Jeannine Collins

Jeannine Collins

Wholeness

My neighbors big black lab
Pushes his head against my knee,
I'm trying to write, I scold!
His tail wags, pink tongue washes my face.
Like my toddler so many years ago
In need of attention, all my attention!
Unlike my teenage granddaughter
Who at the same time listens to rock
Does homework and sends e-mail
Multitasking is my downfall
Leaving bits and pieces undone.
So I put down my pad and pen
Rub and scratch this dog's ears
Look into his brown eyes
Only this ...now.

Altered State

My husband drives the car.
I am in the passenger seat, numb.
This first ride since surgery.
Tons of metal hurl themselves
Through eight lanes.
Bodies encased in moving tombs
Eyes fixed on glass in front,
Hands gripped around a wheel
Bodies tense, tight, or bored.
Now tons of metal
Zigzags around another.
Diesel fuel stings my nose
Engines roar, assault my ears
Not real I think, this is not real
Though my hands grasp my seat
My body suspends
Floats above express way
I won't come down until
My feet touch the grass again

Full Moon

How shall I greet the moon?

She who rises above the trees across the lake.

Waiting all day for this moment...

Does she know how exciting this encounter is for me?

Would I be wise to just breathe deeply and

With a solemn face reach out my hand and say

How do you do..then give a curtsy...

Or shall I be giddy and childlike

Skipping down the stoney path to the water's edge

Calling gayly..Hello! Hello!

Can you come out to play?

Or would it be better to act the neighborly role and say

Yoo hoo! (with a slight wave of the hand)

Sooo very delightful to see you again!

It's been so long,a month I believe!

No, none of this seems to fit the moment

As she rises higher into the night's sky...

The goddess in me shall greet the goddess in you.

I come with friends; the whipperwill, singing frogs and

A homeless peacock with tail fanning rainbows.

Yes, I know we have met before,

Yet each time is new, a devine drama...

Magic played to the same audience in a velvet theatre.

Love in a lifetime of jasmine scented nights.

I tremble and raise my smiling arms to you,

Wise Mother goddess.

Pale as the mare's milk

I drink your moonbeams in small sweet sips

My lips open to a smile

My heart hears your message...

Welcome home my daughter.

The Road

Where is this road going?

Is it the Right road?

A whipperwill's call charms the night

Messanger sent for Spring' s approval.

Overhead the Big Dipper

Pours lost stars up into the heavens

While the wandering peacock

Shouts Help! Help! from the porch swing.

So does my soul call out silently..help, help..

Still now the rising moon makes no comment

Never judging...

Ah what an admirable trait!

So..is this the right road ?

Gratitude

Sound of the breath,
Soft blue breeze
Flows through lungs and nostrils.
Beat of the heart,
A toy drum in the ears.
Pulsation in wrist and throat
Plucking veins and arteries
Accompany the beat.
Eyesblink, open and shut,
Shades that flutter in yellow light.
Stomach and intestines gurgle
Bubble and blow over lunch.
Thoughts flash bits of colored words,
Becomes a flaring red story.
Sad black, and orange joy;
Emotions emerge.
My mouth moves and curves 
Around a little smile
Soundless laugh deep
>From the soul.
I AM AlIVE!

Apathy

Apathy,
Holds my pen,
Drags my feet across the floor,
In slippers.

Apathy,
Drops the paper
Distracts me from my writing
Allows me to forget what I went to do`Too Bad!

Apathy,
Like a slippery dream
Covers my eyes in broad daylight.
My funeral

Apathy
Eat another cookie
Even if I am not a bit hungry.
Get fat

Apathy,
Will you join me for tea?
At least we can be on friendly terms
Until death do us part!

Haiku

Lying in the grass

Buzzards circle overhead

Wait! I'm not dead yet!

Leaning stalks of grass

Heads brusting with spring

Bow to the we

Look in the mirror

It's not my face I see

Mother's face

Playing in the puddles

The raindrops and a small child

Waiting for the sun

Tilling the garden

Overhead cranes fly northward

My boat stuck in mud

Ticking clock

Old man's shallow breath

Family watch

Wind and rain

She opens the door

Dog stays in

Magazines

Doctor's waiting room

Pages turn