Golf, Seriously

 Improvement

I’d been improving

for six consecutive years

at a measured pace.

Sadly, that improvement veered

tracking south towards Oahu. 

…

The Search

I lost my golf ball

somewhere near the tenth fairway

deep in a leafy crevice.

Three women helped me to search,

we found three balls and a cap.

…

Serenity

Golf teaches patience

and restrained humility.

It teaches us much

mostly while standing clueless

beside a ball in a bush.

…

The Good Shot

A perfect ball rolls

straight, clean, and beautifully struck.

Then I watch it disappear 

beyond the small white marker

where apparently joy ends.

…

Golf Pondered

 Technique

I studied the swing

Its angles, its direction

Its refined physics.

Then I discovered the trees

had already studied me.

…

The Mental Game

Golf is mostly mental

The professionals say this

which is reassuring.

Because my physical game

has requested no comment.

…

The Lie

The ball lands on the green

According to the rules, it seems

This is called a lie.

A bizarre choice of language

given the circumstances.

…

The Nineteenth

After eighteen holes

you proceed to the clubhouse

to discuss the round

with those who saw none of it

and understand completely.

I Like Golf

 I Like Golf

It is challenging

mentally and physically.

I think when cited

that it was a good walk, spoiled

Well, if you wanted to walk—

…

A Good Walk

Golf is a fine walk

though one carries several clubs

for reasons unknown.

And occasionally strikes

balls into a new county.

…

The Game

I address the ball

With dignity and intent

The ball remains still

This is considered progress

Until my evil twin swings.

…

Nature

I enjoy golf most

When surrounded by green fields

Birdsong, calm breezes.

And the disturbing knowledge

my ball is out there, hiding.

Tiny Teapots, Big Adventures

Tiny Teapots, Big Adventures

Five Delightful Characters Filled with Courage, Kindness, Curiosity, Glitter, and Adventure

Ruby

Red captain puffs steam
“Full steam ahead!” she cries
Brave heart leads the way
Through clouds of warm, rising mist
She leads with courage each day.

Bluebell

Gentle Bluebell dreams
Quiet wishes steep in warmth
Calm tea warms all hearts
Soft dreams drift across the room
Warm kindness fills every heart.

Dot

Lids bounce; questions fly
Sleepy duck sounds fill the air
Her wonder now grows
Each small sound brings a question
Wonder keeps her wide awake.

Stripe

Glitter fills the room
Sneezes make grand theater
Sparkles everywhere
One bright sneeze sends glitter high
The whole room begins to shine.

Pip

Small silver teapot
A brave toot shakes the time train
Quiet hearts can soar
Though small, Pip finds strength within
And rides where adventures call.

Sweaty Rocks

Conglomerate rocks

glisten in the noon day sun

tripping up hikers

lacking traction, challenging

tree roots; slimy curb appeal.