#wonderbreak17 Gratitude Poems

Cotton Candy Afternoon

a fluff of pink
a fluff of blue

one for me
the other for you—

in sugared air
and thread of sun

the two of us
having fun

we talk, we laugh
we play, we eat

a swirl of friendship
spun sticky sweet

©Linda Kulp Trout2017

I love cotton candy, but I hadn't eaten any since my sons were small.  I had forgotten all about this sweet melt-in-your mouth treat. So, I'm grateful my grandchildren brought cotton candy into my life!   Last year at the carnival, my granddaughter asked for cotton candy on a stick, but the vendor only had cotton candy in a bag. She and I decided that would work!  Yum!

A big thank you to the very talented Joann for hosting today's Poetry Friday at Teaching Authors.

#wonderbreak NPM Gratitude Poems

Before Recycling

one jar

almost empty
peanut butter plus dog
equals tongue-lapping, lip-smacking—
all gone
            

©Linda Kulp Trout
#wonderbreak

Photo by Gail Kulp

I thankful for the wonderful pictures people post of their pets. My daughter-in-law posted this picture of her dog, Rosie on Facebook.  I can imagine how much fun she had licking that peanut butter jar clean.  I don't have a dog, and I did not know they like peanut butter.  I did a little research and found a cute video.  If you need a smile, take a look.

A big thank you to Tabatha for hosting today's poetry roundup at The Opposite of Indifference.

#wonderbreak NPM: Gratitude Poems

       Autism

What goes on inside
the mind of a child
who does not speak?

What thoughts?

What hopes?
What fears?
What dreams?

I search for answers
locked behind his eyes—

Is he happy?
Is he lonely?

Does he know
how deeply he is loved?

I pray someday
he will find the words
to tell me—

His thoughts
His hopes
His fears
His dreams

My precious grandson—
who does not speak.

©Linda Kulp Trout

My grandson, Victor, is autistic.  His verbal skills are mostly limited to words and phrases. Communication is challenging, and sometimes he becomes frustrated.  He wants to be independent, but he needs constant supervision in order to keep him safe.  The world with its sensory overload can be overwhelming and frightening for him. 

But, autism is only part of who Victor is.  Like other little boys, he loves to run and play. He loves to dig in the dirt and splash in water. He has a tender heart and a gentle way with animals. His infectious laughter sends joy through my heart.   

Even with all his struggles, Victor is a lucky little boy.   He was born to parents, my son and daughter-in-law, who are devoted to him in every way.  They provide him with opportunities to learn and gain independence.   They take him places and give him a wide variety of experiences. Raising a child with autism can be emotionally and physically exhausting, yet I’ve never heard a single complaint from either of them.  They accept and love Victor for the creative, smart, and beautiful child he is. 

 You can read more about Victor here.

I am thankful for today’s roundup at Dori Reads.

#wonderbreak NPM Gratitude Poems

I'm very thankful for the years I spent teaching and getting to know students from preschool through middle school.   One year I taught a summer program for first grade students.  I still have some of the cute pictures they drew for me. First graders love their teacher, and they're not afraid to show it.  Memories of their smiles and hugs inspired this poem.

                                                A Great Year!

                

Student                                                                       Teacher
             
She smiles and says hello,
in her warm friendly way.

                                                                           Seeing their smiling faces,

                                                                     always makes my day!

She helps us learn to write.

She teaches to us read.

                                                                     Sometimes a little hug

                                                                     is all they really need.

She tells us we are smart.
She teaches us to share.

                                                                       I wonder if they know

                                                                       just how much I care.

We love our first grade teacher.
We know she loves us too!    
                                                                     Working with the children
                                                                      is what I love to do!

 Because of her

           Because of them

                                                  

                                    We’re having a great year!

©Linda Kulp Trout

#wonderbreak

The very talented Irene has today's Poetry Friday Roundup at  Live Your Poem.
Have a great weekend!

#wonderbreak NPM Gratitude Poems

             

Cardinal Complains

Look at that squirrel!
Nobody invited him!
He just climbed in and
helped himself to our dinner—
not even a thank you!

©Linda Kulp Trout

Photo: Joanie Mayle

Squirrels are a lot of fun to watch.  I've often sat by the window and watched as a squirrel dangled from our neighbor's bird feeder while sparrows, cardinals, and finches wait their turn in a nearby tree.   This picture was taken by my sister. I see that the squirrels in her neighborhood are just as mischievous as they are in mine! 

#wondebreak NPM Gratitude Poems

   Housemates


behind our shutter

mama sparrow made a home
for five speckled eggs

©Linda Kulp Trout

#wonderbreak

Last week I saw the nest behind our shutter.  I tried to get close to take a peek, but I didn't want to frighten mama sparrow.  It's amazing to think a little miracle is happening right on our front porch!

#wonderbreak NPM Gratitude Poems

Magic

who needs a genie

when I am with my dad—

my wishes come true

©Linda Kulp Trout

I love the magic in my grandson's eyes as he looks up at his dad (my son).  Isn't that the look every parent wants to see when their child looks at them.   Watching the two of them together makes my heart happy. 

#wonderbreak NPM Gratitude Poems #3

      Recipe


For a perfect Saturday
Here is my recipe:
park bench,  good book,
Grandpa and me

©Linda Kulp TroutNational Poetry Month

#wonderbreak NPM Gratitude Poems

March Morning


Still dressed
in winter coats
a family of deer
wander out of the woods hungry
for spring

©Linda Kulp Trout
National Poetry Month

A few days ago, my very thoughtful sister-in-law took this picture of the deer in her backyard.  She sent it to me because she  knows how much I love watching deer.  I so wish I could have been there to see them, but a picture is the next best thing! 

#wonderbreak NPM Gratitude Poems

winter's bare branches

painted in oil and water

on concrete canvas

©Linda Kulp Trout

National Poetry Month

         Photo by Tim Kulp                  

I don't know how my son does it, but somehow he finds beauty in unexpected places. I'm so glad he shares his findings so the rest of us can enjoy them too. 

In writing this haiku, I went back and forth on using the word "mirrored" or "painted" in line 2.  For now, I chose to go with "painted."  Then in line 3, I played with "paved" and settled on "concrete" for the alliteration.  I'm still now sure how this poem might change before I call it "finished."