Maybe it's time for some poetry...

The weather has started to cool down and the sun isn't out as much as I would like it to be. It's fall or technically, the beginning of winter here. We are starting to prep for the holidays, making lists of gifts that we need to start buying, and planning for our Thanksgiving dinner. The smell of spice fills the air and all I want to do is curl up with a glass of Gluhwein and a good book. But there is a part of me that just wants to spend some time writing. Maybe not a novel because I do not think I am even anywhere capable of that but maybe a long journal entry or how about even a poem? When is the last time I have even written a poem? I cannot even begin to remember when or what it might have been about. But maybe it's this time of year that I just feel more emotional and poetry might be a great way to become more in tune with my inner feelings. Maybe it's time for some poetry...

Below is a poem that Brei wrote last year after my grandfather's passing on November 19, 2010. If you didn't read it when she posted then, please take some time to read it now. It is a beautiful poem and maybe it can inspire some of your own poetry. Our maybe it will just make you think of your own family and how important they are to you.

                                          photo taken by by Julie Napear Photography http://www.julienapearphotography.com/

The Last Great Cowboy

Solid. 

A sturdy, dependable presence.

That’s how we think of you.

Bear-hugging arms,

Sloppy, wet kisses,

Rough whiskers against our soft cheeks,

And always a smile on your face

When you see us.

Your smile is a gift -

Unique to each one of us.

With it, we know we’re special.

We know you see us.

All of us,

As we are.

Sometimes we may feel that no one else

Sees us

But you.

With dirt under your fingernails,

Sawdust on your boots,

A hammer ready on your toolbelt

And a Western in your hands,

You are a present day cowboy.

A hero –

Our hero.

You have crossed the country

To save us from our own mistakes.

You have calmed our fears

when we’ve been surrounded by danger.

You have repaired the cracks in our dry wall

As well as in our self-confidence.

You have built up our homes and our hearts

When they started to crumble.

We may not always be at our best,

But you see us.

You save us.

You have been our father,

Our grandfather,

Our great-grandfather.

A worthy opponent

In our childhood tickle wars

And a worthy opponent

For our children as well.

A confidante, even when our words

Are hard to hear.

A giver of advice

Even when we don’t listen.

We can be difficult,

But you see what’s in our hearts.

You bring us humor

When we want to cry.

You offer praise

without criticism.

You give hugs

And never a cold shoulder.

You see our success

And say nothing of our shortcomings.

You see us as beautiful,

Even when we’re not.

Sometimes we feel invisible.

Sometimes we feel overlooked.

Sometime we feel misunderstood.

Sometimes we make mistakes.

Sometimes we give up.

Sometimes we fail.

Sometimes we don’t say all that we should.

But at all times we feel loved by you.

You can’t always hear us,

But we know that you see us.

Thank you,

For being

Solid, sturdy, and dependable.

A working man.

A realist.

A giver of unconditional love.

Thank you for

Bone-crunching bear hugs

And big juicy kisses

And for letting us sit in your lap

With our head on your shoulder.

Thank you for giving us confidence

And for believing in us

When you are the only one,

Because at times,

We forget to believe in ourselves.

Thank you for seeing us

And letting us know that you love

What you see.

And we want you to know that

we see you.

We may not live in the

Wild West of your novels.

But with your tough, calloused hands,

Gentle in our own and with our hearts,

And your fighting spirit,

To us, you will always be

The Last Great Cowboy.

And long after you ride off into the sunset,

We will love you.

~ by Brei Wilson

Below are a couple of links to some poetry contests.

Teen Ink:

http://www.teenink.com/Contests/PoetryC.php

 Checkout Goodreads.com to for their poetry contest: 

GOODREADS POETRY CONTEST

Want your words to reach 4 million people? Goodreads and the ¡POETRY! group have partnered to host an ongoing poetry contest. Join the ¡POETRY! group to vote each month to pick a winner from among the finalists. You can also submit a poem for consideration.  

~Jacinda