Into the Sun’s Embrace

One life lived in limbo,
teetering on the brink.
You swim against strong currents
as all hope begins to sink.

Stripped of all belongings
and rendered colorblind;
Restless nights and wasted time,
the past has been unkind.

You stand alone in judgment
and utter truthful words.
They echo in the brittle air
like a distant crying bird.

As I bow my head to pray,
maternal instincts swell.
If only I could scoop you up
and save you from this hell…

Open up your broken heart,
shed your fears, atone.
Feel the warmth inside you,
know that you are not alone.

With the golden dawn comes hope,
the promise of something new.
Step into the sun’s embrace,
where a new day waits for you.

Colleen M. Breuning © 2012
March 27, 2012

An Early Spring

Photograph by Colleen Keller Breuning © 2012

Pink
Cherry
Blossoms sprout.
Sun’s golden rays
Make daffodils blush
Beneath the turquoise skies.
Mockingbirds herald the dawn
Dew glimmers, ice water castles
Melt on budding forsythia limbs.
You are cordially invited to spring…
Like Godivas riding their Aethenoths,
Jonquils and tulips dance in their beds.
Symphony of chickadees swells,
Butterflies sip sweet nectar
From fuschia hibiscus.
Cool breezes ruffle
Fur of the fawn.
Early spring’s
Splendor
Reigns.

Colleen M. Breuning © 2012
March 14, 2012

Coulée de Serrant

I remember Coulée de Serrant
the tempting taste of 1973
never-ending summer days
wandering amber fields
our sun warmed fingers
plucking succulent grapes
sticky and delicious
from bounteous vines
fruit of the valley’s womb.

The finest vintage
decanted into cut glass
its bouquet awakens my senses
sweet honey on my palate
lucid liquid gold
toasting chilled bones
as melting wax drips down
trails of molten lava on
wooden candlesticks.

Autumn harvest looms
as early snow descends
in blankets of white
threatening vineyard yields
their virtue choked by
temperamental terroirs
frozen broken branches
crying out in despair
as empty cellars echo.

Now, nothing remains
of the Coulée de Serrant
in this barren basement
but a hollow jade bottle
haunting memories
the lingering essence
of your saccharine kiss
as I thirst eternally
for you.

Colleen M. Breuning © 2012
February 16, 2012

She Who Dances in Snow

Black velvet drapes of dusk
cloak moss covered hills.
The air exhales its chill
as February blooms beneath
a burgeoning gibbous moon.

Wisps of white crystalline
fall — leaping, swirling,
around glowing streetlights
like vagrant moths
courting open flames.

Here! I am here,
the snow falling around me,
falling down like soothing rain,
manna from heaven,
sweet nectar on my tongue.

Thoughts of grandeur
swell inside my mind,
my heart in relevé,
I dance in the gravel driveway
in a pas de deux with the lamppost.

Mr. Stone is taking out the trash,
dragging his bins to the curbside
on this bitter Tuesday night.
He leans against the western wind,
catching a glimpse of my performance.

I pause from my unabashed reverie,
exclaiming, “Snow! It’s snowing!”
as my new neighbor shakes his head,
pondering his odds, wondering his fate
of landing another loon on the block.

Then, with the delight of a child,
I do cartwheels in the fields of white,
waltzing the night away with Old Man Winter.
Yes, I am that crazy Southern girl,
the belle of the winter ball…

She who dances in snow.

Colleen M. Breuning © 2012
February 7, 2012

"Shadows of My Father" by Colleen Keller Breuning © 2011

Shadows of My Father

As a child, I walked through the park
hand in hand with my father.
Brimming with energy and innocence,
I played a game of hide and seek,
jumping into his enormous shadow.
My elfin figure was gobbled up
by his lumbering adumbration,
stretching long across the path
illuminated by the springtime sun.

Young and stupid in love,
I felt as if my father’s shadow
was falling over me, somehow
supplanted in my subconscious.
Though I could not see it,
I could feel his image lingering,
cutting through the darkness,
watching me as I made mistakes
from which he could not protect me.

I could sense his shadow slipping
away that New Year’s Day,
battle weary from the fight of his life.
With a weak smile on his face,
my father gazed at me
from his hospital bed.
I knew from the far away look
in his soft hazel eyes
that I was saying goodbye.

Now as I walk alone
with the sun on my back,
my own blackened silhouette
extends before me.
There are no huge hands to hold,
no large shadows to jump into.
But my soul is at peace,
and I smile, knowing that I carry
his shadow inside of mine.

Colleen M. Breuning © 2011
All Rights Reserved

This poem was the one that inspired me to do a tribute book of poetry to my father. Though the book contains many poems about experiences with my father, there are other subjects covered in the work presented within. I want to thank my family, friends and network of fellow writers who have shown great support, not only by purchasing the book, but in giving me such positive feedback throughout this process. I love you all!

Published in “Shadows of My Father”
Available now on Amazon:

https://www.createspace.com/3556166

"Wild Dolphins at Sunrise" by Kirstenre@DeviantArt © 2011

Cast Away

The rising sun and clouds play hide and seek
On a sailcloth of multi-colored skies.
As I trace the patterns of the dawn,
Inspiration is unfolding before my eyes.

Rambunctious dolphins frolic in the tide,
As breakers roll and kiss the ragged shore.
The cry of seagulls shatters my reverie,
Leaving my wounded spirit wanting more.

I am drawn here by fragrance of the sea,
Reflections in the water calm my fears.
My heart fills up with joy, my soul imbued,
My worries fading in a trail of tears.

The wind picks up and dances through my hair,
Gently ruffling the fronds of palm trees.
The essence of a higher power prevails,
Whispering my name upon the breeze.

The sun ascends, spreading a golden glow,
Its warm fingers upon my barren skin.
I cast away my troubles to blue waters,
Soothing the turmoil stirring deep within.

Colleen M. Breuning © 2011
November 10, 2011

Blogophilia 15.4 Topic: “Sheer Madness”

Bonus Points:
(Hard, 2pts): incorporate an animal with fur other than a sloth
(Easy, 1pt): include the Samba
..
Final date to post: June 14th, 2011 GMT midnight
Final date to post ALL GUESSES: June 11th, 2011 GMT midnight

King Of The Road

Yo, my peeps! It’s Tommy the cat, taking control of my Mom’s blog for the week. She’s been doing chores like cleaning out the garage and organizing things around the house. She’s also been taking an online course the past few weeks, which has her glued in front of the computer. I figured since it has been a while since I last wrote, I would volunteer my services…. But it is always for a fee, of course. Starkist Albacore, to be specific!

The weather has gotten really hot down here in South Florida, so most days Jordan and I like to chill on top of the dining room table. This is always a great vantage point for keeping tabs on what’s happening inside the crib as well as out in front of our house. And I can watch Mom every time she goes out to feed that moocher stray cat, Toby. I’ve kind of gotten used to Toby, I have to admit she is really a pretty mellow female stray cat. Mom has been feeding her for over 3 years now, and they have gotten pretty friendly. Still, I get a little jealous when Mom goes out and sits with her twice a day, especially when I see Toby rubbing her head on Mom’s knee.

One night last week I was taking a nap when all of a sudden I heard this loud, unfamiliar meow outside our front door. It startled me, and I snapped to attention.

“What the….??” I snarled. I jumped on the buffet in front of the window to get a closer look. I saw that black-furred moocher eating out of Toby’s food bowl.

“It’s that loud, promiscuous tomcat, begging for a free meal. I do think he’s been trying to woo Toby. Could have sworn I saw them together in the bushes by the fountain,” Jordan stated.

Lately Toby had taken to sleeping underneath the fountain outside the front window. It provides shade from the hot summer sun, and she likes to hop up on the side and drink water out of it. For some reason, this really gets under my skin.

Next thing you know, Mom actually got up from the computer, tiptoed up to the front door and peeked out the peephole.

“Look, Tommy!! We’ve got a new black cat to feed. I’ve named him Shadow. Did you see him?”

What am I, a moron? Of course, I see him! Who do you think has been keeping tabs on that moocher? I’ve seen him do the samba up and down the middle of the street as if he owns the cul-de-sac. I’ve kept watch at night from the bay window, spying on him skulking around by the lake out back. And I’m about ready to set some things straight with him, cat to cat. I am the alpha male around here! I’ll show him!

Mom fetched the cat food canister and her camera from the kitchen and went outside. I crept over to the door and noticed that she didn’t close the door the whole way. I poked my nose through the crack.

“It’s now or never! My chance to show that thug a thing or two…” I said, nudging the door open and stepping outside.

“You’re an idiot! You’ll never catch him,” deadpanned Jordan as I stepped outside. “And besides, Mom will grab your ass and throw you back inside.”

But that didn’t stop me. I stepped carefully out onto the front step, my senses heightened. I sniffed the air.

Yeah, I smell cats out here! Mom was nowhere to be seen, she was probably out snapping pictures of the sunset.

Just then, I heard a rustle in the bushes and blood-curdling hissing noise…. My heart was nearly pounding out of my chest. Then I saw a flash of black as that damn Shadow went rushing right by me, fast as a hurricane!

“HEY! You want a piece of me?!” I yelled as he scurried off. What a fraidy cat! He couldn’t even face me, cat to cat. I was actually feeling pretty macho…. that was until Mom appeared on the walkway, hands on her hips.

“HEY MISTERBUSTER!!!!! Where do you think you’re going?” She picked me up and carried me inside the front door, laughing and kissing me.

“No outside adventures for you, buddy. The last time you broke through the screened patio and ended up being scared of your own shadow!” Mom giggled.

“Busted!!!! Bwahahaa!” Jordan cackled maniacally.

Ignoring her, I jumped back up to the front window, only to see that thug prancing down the street as if he was the king. The sheer madness of it all!

“Damn! Look at him! He thinks he’s the king of the road!”

Suddenly, Mom’s singing voice jolted me out of my whirlwind of thoughts. TUNA? Did she say TUNA? As I scrambled out to the kitchen for my favorite snack, I realized how good I had it. Hey, at least those stray moochers don’t get the premium food. Ah… Starkist Albacore! Maybe I am Mom’s favorite, after all….

Yeah, a cat’s life is pretty good!

Tommy Breuning © 2011
June 9, 2011

SECRET BONUS POINT GUESSES:

Keg on the road, tap that, drunk driving, heiny-can, roll out the barrel, beer barrel polka, smashed, tipsy, tow away zone, hitching a ride, busted, no parking zone, what’s on tap, smashing fun, beer bust, cold one, one for the road.

Paradise

"Bahama Seagulls"
Colleen M. Breuning (c) 2011

A balmy breeze ruffled the palm trees as they lay in the sun, in the sanctuary of their wooden cabana.  The gentle surf tumbled and pushed forth, leaving ripple marks in the sugar soft sand.  Overhead, black-headed seagulls dipped, scolded and cried out to their mates, landing on the barrier rocks searching for food.  If this wasn’t paradise, it was pretty damn close in his mind.

He glanced over at her lying in repose, clad in her new leopard print swimsuit, her skin bronzed by the Bahamian sun.  He shut his eyes and thought of their moonlight rendezvous, shuddering with delight.  No…. there was no need for bringing back sexy moves or adding spice to their relationship.  Last night was proof that it had never left, even at this juncture of their life.  He felt blessed that the fires of passion still burned between them.  So often he heard coworkers joking and make derogatory remarks about their old “ball-and-chain” wives.  She had never been that, and never would be to him.  He would never, never give in or stoop so low to say one negative thing about her.  True, she had her faults; she was human, after all.  But in his mind, she was simply perfect.

He still remembered the very first time he looked into those big brown eyes of hers, how she captivated his heart with her warm Southern accent and her easy manner. They had belonged to others then, but something inside him told him that they were destined to be together.  He once confided his innermost feelings to a mutual friend, and it was she who put them back in touch.  For that, he would be eternally grateful.

The heat of the April sun was building, and she stirred, stretching lazily like a cat.  She asked him if he wanted to take a dip in the ocean with her.  They rose and holding hands, strode to the water’s edge.  The breakers caressed their ankles and enticed them to wade out deeper.  The seawater was shockingly cold until they immersed themselves completely.  As they rose out of the water, their skin puckered with goosebumps, they erupted in giggles.  She circled her arms around his neck, and he embraced her, carrying her deeper into the water.  She sighed and nuzzled beneath his earlobe, whispering that she felt so lucky to be in paradise with him.  He told her that no matter where they were, it was always paradise to him.  She drew away and looked at him with those big brown eyes, now etched with fine lines, and smiled.  As his lips covered hers, her eyes closed and she sighed, floating deeper into paradise beneath the Bahamian sun.

Colleen M. Breuning © 2011
April 25, 2011

Blogophilia 7.4 Topic: “A Blanketing of Whispers”

Bonus Points:

(Hard, 2pts): incorporate a Chinese proverb
(Easy, 1pt): mention the words “impossible to miss”

Final date to post: April 19th, 2011 GMT midnight
Final date to post ALL GUESSES: April 16th, 2011 GMT midnight

 

 

The Cleansing Tide

Evergreen branches shimmy and sway
as the wintry breeze blows…
A blanketing of whispers
beneath the hush of snow.

Fingers of sunshine caress the earth
as the robin takes wing…
A drop of water shall be returned
with a burst of spring.

Shooting stars blaze rocket red
against velvet indigo night sky…
In a cradle of verdant meadows,
crickets sing their lullaby.

Emotions tumble to the ground
in a bed of crimson and gold…
Harvest moon rises on the horizon,
a sight to behold.

Subtle changes in the seasons
are impossible to miss…
Like the heated crescendo
of a passionate kiss.

Apprehensions and misgivings
stir the turmoil inside…
Love heals the wounded heart,
a gentle, cleansing tide.

Colleen M. Breuning © 2011
April 14, 2011

Inspired by the Chinese Proverb:

A drop of water shall be returned with a burst of spring.

The Details ~ Blogophilia 5.4
Blogophilia 5.4 Topic: “A Crazy Twist of Fate”
Bonus Points:
(Hard, 2pts):Mention 3 Sports (I used curling, wrestling, sailing & hang gliding)
(Easy, 1pt):Use Tap Dancing

Final date to post: April 5th, 2011 GMT midnight
Final date to post ALL GUESSES: April 2nd, 2011 GMT midnight

The Details

It was a snowy day in February
when you first laid eyes on me.
I sat on display in the partner’s office,
my chocolate hair curling down my back.
It fails me when I first spotted you
from behind my glass partition.
Our hearts were tethered to others;
you kept a respectable distance for years.

But I still remember what I was wearing…
a crimson blouse with white piping,
tartan plaid wool skirt and dress boots.

Our lives took different twists and turns –
you moved south and I moved east,
bound by the long cord of mutual friends.
I was wrestling with my desperation,
weary of my mind numbing existence
when you called me that hot night in July.
I don’t remember exactly what you said,
but you sent my heart sailing like a kite.

But I still remember what I was doing…
hand washing dishes in my lavender suit,
sweat dripping down into the soapy water.

It was a sunny day in late November
that we sat in the hotel restaurant
watching sunlight glint on aqua waters,
the seagulls hang gliding in azure skies.
You and I, on the other side of paradise,
gazing into each other’s eyes
and tap dancing around our future.
I can’t recall the exact plans we made.

But I still remember what I was eating…
a cheeseburger with pineapple,
dill pickle spear and a side of fries.

I never went searching for another prince
because I don’t believe in fairy tales.
So perhaps it was predestined
or written in the distant stars,
perhaps it was a crazy twist of fate
that our lives would intersect.
The sands of time fall, memory eludes,
but some details you just can’t forget.

And I still remember how I was feeling…
like the luckiest princess in the kingdom,
to finally have another chance at love again.

Colleen M. Breuning © 2011
March 28, 2011

Dedicated to my husband Dan!

SECRET BONUS POINT GUESSES:

Mystery lady/mystery woman, masked woman, belle of the ball, masquerade, princess, Cinderella, Mardi Gras, fairy tale, who’s that lady, hoop skirt, hidden, behind the mask, wicked, candelabra, opera candles, burning up, candle crown, phantom of the opera, opera glasses……..