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Causerie \kōz-'rē\

An informal chat or talk: a friendly discussion, typically on a literary subject.

Welcome to The Causerie

There Still is a Chance

3/25/2015

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Picture
A green valley to walk in.
There Still is a Chance


We are an evil lot
To the core, at the heart, evil.

We take and plunder and kill
Whatever we want. We ravage and
Eat every thing, even our own at times.  

We live on a bio mess of that
Which we have extruded from
The reckonings of our generations.  

Yet, once in a while a blossom of
A human grows up from the
Fermentation of our existence.
Then we, others, bow and scrape and
Worship and wail and weep.
Then we fight and take some more.

But every once in a while that blossom
Of a human enlightens another,
And then another,
Then there is a field of blossoms,
And then a hillside of blossoms.
Then a valley full.
And we can walk in it.  


Susan Patterson
4-2012

Audio and Comment-

Well, this is a fairly strongly stated poem!  Can you tell that I get a little frustrated with what goes on in the world?  Throughout the centuries, there has been discussion whether or not man is good or evil at heart.  I don't know for sure, but throughout those same centuries, humans have done a fair amount of good and by golly, a fair amount of evil.  We usually do those things in the name of God, or religion.  We have taken over the planet.  We have made some things better and some things worse. 

But, once in awhile, we do get it right.  We do figure out.  And we walk in peace.  I am hoping for more peace.  skp

▶ The presentation of tea can be your gift to the world.   Earlene Grey

Secret Spring Sale!  Shhhhhh!

PictureMusings With a Cuppa-The Poetry of Tea

For the readers of The Causerie:
Musings With a Cuppa-The Poetry of Tea
is available during the spring season for $6.00 per book.   This is the original tea poetry collection.  It is still the poetry that most people ask for.  You will enjoy a light-hearted look at the world while sipping your favorite cuppa.

This lovely hard back edition usually sells for $12.00 per volume.  You can get wholesale pricing, no minimum, no limit.  And, I will autograph the books for you!   (S & H not included.)  It will be the perfect gift for your tea loving friends. 

I don't do this very often, so don't miss out.  The trick is, you have to contact me directly.   Call Susan Patterson at 503-655-2809 or email [email protected]




Picture
Tea grown in the high mountain valleys, what better?

À bientôt! 
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Taking Leave, You and I

3/16/2015

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Picture
Let us take leave, you and I.
Taking Leave,
You and I

Now let us
Find indulgence
In one anther’s person.
Let us wander the
Intimate hills and valleys
Of the soul encasing
Landscapes
We know so well.

We will call sanctuary
In each other’s arms
And find refuge
In the embrace. 

You will lie still from
The thoughts that tangle.
I will listen to
Your steady breathing.

We will take leave of
The wars of the world
And the cares that bind.

We will forgive and forget
Yesterday,
Make peace
With tomorrow
And take pleasure
In today. 


Susan Patterson   
12-2014 

Audio and Comment-

The world has become so very difficult to understand and to accept these days.  I think it must be necessary to step away from it all...at least once in awhile.  This poem refers to an escape through physical love.  I am told, however, there are many interpretations of this poem.  What is yours?       skp


Picture
Nahla Reynolds, age two, swinging high into spring.






▶
Write for your children.  Then they will learn what is important, sooner rather than later. 

Earlene Grey


Picture
For those who believe in the yellow and green of spring, here is a glory of daffodils.

Cheery - bye!  skp

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The Lament of the New Butterfly

3/8/2015

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Picture
A butterfly doing what he is meant to do, and we suppose that he is enjoying every minute of the experience.

The Lament of the New Butterfly


There is yellow
Coming out of
Things in the yard.   
There is a lighter
Shade of green
Out there as well.  

It must be Spring.
When did that happen?  

I was quite liking my
Brown and grey cocoon,
So safe and quiet.  
Now, I will have to unfold my wings.

I liked being wrapped up in my self.  
I liked not seeing anything else but
The inside of me.

And now with my wings unfolded,
(But, oh, my Lord, aren’t they gorgeous!)
With them ready to go,
I am expected to flit and fly
Visiting other creatures, that
I can only tolerate for a moment or two.
 
Oh, Spring, what had’st thou done to me!  


Susan Patterson
03-2013

Audio and Discussion-

Spring is coming early to Oregon.  We've hardly had a winter at all.  But now it is time to relish the new season of growth and community.  It is time to be out and about enjoying the sunshine. 

Here is a poem where I poke fun at myself.  It's easy to do.   This verse is a bit like how I am. (I'm so sorry dear friends, I really do enjoy your company.)  However, it seems that I am often like a hesitant butterfly.  But, aren't we all?  Aren't we all cautious at times?  Do we not all shrink from that which might ask us to venture out of our comfort zone?  Well, some of us do.  Nevertheless,  I am happy for spring.  Further I am happy to flit and fly once in awhile.   Getting out of my safe cocoon isn't all bad.  Thanks for enticing.  skp


Picture
James and Susan Patterson keeping warm on a pier in Victoria British Columbia, Canada

Want to Give Your Opinion? 

PictureCyndi and Karen in the Patterson living room sharing opinions.
I am looking for a few good women!  (A few good men would be nice as well, but asking for men is a risky way to start an article. )  As you may know, for the past ten years or so,  I have been doing poetry readings...or recitals...or whatever you call them.  Until now, it has been readings of my oldie-but-goodies tea poems.  Now, however, it is time to break into a new dawn!  Finally!  I am in the process of honing a presentation of my current and non-tea related poems.  In that process, I need to read to an audience to help me decide what poems work for a good presentation.

So here is what I am asking for, a focus group!  Yep.   I am looking for a group of ladies and/or men who are willing to get together for a couple of hours...maybe drink wine...maybe munch on crackers or enjoy desserts.  I will read poems I think would touch people and would flow together.  The audience will be my sounding board.    I need to know what will work and what will not.  The opinion of intelligent and thoughtful people will help me immensely.  

If you are willing to host a little get together - focus group, please let me know.  Call me at 503-655-2809, or email me at [email protected].  Thank you in advance.    skp


▶ God doesn't keep track of time.  He is too busy keeping track of us. 
                                Earlene Grey

Picture
The best color of spring comes from the daffodil.

Open the doors for spring!  skp
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    If you would like to email Susan, click HERE.

    Author

    Susan Patterson is a published author of three books of poetry and a book of memoirs.  She is heard regularly on RKWP podcast-radio. She also speaks at private and public events. Find out more at the website below.

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