Waking The Day poem - Libations Friday 17 Sept 2010

When the day - and I - awaken, present in the moment.











Waking The Day





When I suddenly awakened from the long night’s hot summer sleep

The energizing scent of coffee brewing wafted around the corner.

I stumbled in the dark, bouncing off the doorway, fumbling for the kitchen lights.

I saw cats waiting eagerly at the back door, wide-eyed nocturnal keepers of the yard.











Measuring out fresh food into their three bowls, then wisely throwing open the door.

They looked up at me, measuring me more than their food, wondering how awake,

Hugging the doorway, quietly gliding through the opening instead of their usual burst.

The golden tiger cat squeaked his morning gossip of the neighborhood nightly report.











Steaming dark brown coffee breathed foggy swirls, spilling into the pristine mug.

The hot libation slid down my throat as it gave off its sweet Ethiopian perfume.

Drinking coffee before speaking plays first in the slumbering beginnings at my house.

Glancing at the cats, all lined in a row, they ate heartily as if miners just off a long shift.













I stepped out into the night to view the sparkling stars before they faded to the day.

The sky was astounding in its simple beauty; the love planet Venus the brightest smile.

How could anyone not smile in return when the planets seem to speak lovingly to us?

So many stars, so many messages written in the sky, our Universe speaks unceasingly.











Pouring another offering of coffee, I pulled up a chair on the porch to view the lake.

I could witness early morning on the water a thousand times, never to be disappointed.

Smoke rose on the water, little ghostly fingers walking forward on the mirrored surface.

Three mallard ducks emerged from the mist, swimming my way, dancing long strides.













Huge prehistoric wings filled the air with a swooping sound and blanketed darkness.

A blue heron landed to fish his breakfast, blending into the smoky gray surrounding mist.

Soon a white egret flew in from the east, careful to move down to another fishing hole.

In the dim light a neighbor fished, sitting, pole in hand as his coffee scent filled the air.















Faint pink embers, the growing light, were filling the sky just above the rooftop horizon.

The blue heron stalked the shallows on his long legs, searching the moving warm waters.

A sudden splash, beak dove down, retrieving a huge fish he flung high on to the bank.

The egret caught small fishes, silver glints in the sunlight, tossed into the air, swallowed.











Two cups of coffee later it was time to check back in the house to rouse my husband.

Entering the room, he slumbered peacefully, his breath shallow; I knew he was awake.

The golden tiger cat pounced onto the bed and onto his chest, demanding attention.

His eyes closed, my husband smiled and knew he had not fooled either one of us.









Denny Lyon

Copyright 17 Sept 2010

All Rights Reserved





*** For the spiritual symbolism explained see:



A Healing Spiritual Poem: Waking The Day







Photo Credits





Steaming coffee in white cup photo by Kvasov Andrey @ flickr



Pink embers sunrise photo by Indy Kethdy @ flickr



Two great white egrets photo by flythebirdpath~} teddy @ flickr



The night sky photo by James Jordan @ flickr (combination of two photos)



Smoke on the water photo by flamesworddragon @ flickr



Ducks swimming under full moon photo by joiseyshowaa @ flickr



Fairy tale moon photo by davedehetre @ flickr



Golden cat in shadow photo by 1 suisse @ flickr





*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!



*** Come by for a visit and check out my other blogs:



The Social Poets - news, politics

The Soul Calendar - science, astronomy, psychology

Visual Insights - photos, art, music

Beautiful Illustrated Quotations - spiritual quotes, philosophy

Poems From A Spiritual Heart - poetry

The Healing Waters - health news

Dennys People Watching - people in the news

Dennys Food and Recipes

Dennys Funny Quotes - humor

Vision of The Gardener Prophet poem - Libations Friday 6 Aug 2010

*** 2012 begins early. Check out a poem of prophecy warning humanity.Vision of The Gardener ProphetThe gardener stood at the window in the heat of summerGazing at the huge weeds growing stronger and larger,Sprouting up proudly as tall and wide as the shrubs,Crowding the beauty, smug, knowing they didn’t belong. What was not theirs they chose to steal and own out of spite.The gardener felt helpless, unable to tend the garden,For the summer heat was too strong to work outside.Day after day the gardener watched the weeds take over,Praying for the beauty to survive the onslaught andThen a break, a pouring rain came to drench the garden.The gardener hurriedly went out into the cooling wet airAnd began pulling the shallow roots, those showy weeds.The gardener prayed as she pulled and threw them away.The gardener prophet knew these weeds sprung up to stop her workAs she prayed for all the people of the world to do better.The gardener prophet prayed as she worked, knowing that“As below on Earth, so above in Heaven,” hoping this gardenWould influence and clean humanity of the great suffering.She toiled with the stubborn and contentious weeds for hours,Refusing to give in and allow beauty to wither and die.Deep in thought, hunting down the very smallest new weeds,Suddenly she looked up and there was an Angel appearing.The Angel looked at her work in the garden and said,“Tell the people their suffering has been heard in Heaven.The culling of humanity begins not in 2012 but now in 2010.”The gardener prophet wiped her eyes of the spattered mud.Patiently, the strong Angel waited for acknowledgement.“The Universe is speeding up the time table,” the Angel announced.“Humanity is past due to reach the next level of development.“Knowledge and wise teaching have spread the world to generations.“Contentiousness, lack of compassion, greed and stubbornness“Grow as weeds all over the world in every society and religion.“Beauty struggles to survive, grow and thrive, yet can wither and die.“The world is now again too full of those who choose to destroy, not build.“And now Death comes stalking them two years early to clean the garden.“Only Beauty is meant to walk the earth and thrive in the garden of Life,”Spoke the Angel softly, and then the vision slowly faded from the gardener prophet.Denny LyonCopyright 6 Aug 2010All Rights ReservedPhoto Credits - All photos are from my garden and are by Denny Lyon, available under Creative Commons copyright with Attribution, Non-Commercial, No Derivatives license.3 chocolate mint flowers in brush stroke effect Photo by Denny Lyon @ flickrField of discarded weeds Photo by Denny Lyon @ flickrHuge dragonfly on window screen in glowing edges effect Photo by Denny Lyon @ flickrBouquet of antique roses in colored pencils effect Photo by Denny Lyon @ flickrChocolate mint flowers favored by hummingbirds, colored foil effect Photo by Denny Lyon @ flickrPurple leaves Photo by Denny Lyon @ flickrBlue plumbago shade plant Photo by Denny Lyon @ flickrBumblebee on lilac chaste tree blossom Photo by Denny Lyon @ flickrAntique roses in saturated color Photo by Denny Lyon @ flickr*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates! *** Come by for a visit and check out my other blogs:The Social Poets - news, politicsThe Soul Calendar - science, astronomy, psychologyVisual Insights - photos, art, musicBeautiful Illustrated Quotations - spiritual quotes, philosophyPoems From A Spiritual Heart - poetryThe Healing Waters - health newsDennys People Watching - people in the newsDennys Food and RecipesDennys Funny Quotes - humor

Walk The World poem - Libations Friday 30 July 2010

*** A poem about sharing our life with others - when we are both in need - to receive the greatest gift.Walk The WorldThe young ones were curious about life that was.The grandmother began the remembering of a long life.She told them stories of how sweet life can be.She told them stories of how tough times were too.The old woman leaned back in her comfortable chair,Closed her eyes for a moment and her face grew sad.She remembered the jobs disappearing and the fear.She told how her neighbors worked fewer and fewer hours, Worrying about how they would feed their children.The old woman opened her eyes and spoke softly,“I remember friends moving away because times were tough.They couldn’t afford their homes anymore and they cried.The sheriff and the bankers threw them out on the street.It was a terrible sight to see, wondering too if it would happen to me.”“Back then life was so grim, people everywhere living in fear.It got to the point that every single penny was far too dear.The bills kept piling up high in tall stacks. We didn’t know what to do.We quit spending on anything, nothing misspent, but for food and rent.”The old woman was remembering their grandfather, her husband.She smiled fondly, feeling his warm heart touch, hugging herself.She leaned forward to continue her story as the children sat at her feet.“There was this one birthday of mine when times were tough.Your grandfather always liked to buy grand gifts for me and celebrate.I told him not this time but to save our little money for important things.He said he agreed and I went to sleep reassured and not expecting anything.”“I was happy just being able to pay our bills back then and nothing else mattered.When I woke up on my birthday morning and went into the kitchen there it was.There was a packaged gift with a birthday card sticking out of the top.I remembered thinking about trying not to worry about what he spent.It was a beautiful card with a bear and a honey bee that meant so much to me.I smiled and we enjoyed his excitement at giving. Then I peered inside the gift bag.I never laughed so loud in my life. He bought me the gift of my favorite cookies!Cookies! Imagine that as a birthday gift? Cookies! I was so relieved he kept his word.”The children asked her why grandfather gave her cookies and she replied,“Why, it’s because our love was sweet no matter how tough the financial times.Your grandfather was an optimist who loved life and loved being in love.I thought it was a perfect morning on a perfect day and that was enough for me.The mail arrived and there was this wonderful birthday card from someoneI had not heard from in many long years, a childhood close friend I enjoyed.How unexpected and delightful it was to hear from them after such a long time.It brought me great joy at being remembered at this especially tough time.”“Then your grandfather decided to take me out to a small lunch but I hesitated.He knew what I was thinking. He reminded me there are others in need besides us.He reminded me the only way to know the need of another was for us to walk the world.At the humble restaurant we shared a meal between us so we could tip the server.As I looked about me I could see the need of others and knew what to pray.One lady was trying hard not to have a panic attack while with her family in public.Most of the people in the room did not look healthy and I realized they were getting sick.But did you know the prayer of a stranger can prevent serious illness for you?”The children were amazed that one person could have that much power if they prayed.The old woman talked on about how the perfect day was not yet finished for her.“When we were about to leave the restaurant another waiter arrived with a dessert.In all the times I had been at this restaurant, no one had ever done this on my birthday.Our waiter knew it was my birthday and it was a special sweet gift from him at no cost!It’s like he knew we were there to pray for him and the others to gain back their health.He was saying thank you when we expected no thanks or recognition for our deeds.We smiled and enjoyed our gift and, oh, it tasted so very good with that whipped cream.”“Your grandfather and I returned home to marvel at our day of unexpected surprises.We talked about how we received more than we gave and it didn’t cost much either.Suddenly, there was this sense of Peace all around us and inside our hearts too.We realized we didn’t need to worry any more about losing our home or job.We now knew it was more important to walk the world and give to the need of others.All that we were, and all that we were to become, crystallized on that one perfect day.Little did we know God was training us to handle great wealth to give to others.That’s when we began planning for our future foundation for charities.We lived the life of the needy and now truly understood the needs of others.The birthday celebration was a perfect day because we chose to walk the world.Now it’s your generation’s turn to walk the world, pray powerfully for others and give.”Denny LyonCopyright 30 July 2010All Rights Reserved*** Also to enjoy: 17 Short Beautiful Love Poems*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates! *** Come by for a visit and check out my other blogs:The Social Poets - news, politicsThe Soul Calendar - science, astronomy, psychologyVisual Insights - photos, art, musicBeautiful Illustrated Quotations - spiritual quotes, philosophyPoems From A Spiritual Heart - poetryThe Healing Waters - health newsDennys People Watching - people in the newsDennys Food and RecipesDennys Funny Quotes - humorPhoto CreditsChild walking in the grass by Victor Bezrukov @ flickrGrandparents out in the boat by Let Ideas Compete @ flickrCloseup child's face by Pink Sherbet Photography @ flickrWhite doves flying by Muffet @ flickrGrandma's hands by hweiling @ flickrOld woman's hand by Ricky @ flickr

Fourth of July When Life is Simple poem - Libations Friday 25 June 2010

*** An amusing Fourth of July poem that celebrates living.Fourth of July When Life is SimpleGrand Dad used to say, “Life is simple.”I thought silently, “Yeah, when you’re 90.”Grand Dad used to say, “Life is good.”I asked him if it was good all the time.Grand Dad used to say, “Life goes up and down.Learn to appreciate it all, even when it doesn’t look good.”Grand Dad sat on the porch steps, slicing the watermelon.It was The Fourth of July, his favorite holiday.He pulled out his pocket knife and poked out the large seeds, Throwing them hard to the ground and far away into the grass.He said, “This is how you handle problems when they come.”We sat in the shade for a while, thinking, and poking the seeds.Then he put his mouth to the sliced fruit, biting hard into the sugar.He smiled wide and satisfied, as watermelon juice dribbled down his chin.“And this is how you engage the sweetness in Life.” Grand Dad said.And he took another big bite. And, then, so did I.Now I knew what Grand Dad knew.Sometimes, Life really is that simple.Denny LyonCopyright 21 June 2010All Rights Reserved*** With special thanks to nothingprofound, a fellow blogger, a fun guy who posts aphorisms on his blog, Aphorism Of The Day, that tickle my mind, one of from which this poem sprang (Life is simple... 18 June 2010).*** For more Fourth of July posts see also:63 Quotes About Freedom and Liberty: Happy Birthday, America!How Do We Live Freedom and Liberty? Libations Friday - 2 July 2010Fourth of July Fireworks Cartoons - 3 July 2010Dennys Photo Gallery: Fourth of July WatermelonCake Tuesday: Red, White and Blueberry Shortcakes Cake Tuesday: Red, White and Blue Independence Day CakePhoto CreditsFourth of July fireworks at Pismo Beach, California by puliarf @ flickrWatermelon quarter close up by ccharmon @ flickrPink watermelon by Esther Gibbons @ flickrWatermelon keys by Torley @ flickr"Flutter-bye" on watermelon enjoying the sugar by puliarf @ flickrWatermelon slices by moreno0101 @ flickrWatermelon on ice by quinn.anya @ flickrWatermelon seeds by Muffet @ flickrWatermelon on the sky by mfrascella @ flickrEating watermelon with gusto by Jonf729 @ flickr*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!*** Come by for a visit and check out my other blogs:The Social Poets Dennys Global PoliticsThe Soul CalendarVisual InsightsBeautiful Illustrated QuotationsPoems From A Spiritual HeartThe Healing WatersDennys Art SanctuaryRomancing The ChocolateComfort Food From LouisianaUnusual 2 TastyDennys Blog FeedsDennys Funny QuotesOuch Outrageous Obnoxious And Odddenny lyon, Dennys poetry, Fourth of July poems, life poems, spiritual poems, the social poets, art photography, photos of summer, Fourth of July photos, watermelon photos, life poems, Libations Friday, poetry blogs, America poems, social commentary

Stepping Through Life poem - Libations Friday 18 June 2010

*** Thinking about how a long list of small decisions can create our lives.Stepping Through LifeIt starts with one small stepOne inch over the line, to the line.People think it’s one defining decision.It isn’t; it’s one small step for each decision.It can go both ways.Those that turn back andLook upon their lives with remorseSee where they went wrong.Those that reflect upon time andLook back at their decisionsKnow how their lives developed andRejoice where they went right.People can delude themselves easily.Politicians think they will delayWhat the people need until they getThe money they need to stay in office.Leaders forget to lead whileThey take care of themselves first.The people suffer needlessly andLose hope while forced to wait endlessly.It’s human nature to put off todayWhat we could maybe do tomorrow.It’s what we promise ourselves,Thinking we will finally do better.But when the day arrives to do betterWe have taken so many steps over the lineWe become hard-hearted and uncaringAnd so it becomes our legacy.Why not look at your today to decideWhat you can do today for today?Why wait until you think circumstances are better?Choose the best of your life today and make it your legacy.Denny LyonCopyright 21 June 2010All Rights ReservedPhoto CreditsSpiral stairs photo by Eustaquio Santimano @ flickr - light house, Amédée Island, New Caledonia. Originally built in France by Napoleon III, but was later transported to New Caledonia.Castle steps by stevoarnold @ flickr - Framlingham Castle, Suffolk, England, UKWheel of life photo by Tim PopUp @ flickr - Sheffield, England, UKStepping out of darkness by pigliapost @ flickr - Aurora, Turin, ItalyStepping stone reflections photo by raggio(ALL4HIM)productions - Fort Worth, Texas, USAOcean steps by soupboy @ flickr - Gandy, Florida, USAOtley Steps by Tim Green aka atoach @ flickr - Otley, England, UKBridge steps by Jan Tik @ flickr - Portland, Oregon, USAOne giant step out into the ocean of Life by notsogoodphotography @ flickr - Maldives*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!

Hope Transforms poem - Libations Friday 11 June 2010

*** A poem about how Hope works to transform our lives.Hope TransformsHope lightly touches our souls,Gently glides in through the mists ofTroubled minds and chaotic lives and Quietly strokes our faces to engage.Awareness soars, promises glisten.We greet the new companion HopeWho lingers and comforts a whileConstant faithful friend through crisisHope arises from the silence, thoseDarkest moments plaguing our lives.Hope illuminates the despair and Lifts up our hearts to believe again.Life crowds us with demanding pressuresLike clanging alarms wake, startling us to grow.Hope drives us to a greater destination,Toward fully conscious, awake and Presence.Hope gives us the Dream then transforms,Sings our courage, never overwhelmed.Hope seeks, summons the growing Light.Conduit of change, quiet Power, Hope dwells within.Denny LyonCopyright 11 June 2010All Rights Reserved*** See Also: How Are Hopes, Dreams and Reality Related?*** See Also: Where Does Hope Guide Us On Our Life Path?*** See Also: Hope: Unborn Baby Grabs onto Doctors Hand in Surgery*** See Also: Does Hope Touch Your Soul?Photo CreditsHope under an umbrella photo by Atilla1000 @ flickrFenced Hope photo by mattwi1s0n @ flickrRays of Hope photo by green umbrella @ flickrFeather on the shore by patnz @ flickrSingle white feather floating photo by treehouse1977 @ flickrFeather glistening in the snow photo by Doug and Kim @ flickr*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!

Water of Life poem - Libations Friday 4 June 2010

*** Have you ever wondered the messages Nature speaks to us every day, happening every minute all around us? Great Nature photos.Water of LifeI look up to see a white egret flying softly high overhead,Playing, lazy, on the laughing air currents in conversation.In the bare beginning, the morning air dances lightly.Swooning breezes appear for me to remember, then, forget.We are waiting for the sun.Red-tinged blackbirds jump on the green swaying willow tree,Screeching a two note hearty hello, lifting its wings wide to sing.Smoky mist hangs on the water’s surface, stepping, drifting alongIn creeping hordes like short silent ghosts.A white egret dives and swoops in gracefully,Gliding with quiet stretched white wings to fish.A blue heron beats the air heavily with huge wings,Coming in for a landing like a frightening dinosaur.I sip my warm welcoming coffee ever so slowly as I watch,Drinking in the early hour sights as the water of Life moves.In the sky the sunrise peeks pink through dark blue clouds When, suddenly, a strange sight: a flock of eight egrets.Eight egrets, not the solitary solo of norm, flying East.Eight egrets, all pristine perfect, soft billowy whiteDrew my gaze to look up and wonder long the message.Every day all around us, Creation delivers new awareness.Mythical bearers of change, spiritual messengers: egrets and herons.Eight is the number of new beginnings flying overhead today.Arriving now comes change, change in our lives, change.This omen of unusual eight means it’s all good. I smile, and, look up in thanks.Denny LyonCopyright 3 June 2010All Rights Reserved*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!Photo CreditsFlying high egret by mikebaird @ flickrScreeching red-winged blackbird by ingridtaylar @ flickrHeron in pink waters by h.koppdelaney @ flickrHerons and sunrise by Bloody Nick @ flickrCloseup of heron by Lida Rose @ flickrNew Orleans, Louisiana, Lake Pontchartrain sunrise by JACoulter @ flickrFlock of egrets at sunrise by Bashed @ flickrMythical egret by alicepopkorn @ flickr