When a star appears,
I pay attention–
watch how it spreads
within the crystals of milk
reminding me to notice
daily miracles.
Margaret Simon, draftToday’s photo prompt is brought to you by my morning coffee. I am no barrister, but I do enjoy heating and frothing oat milk for my morning cuppa. I’ve been to coffee shops and received the gift of a design in the top froth, but this was a pure accident. Not a miracle of great proportions, but a simple reminder to pay attention. As I’ve returned to a daily routine of waking early to get ready for a day at school, I needed this reminder. Find joy. Find delight in the simple things. Know you are loved.
Please write a small poem about a small noticing, a waking up of your mind to something you needed to see. Encourage other writers with your comments.
Reflections on the Teche 
Oh! I love surprises such as this one—and am frequently ‘prompted’ to poems from such surprises in the natural world, and imprinted accidentally into the sidewalks I tread. Noticing, noticing, noticing: such an important thing to convey in the author visits I hope to be doing this year…and it’s such a wonderful antidote against feeling low.
BIRD FEET IMPRINTS IN THE SIDEWALK SPEAK
Unlike you I will live forever
or at least until hard-pounded
cracks erode me. I do not feel
pain or loss or love. I have no heart.
I am unencumbered, unattached,
uninvolved and alone. My artist has
flown free.
Carol Coven Grannick, Draft
I like the perspective of this poem from the feet prints, and the bird as artist who has left behind a permanent reminder of its existence. It begs the question, which one is better off?
I love how the title holds the weight for this poem. “Unencumbered” may seem nice until you get to “alone”.
Yes. I originally stopped after not feeling loss or love, and then realized something else was unsaid.
Carol, what a fun and surprising perspective with the many “I” statements. I like all the un… words and then the stark “alone.”
My artist has flown free… I like that line, a fleeting image in contrast to the more permanent imprints. But maybe it’s the more powerful image.
Thank you for the reminder about noticing, Margaret. Today I paid particular attention to my milkweed plants.
beetles and aphids
lurking on milkweed leaves
will monarchs follow
My milkweed is getting so tall. I hope for monarchs soon, too.
Rose, I hope so! Thanks for planting and keeping them. I like the verb “lurking”
Rose, I hope those monarchs come. Do they put an end to the “lurking” when they do?
Looking forward to another poem when the monarchs appear.
Oh, what a perfect star! I first thought it happened at the hands of a pro, then that you learned how, or had a pattern. However, a serendipitous star that you noticed is a lovely idea! Yes, I want to live life paying attention to the little miracles too. We had good news last night!
Your little round head,
dimpled chin, tiny voice–such
mighty miracles
Love the image….and the sweet contrast between “tiny” and “mighty”…
Congratulations on your own little miracle.
A mighty miracle – how wonderful!
What a wonderful miracle to experience!
Dimpled chin, tiny voice- love that!!
Late to the party, but thought I’d chime in anyway. I love the poems above and especially the emphasis on paying attention.
From shiny
white froth
a star unfolds –
Astro-nishing!
Karen Eastlund, draft
Love that new word you created- it fits perfectly!
I had to laugh at your new word!
It might work better as:
ast(r)onishing
haha… anyway…
“Notice daily miracles” is great advice. Because miracles are there, just waiting.
Strangers become friends
When help is needed
Acting quickly and adding kind words
You didn’t know them yet- friends indeed
An unexpected fall yesterday in the locker room at the Y found a group of ladies I see and greet (we just happen to be using the pool at the same time, but hadn’t really met yet- they are in a class, I am exercising on my own) rushing to my aid. They helped me up, stayed around with some good advice- just stay still a few minutes before you move, try to be calm… then when we all could tell I was shaken, but OK, they chimed in with kind words and funny stories, assuring me “it happens to us all.” Someone alerted staff who came to make sure I was ok- they walked with me to my car. Altogether, it was an “ordinary miracle.” People are mostly kind and caring. Helpers are there. I am humbled and thankful.
I’m glad you are ok and that strangers now are friends. You are so right that in general people want to be kind and helpful.
Love this, Margaret! A star in your morning coffee – now that’s God winking at you.
Dragonfly drenched in the rain,
Wings heavy with droplets,
I carefully move him to a dry place,
In a few minutes, he stirs
and rises carefully in the air.
I love this image of you saving a dragonfly.