Christmas Peace

 CHRISTMAS PEACE

Christmas is not far away,
decorations are appearing.
Christmas trees are being put up,
it’s an atmosphere that’s endearing.

Having peace at Christmas
is a miracle in itself.
Everyone is busy
making sure there’s food on the shelf.

The stores are full of shoppers
trying to buy what’s on their list,
buying an extra gift or two
in case there is someone they missed.

Christmas cakes are all wrapped up
in cheesecloth soaked in brandy,
Christmas cookies are being baked
(a supply of them is handy!)

Celebrations of many kinds –
breakfasts, lunches, dinners.
Donating food to help the poor
makes all of us the winners.

Christmas concerts being performed
for the audiences delight;
‘O Come all ye Faithful’, ‘Jingle Bells’,
and the beautiful ‘O Holy Night’.

Santa’s are filling stockings
for all the girls and boys.
There are new ideas every year
for all the latest toys.

It’s a busy time for airlines
family visits are in order,
everyone’s got extra bags, and
security’s tight at the border.

I pray for peace this Christmas –
the peace that is meant to be.
Let’s all strive for peace of mind
to keep Canada glorious and free!

Jean Kay

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American Friends

PEACE

PEACE

On Remembrance Day and at Christmas -
thoughts of peace are on our minds,
peace protected by our armed forces
and longed for peace of every kind.

Are you longing for, as I am,
all violence and wars to cease;
envisioning a harmonious world
where love and joy increase?

Are we peaceful in the way we live,
avoiding judgment and hurtful chatter?
Do we truly believe that love and joy
are what make our lives really matter?

They are the most important gifts
that we can give and receive
and the only way we’ll have peace on earth.
We need to truly believe.

Peace has to start with you and me
through love and respect for each other,
accepting that we have differing views
as we’re unique from one another.

I have my beliefs and traditions
and they feel right to me.
It’s not offensive if your beliefs differ,
we can share peace that’s meant to be.

Jean Kay
Poems by request
poetrytoinspire.com

The Power of One

The Power of One

We watched a huge flock of snowgeese

happily grazing in a field,

where farmers had dug up potatoes

hopefully pleased with their yield.

Thousands were there and more joined them.

The noise level was incredibly high,

all was good until a lone bald eagle

decided to do a fly by.

Instantly they all took flight,

it was amazing to see –

the power that one eagle had

to change the tranquility.

Photos and poem by Jean Kay

more photos on http://www.pinterest.com/jeankaypoet/snowgeese

Grateful

Image

WORD Vancouver Today

WORD Vancouver Today

 

Windy, wet, bone-chilling weather

but because of it Good News!

WORD Vancouver is moving indoors

I’m grateful to those who could choose.

 

It’s no fun manning display tables

when you’re fighting cold winds and rain.

I wasn’t looking forward to going

but I am enthused again.

 

I’m participating in several ways:

setting up the Canadian Authors display,

manning their table, selling my books,

then exploring other venues mid-day.

 

As Conference Assistant for SiWC,

I’ll be at their table a while,

giving out info on the conference

and definitely wearing a smile.

 

WORD will be a more intimate event,

which I hope they will keep indoor.

It will give people more of a market-place feel

and they’ll take more time to explore.

 

WORD Vancouver Today –

come by for a visit.

 

Jean Kay

BEYOND THE BLUE

Beyond the Blue
Off in two different directions
my sons chose for their lives,
both now grownup and successful,
happily married to good wives.
I sent my love along with them
and it keeps on coming back,
like my own private jet stream
across blue skies, or storms of black.
Up and down, in and out,
life experiences flow.
Parents can only stand by and watch,
with trust, as our offspring grow.
Jean Kay
poetrytoinspire.com

 

Gardener’s Gift

GARDENER’S GIFT

I have a grassy looking plant
in one of my flower beds.
I’ve watered it all summer
as other plants raised flowering heads.

To my surprise and sheer delight,
this week, a flower appeared
and it happens to be my favorite –
golden Freesia – I almost cheered.

I’ve grown them in a greenhouse,
enjoyed them in a bouquet,
but to have them growing in my garden
is more than just okay.

It’s like an end of summer gift
my reward for taking care
of it and other plants around,
not knowing what was hiding there.

A Japanese Maple didn’t survive
last winter in that same bed;
I guess it shaded the Freesia so much
it couldn’t raise a flowering head.

I am blessed.
Jean Kay
September 18, 2013

Freesia by Jean Kay

Canada Korea Literary Festival

Canada Korea Literary Festival

 

At the Canada Korea Literary Festival,

a well organized, professional event,

I had the privilege of reciting

and I’m very pleased I went.

 

A comprehensive printed program

in both languages, was provided,

(a souvenir worth keeping)

as through the evening we were guided.

 

The evening started with a reception,

very tasty food had been prepared.

Then, stories, poems, music, dance

and videos were all shared.

 

I haven’t heard much Korean spoken before,

I find it has a pleasing flow,

melodious sounds, soft-spoken.

It would be difficult for me to learn, I know.

 

Background music and slide shows

accompanied each performer.

Many hours spent putting it all together

had created an atmosphere much warmer.

 

My poem “Sixty Years Young”,

from my book Morning Light,

was translated into Korean

and a lovely lady was there to recite.

 

I think the two boys may have stolen the show –

wonderful talent – reciting and singing.

Then our MC surprised us all

when his powerful voice turned to singing.

 

Congratulations, KWAC!

It was a most enjoyable evening out

combining cultures and languages –

that’s what Canada is all about.

 

Jean Kay

poetrytoinspire.com

 

KWAC – Korean Writers Association of Canada

Achieving Peace by Jean Kay

Capturing Sunrise by Jean Kay

    Achieving Peace

Peace comes from being quiet
and searching deep within
for the inner wisdom and gratitude
that allows my day to begin
in a way that brings peace to my mind
to guide me through my day,
knowing progress is available
in my own special way.
I don’t relish conflict
and keep trouble at arms’ length.
I don’t take on challenges of others
for I know I need my strength
to retain my inner peace of mind
for guidance and protection.
I’m very grateful when I’m peaceful
and can deal with any rejection.

Jean Kay
June 13, 2013
Written in 8 minutes during a workshop
at CanWrite! 2013