I retired from a thirty-five year career in hospice social work a few years ago, at which time I began writing poetry. My work is inspired by the journeys of my patients, the compelling beauty of nature, and the human condition. I also enjoy music, long walks in the forest, flower arranging, and jumping in puddles with my grandchildren. I live in New Jersey with my husband and Bernese Mountain Dog, Dottie.

“Of Dreams and Time”

i.
If age dulls not
the sense of time
or passion poised
on poem’s rhyme
then in my dreams
when slumber comes
I’ll see myself
forever young 

ii.
If sunset lulls
the world to sleep
and dawn 
within her breast, 
light keeps 
then as I wake
if light I see
a world of peace
will ever be -
But if I wake
to darkening sky
and dawn’s bright light
not in my eye
then back to sleep
with hope in me
to dream of 
better days to be

iii.
If tulip touches
lips of spring 
in dreams of warmth
that springtime brings
then when it blooms
with color bright
will warm the chill
of darkest night

iv.
If treetops tickle
skies of blue
and sunlit stars
fall onto you
then you will see
beyond your dream
stars not ever
what they seem

v.
If fire crackles 
through the wood
and leaves its scent
where trees once stood
then I will breathe 
the smoke of sleep
and in my dreams
their essence keep