes to utilize in this endeavor. I have also been able to better visualize the end product in my poetry book(s), my novels, and my non-fiction endeavors.
Where does your inspiration to blog come from?
- It comes from many sources: from reading–the blogs of others, news articles online, journal articles, poetry, and even during sleep. Inspiration comes from all about me, from within me, and from a spiritual connection with God and His Son.
Who is most important to you in your life right now and why?
- God, my children, and my grandchildren because they are God given gifts. I will never receive a better gift than my children and my grandchildren.
Why should bloggers follow your blog?
- I try to reflect on events happening in our world as I write. I try to always write with honesty and integrity in a way which allows others to take what they like and leave the rest. I am honored to know others see enough value in my posts to want more people to see and read them too. These award nominations have humbled me much. All praise, I believe, goes to God and His Son, Jesus. I strive to live my life in a manner pleasing to them. Hopefully, the value of that will continue to be seen by others. Thank You for asking this question too. It has given me the opportunity to reflect upon what I do and why. Thank You for nominating me!
When will racism end?
- I fear–because evil roams the world seeking ways to destroy all efforts for peaceful existence–I fear it will not end until the Lord comes to call us home.

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My Nominees:

Tangie @ https://www.tangietwoods.blog
Blanca @ https://journeyinfindinggod414907732.wordpress.com/
ChallEngEr @ https://ministryin.wordpress.com/
Nomison @ https://artnomison.wordpress.com/
Sarah @ https://studywys.wordpress.com/about-myself/
Anju @ https://thinkbigcom529246297.wordpress.com/about/
Maurice @ https://soulrenewed.wordpress.com/
parneetsachdev @ https://timelessmind.org/
Maxine @ https://heavensreef.wordpress.com/
Terese @ https://teresebelme.com/
Saania @ https://saania2806.wordpress.com/

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My Questions for My Nominees:

What is your favorite color and why?
Who is your favorite author and why?
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
What is your favorite quote? Why?
In your education, what has had the most impact on you? Why?
What is your favorite course of study? Why?
Who influenced you to begin your blog? Why?
Do you implement your own writing style on your blog, or do you follow that of someone else? Why?
If you could correct one aspect of the world right now, what would it be and why?
Who do you look up to and why?
What, or who, is your greatest source of strength? Why?

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Again, Thank You, darellphilp, for nominating me for this award! To those whom I nominated, I look forward to reading your responses. Please remember to link back to my site when you complete your post. Thank You!

Calendar Quindecims ~~ August 2020

~~ by tkbrown

Icicle memories. . . . long forgotten,
reappear to form a fave smoothie slush.
Hmmm. What flavor is your preference, then?
Mango-Peach is mine, fruit fresh from the bush.
Temperatures rising -- higher, higher:
Will relief ne'er wind itself down a spell?
A dip in the pool would be fun favor
but for the numbers of spiking unwell.
Back to school for children has been the rule
'ere COVID-19 called, gave us a stutter.
Now, Christmas may visit 'ere back to school
gets off the ground midst inclement weather.
"The Best Laid Plans . . ." John made to go awry
with choice visiting far beyond the sky.
We here on earth are afraid to ask, "Why?"

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Photo above by: Alexander Mils @ Unsplash.com.

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The Breath of Life

by tkbrown

"God formed man from the dust of the earth
and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.
Then man became a living being."
  ~~ Genesis 2:7 -- Holy Bible

When God breathed life into Adam, he began
a chain reaction which is still going on today.
Every breath taken began with breath from that One
and provides fuel to give every action its sway.

In so many ways, our breathing determines our life.
The more natural and rhythmic our breath,
the more alert is the tune to our sources of strife.
Life is breathed into our veins as they exhale death.

Inhale, and rejuvenating energy flows through
each and every cell via oxygen in the blood
which carries back to the lungs a toxic brew,
exhaled to gather another life-giving flood.

Peace and serenity can be felt in fingertips,
down to the toes as focused breathing slows--
relaxing thought, exhaling tension 'tween our lips,
calming response to life's external throes.

Speeding the process with controls in place
can ease intense pain or fuel an activity burst.
Smooth, rhythmic breathing can set the pace
whether it is focused and slow, or heated and fast.

Meditation, relaxation, tantric energy or Lamaze--
all are breathworks for a cause of report--
whether for yoga, Taoism, or some healthy exercise,
'tis a breath of fresh air--of a Godly sort.

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Photo Above by: Aaron Burden on Unsplash.com.

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Vincent Ehindero Blogger Award

What are the award’s rules?

1. Thank the person that nominated you with a link to their blog.
2. Make a Post of the award [with photo].
3. Post the award’s rules.
4. Ask 5-10 questions of your choice.
5. Nominate 10-30 other bloggers.
6. Follow Vincent Ehindero @ vincentehindero.wordpress.com [to qualify for a free blog promotion and shoutout] and more blogging opportunities.

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Thank You, girrrrl_of_two_worlds, for nominating me as a contender for the Vincent Ehindero Blogger Award! I appreciate your recognition of my blog pages. What an honor!

Many Thanks to you as well Vincent Ehindero @vincentehindero.wordpress.com! This award is a great idea! You are to be commended! Everybody, check out his blogsite and thank him for recognizing fellow bloggers in this way!

Then, I recommend that you check out girrl_of_two_worlds blog site, Science-tastic: In Science We Trust. She is very good–a scientist in the making!!! https://juniorblogs.science.blog/2020/03/25/vincent-ehindero-award-and-50-followers/.

My Questions from girrrrl_of_two_worlds at Science-tastic:

What’s your favorite unrealistic eye color [eg. purple or orange]?

purple

2. Growing up, what was your favorite story?

Anne of Green Gables

3. Which song is currently stuck in your head?

"Angry Words"
by: Horatius R. Palmer

Angry words! Oh, let them never
from the tongue unbridled slip:
May the heart's best impulse ever
check them ere they soil the lip.

Chorus:
"Love one another," thus saith the Saviour;
Children obey the Father's blessed command;
"Love one another," thus saith the Saviour;
Children obey His blessed command.

Love is much to pure and holy;
friendship is to sacred far,
for a moment's reckless folly
thus to desolate and mar. [Chorus]

Angry words are lightly spoken,
bitt'rest thoughts are rashly stired;
brightest links of life are broken
by a single angry word. [Chorus]

4. Which chore do you absolutely hate doing?

When company is here: Cleaning up after a meal.

5. If leaves were any different color–which would you like them to be?

Varying shades of blue.

6. If you had the chance to learn any language, minus the hard work, which would it be?

Greek

7. According to you, what was the last experience that made you a stronger person?

The coronavirus pandemic.

8. Do you believe in afterlives and reincarnation?

Yes, I believe in the afterlife, definitely! I am not so sure about the reincarnation — maybe?

9. Let’s say you were doomed to speak only one word for an entire day, what word would it be?

Hello! [Once I have the person’s attention, I could try to communicate with my hands.]

10. What’s your favorite kind of workout?

Walking or Strength Training

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My Nominations for the Vincent Ehindero Blogger Award:

Sonal Mishra at https://ouractionisourluck.wordpress.com/
Kamya Seervi at https://keepupwithkamya.wordpress.com/
Saania Sparkle at https://saania2806.wordpress.com/
Anurag at https://feelitnwrite.wordpress.com/
Jul | bandito10059793 at https://the-flood.com/
Ayesha at https://themindofayesha.wordpress.com/
Rising Star at https://idealinspiration.blog
Kingston S Lim at https://kingstonlim.com/
Alltheusernameareout at https://studywys.wordpress.com/
Shravanthi at https://shravanthiwrites.home.blog/

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My Questions for My Nominees:

What would you like to accomplish, over time, with your writing?
When you need to ‘refuel’ (so to speak): Do you prefer to be alone for a while, or do you want to be with other people?
What is/was your favorite subject in school, and why?
If you could have one wish fulfilled for the world, what would that wish be?
What have you done ‘for yourself’ during the coronavirus pandemic?
What have you done ‘for someone else’ during the coronavirus pandemic?
What is your favorite color rose, and why?
Who is your favorite author, and why?
What is your favorite quote, and why?
If you could remove one thing from the world, what would it be?

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Again, Thank You, girrrrl_of_two_worlds, for the nomination! I really appreciate it! Everybody, if you have not checked out her blog, you must do so! You are in for a treat! https://juniorblogs.science.blog/2020/03/25/vincent-ehindero-award-and-50-followers/.

Stay Safe and COVID-19 Free!!!!!

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Summertime 2020

~~ a quindecim

by tkbrown

Summertime! Summertime! So glad you're here!
Apricity, grilling, picnics galore
help us appreciate you soooo much more
as Covid-19 has brought most everyone fear.
Warm weather activities all around
entice forbidden choice which does abound--
water sports, basking in alluring sun--
have beaches packed along gulf, bay, ocean.
Rivers and lakes add boating, fishing too;
camping, floating, rafting, a gumbo roux
and not a few more add to the allure--
such a tempting lot most do adore.
Social distancing does not fit the scheme,
nor does the nightmarish midnight dream
of sickness and death, the 'wakening scream.'

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Image Above: Seascape, Sailboating by Francine Sreca @pixabay.com.

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