Not a Total Loss
 
Each of us has the ability
To help humanity grow.
This is true because
Every once in a while
We do things right.
 
Every once in a while
We take in a stray.
Love the wretched.
Care for the weak.
Give a little grace.
 
Every once in awhile,
We bend a bit lower
To raise the bar
Just a little higher.
 
Every once in awhile,
We get things right. 
 
 
Susan Patterson  
12-06

As you can see, I wrote this poem ten years ago.  It is still one of my favorites, and I often quote the last line.  Now it is Christ Mass time again.  We think about how to take care of the poor and feed the hungry.  We ponder about living better lives. But, I believe this year is different.  To me, it is a particularly important time in human history, possibly even a turning point.  More than ever...if we are able...we must work together and make peace. Can we not make the world a better place for all living creatures?  Now more than ever.   skp

The Enough of Christmas
 
It’s Christmas time and everyone is a wreck.
We’ve gifts to make and friends to greet,
Food to serve, wine to store.
And maybe, even snow to sweep.
 
Christmas cannot wait.  It must be done.
It must be made.  Its importance not passed up.
Oh, my Lord. So much.
So very much. Too much.
What is one to do?
 
Find a kind soul.
There are some that you know.
Make a cup of tea, nothing more.
Then enjoy Christmas,
With a gift of appreciation
And not a garish show.
 
 
08-06
Susan Patterson

 
The Start of Something Right
 
It was the senior year of university,
Before the beginning of crowded class.
He sauntered in, full of confidence,
Ready for all the good things of life.  
He sat down next to her on the floor.
 
His curly hair was like an old mop
Which had be used too many times.
The scars that he bore did not show,
And his eyes, bright
As the summer’s best day,
Teased with sparkle when
He spoke to her. 
 
“What are you reading?” he prompted.
“Why do you care?” she snipped.
 
That was the start of their play
Together.  The start of days
Of abandon to avoid
What others would consider
Eminently urgent.
 
But wait, wasn’t
Venturing off to make love
Eminently important as well?
 
Yes, I dare say it was.
 
 
Susan Patterson
09-2016 
 

Oh, the years in college.  Sometimes they were the start of good times.  Sometimes they were the end of good times.  One may never know which is actually which.  Happy days to you, our wonderful readers.  skp

Are you a lover of all things tea?  If so, then you must have a copy of Musings With a Cuppa~The Poetry of Tea.  This is the classic book of tea poetry.  It is funny in a tongue in cheek sort of way.  It is sometimes a bit saucy.  And yes, it is sometimes serious.  Why not buy a copy for yourself and a copy for your friends. 

If you would like to purchase books, simply go to our website, www.earlenegrey.com.

If you are having an event and would be interested in wholesale prices, email Susan Patterson at susan@earlenegrey.com

Delight for the
Seemingly Unimportant
 
Most people don’t know it,
But the little joys are enough.
An extra undershirt to
Keep you warm at night.
 
Shoes that fit,
Tea that is hot,
A peaceful view,
A clean table.
A good lunch,
Flowers to notice,
A hand that is near,
A glance that reassures. 
 
There is so very much
In this world that will not
Be fixed by our hand.
Then, it is
The small things
We will manage.  The
Appreciated unimportant,
Is what we will
Celebrate first. 
 
 
Susan Patterson
11-2013
 

We, in the United States have had a stressful campaign season.  Further, it has been felt throughout the world.  I won't comment on how and what and why, others will do that.  I will do what I do best... write poetry.  I have posted this poem on The Causerie before.  Many of you may recognize it. But, I think that this little piece might fit well now, for whatever reason.   Thank you for reading and for writing in.  skp

Possibly more than any other form of writing, poetry is more of a personal presentation.  In that vein, some of my poems come from my life.  And still others are absolutely made up.  I will not divulge to you which is which.  Nor should you, the reader, try to figure it out.  Just enjoy the work.

Having said all of that, I should tell you, that this paragraph is an advertisement.  If you like what you read on The Causerie, why not buy a whole book or more!  There is a sale going on now and the holiday season is upon us. 


To purchase, simply go to www.EarleneGrey.com

A Practice of Care
 
 
You walked past me through
The door without saying a word. 
I knew something was wrong,
But waited.  Then, wisely, I went
To find you.
                                                                        
There you were on the bed.
I lay next to you,
Drawing myself near.
Your back against my chest,  
Your head on my arm. 
 
Muscles that held you upright
Had given out.  Bone weary,
Your body seemed without spirit.
 
I heard your short breathing.
I felt your heart quicken then
Slow down, then quicken again. 
 
I pulled you close to me and
Breathed steadily and slowly
To deliver calmness into the air.      
                                                            
You could feel me inhale and
Exhale, and took the pace of
My breathing as your own.
Your sigh evidenced my
Effort was appreciated.

I did this, not because I am
Better or stronger than you,
But because it was my turn.
 
At another time,
It will be
Your turn.  
 
 
Susan Patterson
10-2016

Nothing much to say here except that we humans do best when we take turns.  skp