Even the Strong
Become Weak


Was it her inviting
Lips opening in
A consummate kiss?

Was it her
Intoxicating breasts,
Lifting in a caress?  

Was it her
Responding heart
Pounding through to his?  

It was all of those
And more.

Her laughter, her thoughts,
Those clever eyes that
Witnessed his secret strivings,

With all that was against
His foolish resolve,
How could he not but fold?  


Susan Patterson
7-2011

Well now,  this is a poetry genre in which I do not often write.  Alright, in my secret files are a few poems about the physical side of life.  And like the others, this particular poem can have many meanings and interpretations.  Be that as it may, there is not much  I am willing to discuss here, save that everyone can use the power that he or she is  given or has earned in life, either for good or bad.  The woman in this poem has power.  We can assume that anyone I write about is using his or her power for good.  😏

If you are not familiar with All Classical Radio, here in Portland, Oregon, then may I suggest you acquaint yourself with the best music in the world, played 24 hours a day on an award winning radio station.  My husband, James's, musical listening preference leans towards hard rock.  My listening preference is more akin to that of Bing Crosby.  It seems then only natural that we compromise by listening to classical music.  And we love it.  The station, 89.9 fm is on most of the day.  If you are not from the Oregon area, then you can stream the music live by going to www.allclassical.org

All Classical Radio is a non-profit station that is supported by the local community. There are no commercials, no stupid chatter, no obnoxious songs, just the best humanity has to offer in music.  And even though it started in humble beginnings near the cafeteria of a local high school 30 years ago, All Classical Radio, is heard all over the world and is one  of the top classical stations in the United States.  Give All Classical a try, any time day or night.  You will become hooked to the variety and style of the music, not to mention the calming effect it has on the listener.   skp

 
▶ "Tea is to the afternoon as making love is to life."  Earlene Grey

Happy times!  skp

We Will Never Be Without

She brings me flowers,
This woman I hardly know.  
It is because once, just once,
I was unprepared and did
Not have a fitting bouquet for the
Banquet table.

Just once, I didn’t have everything
Under control.  I was so hoping that
Someone would rescue me from
My shortfall.
Unaware, she did.
Answering the door,
I reached for the flowers even before
Before greeting my champion.

After that, I wondered if it
Would continue to be so.
But, now it must be understood,
Silently,
Because she always brings me flowers.  


Susan Patterson
06-2013

St. Paul's Cathedral in London, designed by Christopher Wren, was originally built in the 17th century.  The famous building surviving wars and fires,  still holds a place of honor in England.  It is the host seat for royal weddings, funerals and services that mark the endings of wars, jubiliees and other such celebrations.  The phrase 'robbing Peter to pay Paul" allegedly came about in the 17th century, when funds were appropriated from St. Peter's Cathedral in Westminster to pay for repairs on St. Paul's Cathedral. 

This is a story of generosity, etiquette and unrealized care.  We never know what happens when we do the right thing.  Whether our actions are a result of good manners, a spur of the moment thought, or considerable planning, what becomes of our efforts may not always be, or ever be, apparent. 

There is a difference between doing the right thing and doing the thing right.  I tend to lean towards doing the right thing.  Regardless, one never may know the impact of what one does for others.  In this poem, the flowers given to the hostess by a guest, were more than just doing the right thing. 

À bientôt!  

Tea in the Right Company --
So Whom to Invite?


How imperfect are we
That we cannot find time for tea!

How we rush to be better,
To be sharper.  To be more fine.
And yet we fail to fully live
In the wisdom of our time.

Perfection can be found most simply
By having the right company at tea.

Whether it is with those we love or,
With an angel stranger,
From that which is in front of us,
To that which eventually could be,
Our most perfect selves may be
Discovered by having the right company at tea.


Susan Patterson
Circa  2003

This early tea poem is my tribute to Britain and our trip over the pond, as the say.  It is also the poem with which I start every reading.  Tea in the  Right Company  sets a tone for a time to relax, to listen and to ponder.   The message of course is that we often rush all around and become very busy in order to become better and more fine, when in reality the process can happen simply by putting ourselves in the company of good people.  James and I were certainly made better by being in the company of Harold and Jolyn Plough who recently traveled with us to the United Kingdom. 

PS.  The line in the poem, 'With an angel stranger' refers to Abraham hosting angels but not knowing it. 

Did you notice that The Causerie was not showing up in your in box?  Did you think that I had died?  Did you remember that I promised editions of Causerie  from Britain and none were forthcoming?  Well, we don't always do what we plan to do.  Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.  Please allow me to explain. 

Back in October of last year, my husband James and I were invited to go to the British Isles with friends Harold and Jolyn Plough.  Such a journey is not our usual.  It took considerable thought before we decided to give intercontinental travel a try.  But happily we made the right decision and for three weeks in March and April of this year, we hurtled ourselves across the countryside of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.  Whew! 

For two weeks, the four of us daunting expeditioners took part in an overview tour.  (Collette Tours, www.gocollete.com  is the name of the company we used.)   And my goodness, Christine, the tour director kept us moving.  Bags often had to be out in the hallway for pick-up at 7:00 am and we were off in our bus by 8:00.  We had much to do and see!  It There was very little down time and when it came, yours truly was either too tired to keep her head up, or she went shopping.  What can I say?  

The third week of our journey we spent on our own wondering around central England.  We stayed with our good friends and consummate hosts, Chris Bird and Edmund Preston in Kinver and l we spent time in Oxford.  So as not to bore you with too many details in this posting of The Causerie,  please allow me another chance at providing you with pictures and tidbits in future editions. 

This is Blenheim Palace in Oxforshire, England. 
www.blenheimpalace.com

What you see is the back side of the palace, for heaven's sake, over looking the gardens,   The estate is 2000 acres give or take.  It was built as a gift from Queen Anne to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough.  The palace has been in the Churchill family for over 300 years was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

Some say it is testament to unbridled ego; some say it is a stunning masterpiece of design and grace.  We were of course simply awed by the grandeur of the whole estate.  It is well worth a visit and look at history. 

                                                                                       ❖

Mr. and Mrs. James and Susan Patterson and Mr. and Mrs. Harold and Jolyn Plough taking afternoon tea in the Indian Room at Blenheim Palace.  The room was decorated in the East Indian style.  The tea was excellent (the Palace chefs filtered the water, thank goodness), the food was top notch and the four travelers were very appreciative. 

▶Yesterday is but a memory, a lovely vision or a vital lesson.  The choice is yours.    Earlene Grey

More of the British Isles next time.  Cherry-bye!