Every day

What do I see that, perhaps,
You don't? Where does my
Eye or my mind wander that,
Perhaps, is off the track? Do
I cherish being unique or does
The phrase "that's different"
Suggest the faint praise and
Deeper criticism I expect from
My errant behavior and wild
Thoughts. Do I crave the more
Staid? Do I want to be ordinary?
Is the conventional a hint for
My future? Will I succumb to
Traditional desires and embrace
The norm? Regular can trend;
The usual need not bore. I can
Bear my standard without it
Dragging me out to sea or off
The rails. Typical might intice.

Simple joy

Describe one simple thing you do that brings joy to your life.

It's easier than I think
Anticipation is harder
Than the simple doing
Not the t-shirt slogan
The doing comes with
Thoughtful provocation
Nothing "just" about this
Accomplishment, but I
Know I can make words
Spill and tumble, whorl
Into a pattern because
Here I am an athlete in
My stride, taking a high
Hurdle, clearing it with
The ease of thoughts in
Motion. I anticipate and
I land. It was a moment
Of tension, everything
Clenched. Then release.

Mouthwatering

List your top 5 favorite fruits.

The peach, it's peachy
And summer fruit is the
Best. It's wonderful when
Summer is in your bowl
Or drips down the side of
Your mouth. Sweet and a
Little sassy. The tart plum
Brings more summer but
Is solid and stoic. Apricots
Have a sudden moment
When flavor is heightened.
Other seasons have a right
To their tastes like when a
Pear is perfect and ripe or
The perrenial apple makes
Its varietal abundance known.

Open your heart

Kindness won't break your heart.
There is room enough for you to
Show care for everyone. Let your
Heart and soul swell with love for
The strange strangers and errant
Fools who populate our world. Be
Kind. Be courteous. Be grateful.
The heart will expand to meet the
New, the sad, the joyful with love,
With kindness. It is a courageous
Organ. Fear might break it, but
Kindness cannot break your heart.

List, with gratitude

List the people you admire and look to for advice…

A list, no matter how heartfelt,
Is such a boring approach, but I
Get where you're coming from
And where I want to go. My peeps
As I call them, to myself, if not to
Them, are universally patient, and
Unstinting in their help. Always
Of good cheer and right to chide
Or redirect me. I go to them for
A guiding hand, in admiration and
With total gratitude. The list is
Silent but well-known among us.