A-Z sketches in verse: Not Noticing

A Wild Card on Disregard

I wonder, with all due respect,

How oft we overlook, neglect.

When troubles trump a dear one’s lot,

We shuffle by without a thought.

Why would we play a few cards shy

While offering just “Hi” and “Bye”?

We wonder: Do we care enough?

Perhaps it’s time we called our bluff.

Intent to help, extend a hand,

We simply do not understand.

Have we forgot just how it felt

To play the cards that we’ve been dealt?

“Be well,” we toss a cheery word,

Not knowing that it sounds absurd.

Despite intentions best begun,

We grab our schedules, turn and run.

And in the mirror, I’m amazed.

I know the ante must be raised.

God help me, when one’s chips are down,

To have a heart and stick around.

c2015 by Linda Ann Nickerson

Image/s:

Vintage/public domain artwork

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Naming the Nemesis

Naming the Nemesis

(posted for the A to Z Challenge)

The late Howard E. Nelson (1949 – 2011) will be honored today in Southeastern Wisconsin with a memorial service for family and friends. Howard died last week after a valiant four-year battle against cancer.

Image:

Howard Nelson

From online obituary

Although I did not know Howard well, I enjoyed visiting with him several times each year at horse shows and at the stables where he bred and kept his pedigreed Thoroughbred racehorses. Howard Nelson was well known and well respected in horse racing and equestrian circles for his good nature and his sportsmanship.

For many years, Howard ran Wisconsin’s Silverwood Farm, a fabulous equestrian show facility in Southeastern Wisconsin, where so many of us have shown our horses in dressage and eventing.

The Midwestern horse world will miss Howard Nelson, who ran the good race and crossed the finish line with boldness and honor.

Godspeed, Howard. 

Pondering the passing of this horseman and friend to so many, how can we not struggle with the matter of our own mortality? Do we not all have associates, colleagues, friends and family members who have fallen to the dreaded cancer?

N is for Naming, Nemesis and Nevermore

Naming the Nemesis

(A Rhyming Acrostic)

No nature knows when it may need
Each prayer of purpose to proceed.
Mankind, mere mortals, may intend
Endearing legends to befriend.
Still strikes the savage, sending all
Into a frightful fated fall.
Strength fails in face of cancer’s call.

Now nevermore may we declare

Adventure’s boldness thus to bear.
Mistaken though we all may be,

Enduring memories our emcee,
Deliver hope’s own guarantee.
c2011 by Linda Ann Nickerson

Image:

Howard’s Horses

Photo copyrighted by Linda Ann Nickerson

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And They’re Off … Lady Legends for the Cure

 And They’re Off … Lady Legends for the Cure

Lady Legends saddle up for Pimlico's Black Eyed Susan Day May 14th

Eight retired champion female jockeys will mount up and line up in the starting gate at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course on Friday, May 14th, for race #4 on Black Eyed Susan Day. The race, held for the first time this year, is labeled “Lady Legends for the Cure.” Read more ...

Jockeying for a Mission

Eight jockeys don silks of all hues –

In oranges, fuschias and blues.

They polish their boots

And enter the chutes,

Advancing a cause in the news.

These ladies of legend, mature,

Mount horses for six-furlong tour.

On Pimlico’s course,

This dames’ tour-de-force

Will aim for a breast cancer cure.

Tomorrow the Preakness draws crowd

With racing fans cheering aloud.

They lay down their bets,

Forgetting regrets.

Today, though, may make us more proud.

c2010 by Linda Ann Nickerson

CTRL-click here to see which legendary lady jockeys will race for a cure for breast cancer on May 14th at Pimlico.

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Sometimes No Growth Is a Good Thing

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Sometimes No Growth Is a Good Thing

Often we speak of growth in positive terms. Maturity and personal growth are admirable aims. Economic growth is promising. Personal growth is good.

However, when we look at medical testing, a growth may be a scary thing indeed, as I recently discovered firsthand.

Actually, the whole thing was in my head.

The Tumor Is a Rumor

A Limericked Descent with All Best Intent

Of late, I awaited report,

The medical test result sort.

A thirty-day wait

At cancer’s dark gate

Left me seeking much prayer support.

Concentrically prearranged zones

Affect radiology tones.

Oncology nods

To find me at odds,

Refusing to echo their groans.

At last, all the numbers returned.

Pass word to all those still concerned:

The doctors let slip,

‘Twas merely a blip.

“The tumor’s a rumor,” I learned.

And now I am over the moon;

As doctors are changing their tune.

I sense greater bliss

Than any first kiss,

May God call me home none too soon.

c2009 by Linda Ann Nickerson

Posted for a variety of prompts:

Easy Street Prompts (“concentrically prearranged)

Meme Express (Sunday Invitation to Simply Snickers)

One Single Impression (“descent”)

Simply Snickers (“plan,” “please” and “pose”)

Sunday Scribblings (“first kiss”)

Weekend Wordsmith (“moon”)

Image/s:

Public domain art

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