Running With Sunbeams 3j6q1e

Running with Sunbeams

EILEEN KERR BLAKEMAN

Copyright © 2015 Eileen Kerr Blakeman.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Archway Publishing 1663 Liberty Drive Bloomington, IN 47403 www.archwaypublishing.com 1 (888) 242-5904

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only. Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4808-1840-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-1841-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015907477

Archway Publishing rev. date: 6/10/2015

For Van and Molly

Contents

Better Late than Never Humanity My Time Past Tense Midnight Intruder Patience The Cat On the Line It’s Here Two for Me Everywhere Never Ending Just Saying Working Bee Magic A Bouquet Flowering Trees A Favorite

A Present You’re Okay Wake Up New Day A Feeling A Rain Home Wild Flowers Blessings My Prize Sharing is a Virtue A Bat on a Hat Bells with Wings Daybreak Daytime I’ll See You My Space A Path Less Taken Children’s Time This Town Nasry

A Quiet Moment Romance Goats and Kids Farm Girl ing Through For Me A Tree Dandelion Talk Old Frog Droppings Beware of Mom Your Neighbor A Desert Wonder Always From My Boardwalk From My Boardwalk Too Thanksgiving Thought A Calling Pakistan United We Stand Home is Better

A Question Mark Come All Bunny Desert Life Triplets Electric Blanket A Rainbow Tale Over the Mountain You Are Here Our Dog Me Too Priorities Going Forward The Crown A Sunbeam Thoughts Writing A Sighting Fresh is Better A Theory The Birds

Grandparents The Gift Lost Reindeer Greetings The Snowfall We Made It Year 2015 Party Goats Staying Put Too Cold Two Horses Yellow Birds You’re Welcome Stone Bunny Hidden Faces Moving On Only One Oops Reawakening Beauty Thirteen with Love

On many of my walks, I would often spot a sunbeam on a wildflower or catch a glimpse of sun in the distance, which would stop me in my tracks. These times are some of my most precious, and so that is how Running with Sunbeams came to be.

Running with Sunbeams is a book I hope you will not want to put down and is enjoyment for the whole family. I think insight can apply to each and every one of us. I know in my life, hindsight was always there, lurking in the back of my mind. I have had to recognize that every day is special. Today is an important day, and it is getting late and I must be off to run with sunbeams.

Eileen Kerr Blakeman

Better Late than Never

I was sitting on a bee’s nest. It did not feel so grand. I wondered how the bees felt; Not knowing, I up and ran.

Humanity

There comes a time When life stands still. The days are long, One after the other.

This may be a resting time, A ing of body and mind. To go out in the world To better it for living souls.

My Time

So peaceful is a morning walk, So still and quiet as a rock. A thought can turn a light so bright To show a wrong from a right.

Past Tense

There was a time When things were Worth a penny or a dime, And life went on With the same old Dance and song, Without my smile Or my simple rhyme.

Midnight Intruder

It starts at midnight When I’m fast asleep. It dances and sings To the beat of my heart.

I lie awake and wonder, How does it get inside Between the shadows Of my papered walls?

Go to sleep, wee mouse. Party time has flown by. I think you have nestled in To the comfort of my house.

Patience

It’s the middle of April And it is freezing cold. I dreamt of warm days; Just pray, I was told.

Where are you, sun? Go away, wet snow. We want to enjoy A get-up-and-go.

The Cat

My new cat is black and white. He sits on my steps eyeing a site. His taste buds enjoy a savory mouse But never brings his prize into my house.

My new cat is black and white. He moves away at times in fright, But sometimes curls by my feet Then heads home down the street.

On the Line

Gossip around the clothes line Was often a foreboding sign Of socks and shirts hung over pants And a sweet-smelling breeze who chants, “Be careful of pigeons and nesting birds, For there may be a thread missing or two, Along with a few familiar drops Left behind by you know who.”

It’s Here

Spring! Spring! What a glorious ring! A vibrant blue spread Warrants never to tread.

Spring! Spring! What a glorious ring! A face of a pansy Beckoning me to see.

Spring! Spring! What a glorious ring! A peeking crocus Blooming just for us.

Two for Me

There was a bird who took two grubs, So pretty a picture was he, Showed himself among the beauty, His greed for all to see. The truth was caught upon a click, Presented in color, a photo to me.

Everywhere

How happy a bird in a bird bath, With water filled to the brim. Its wings spread apart, Ready to dive right in Then happily settle atop the rim With an eye cast at you. Angels are here on earth too.

Never Ending

The White House of Spring Hill, Colonial-like with a heart so still. The beat of life goes on and on, So very alive until one is gone.

The White House sits, built so fine, es on down the line. From one to another, the story told, And never ever will it be sold.

Just Saying

A bird in the hand Is worth two on a rock, But a bird on a rock Is a sight for a hawk.

A bird in the hand Is worth two on a line, But a bird on a line Invites the hawk to dine.

Working Bee

Buzzy, buzzy bee, Please don’t sting me! I run and hide, Safe … inside.

There I watch you Swooning a flower, And rather it be A ing of you two.

And yes, your method Seems quite funny, But I do enjoy my Peanut butter and honey.

Magic

Can you lie on a bush Without falling through? Can you walk on thin ice? Wouldn’t it be nice?

Can you dream a dream Consisting only of ice cream? Yes, in the town of Sandwich And a nose with a twitch.

A Bouquet

Hello, sweetness. You brighten my day. Your flowery face Leaves me with a smile. This day being so fine Without the sun to shine.

Flowering Trees

Open up, spring, Let the sun shine in. Unveil your bloom. There is plenty of room.

With branches so long, Do not get me wrong. For I want to enjoy A colorful delicate face.

A Favorite

The scent of green onions Growing in freshly cut grass, Planted lovingly by God. How tall the seeded pod.

A Present

Was there a day seemingly gray? Was there a time being led astray? Was there a thought that didn’t stay? The day, the time, your thoughts are now. I think, I think, I think I say.

You’re Okay

Life strikes different chords; The blooming roses tell us so. Some are early; some are late. Some are first class; Others succumb to their fate. There is only love minus hate. Individuality is here to stay, Making life ever so quaint.

Wake Up

Unhappiness breeds a sigh or two. Heavy shoulders weigh down a few. Wake up and see the sun outside; Don’t stay inside to continue to hide. Go forth and live all your desires. Get up and go; rev up your tires. Unhappiness breeds a sigh or two.

New Day

Wiggle your nose. Wiggle your toes. Arise and shine With a bowl of Cheerios.

A Feeling

Special songs awaken my soul, Bringing the past to soothe me. I want to dance through the trees And sing with the birds,

While ing all of those With the excitement from long ago. A ray that shines does creep All the way up from my toes.

A Rain

It’s raining, raining pine needles. Hello cats and dogs. The sharpness causes tingles, Awakening tender skin.

Pine needles drop by the ton; I wonder if they are done. I ask the wind to gently purr. It’s raining cats and dogs.

A blanket of seeds lies about, A furry feel to the touch. Howling winds are about to shout. Yes, it’s raining cats and dogs.

Home

Heaven is close to home; Here my heart resides. So quiet, so peaceful; I need no more, For God shall see My cup is full.

Wild Flowers

A wandering, winding what-you-call-it ed through my garden blooms. I say, “You are tresing; Here you do not fit!”

A wandering, winding what-you-call-it, How abandoned it did feel, Yanked up its roots and quickly left And wandered off to heal.

A wandering, winding what-you-call-it, Buckets of tears it did shed. It grew so tall, being well fed, With the prettiest yellow blooms.

Blessings

A perfect life Without the strife. Oh, thank you, God! Wouldn’t it be odd?

My Prize

A journal so lovely In pink and white, Too pretty to use, I cannot write.

So for now it sits Close to my bed, Hoping one day It will be read.

Sharing is a Virtue

So high up in the rafters Stares down a furry eye. How cute and sweet, I think, Until a grin so wide with teeth That makes me want to shrink.

A bat, a bat—I have a bat in my barn! Move over, ghosts and spirits, Here comes a bat … oh darn! With dusk approaching fast, I leave to see a shadow cast.

A Bat on a Hat

There is a bat Hanging on my hat With teeth like a rat. So I say, “Oh, scat!”

There is a bat Hanging on my hat, Twirling my hat. I say, “Oh, scat!”

There is a bat Hanging on my hat. Off it flies high As I say, “Oh, scat!”

Bells with Wings

So sweet a day lies ahead, Chores to be done then off to bed To meditate and take a look; Someone has written a brand-new book.

Daybreak

I hear the whispering of early dawn, A night of dreams gently gone. The fading darkness opens the day With a soothing light and a warm ray.

Daytime

Why is the sun so brilliantly bright? I guess to provide me with keen sight. For darkness and shadows would forever dwell, Bringing a never-ending fright, Along with the unknown that creeps through the night.

I’ll See You

Sleep has overtaken; The time is about to start. My floating thoughts awaken People close within my heart.

Our warm embraces at times Leap out and come to life. I hear the bells and chimes Awake among my daily strife.

My Space

I feel so little in a Papa chair, Not a worry nor a care. Pensively without a sound The world goes round, But I can be found Curled up in a Papa chair.

A Path Less Taken

Cast those tears of sorrow; Bring forth a new tomorrow. Enlighten your mind And thoughtfulness will find Its way to your heart To begin life with a new start.

Children’s Time

The darkness hums a lullaby, “Good night, good night, sweet one.” Shadows dance upon the wall And twist and twirl without a fall. So, sleepyhead, it’s time to rest And dream you’re in a fairyland Making castles in the sand.

This Town

Welcoming the old familiarity Of years that come and go Breeds a happy time, and so My life here was meant to be.

Nasry

I look so high above And see a smiling face. “I am here with Him. Please do not fret; I am not in any pain But filled with thoughts Of quiet, peaceful bliss.”

A Quiet Moment

It was a day in September, The one I will With the feeling of fall And yellow golden rod Standing so very tall,

While tiny white asters, So fuzzy on foliage atop, Made me come to a stop To look beyond and feel Stillness and warmth within.

Romance

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful day, With a song in my heart But not a thing to say. For beauty around is all I see And dreamy thoughts of you and me.

Goats and Kids

Ellie with a mosquito bite Went swimming in a watering trough. Wet to the skin; oh, what a sight! Sweet Ellie with a mosquito bite.

How the goats did stare And think, “Oh, how rare!” To see sweet Ellie swimming In their watering trough.

Farm Girl

Ellie caught an old red hen Wandering with a flock of ten. Then off she went to parade it In her birthday dress of denim blue, With barnyard muck on her shoe. She slipped and fell, only to sit In the barnyard with an old red hen.

ing Through

Somewhere, somewhere high, Looking through the sky, I wonder why we have to die. A question of why, oh, why?

All beauty ceases in its day And leaves behind a scent of May. For life was meant to cast a ray Of hope and love for you one day.

For Me

The wind caught my ear, Whispering something dear. Be still and listen … “Crickets are singing of love And hope for you to hear.”

A Tree

An ailing tree Has no pity for me. Missing two limbs, No tears does it shed. It carries its weight Not knowing its fate. A hero on earth Through many a birth.

Dandelion Talk

The brightest spot of my day A large yellow face so clear, I say. ing it by so low to the ground, I noticed how it was perfectly round.

It caught my eye and twinkled, “Hi. I feel your sorrow and pain, oh my! Go forward in this life you live, And always, always to give.”

Old Frog

My morning brown frog Welcomes me every day. So still and quiet like a log, Sits and waits when I’m away.

My morning brown frog Welcomes me every day. His eyes alert, being such a hog For any ing bugs that stray.

My morning brown frog Welcomes me every day, Until he sees my big dog … Off he goes to hide and pray.

Droppings

That tiny, squeaky mouse Took shelter in my house. Away from drafts and cold, It searched this home so old.

It settled in to gourmet dine On tasseled rugs so fine. Then up it went upon my bed To snooze from being well fed.

Beware of Mom

A family of quail Set out on a trail, Minus the smallest of ten. Confronted by cameramen, The chick posed for the lens, Causing such a squawk From the mother of ten.

Your Neighbor

Sitting next to a plant in a pot On a very hot desert day, I was taking a sip of cooling tea When I overheard the plant say, “May I have a drink? Look, I ‘m withering here.” Oh, the guilt that I did feel! So up I jumped to wet its whistle Then settled down and looked around Hearing not a peep nor a sound.

A Desert Wonder

The trail of sand, dust, and stone Leads me back to my desert home. A boardwalk up the hill outback Is where I climb this wooden track.

A wondrous lookout of the valley Makes me not want to dally. So morning tea is quickly got, Inviting sun on my back is sought.

Always

Another friend has ed … Another tear to wipe away. I feel the sadness deep within; There are no words to say.

For loving friends are so dear. Our times together will not be. But in my heart, they are so near To walk in life along with me.

From My Boardwalk

Beautiful, beautiful, Oh beautiful blue Adorned with white, What a wondrous sight.

The ever-changing clouds Make me think of my life; A thought from up high As the clouds move by.

From My Boardwalk Too

If I could jump on a cloud Without a worry or a care, I’d play a game of if you dare But first I’d build a stair To climb up through the air, For a cushioned life is so rare Without a worry or a care.

Thanksgiving Thought

Let love pour in With the tears of joy, For greener grass lies Within a barren soul.

A Calling

Oh, God, where are you, So deep within? Do not hide; I want you close By my side.

Oh, God, where are you? I want your arms So lovingly around, To feel your peace Without a sound.

Oh, God, where are you To gently wipe My tears away And keep my thoughts From going astray?

Pakistan

I feel your pain Lift up and rise above. For these times, Acts of unholiness Will cease to exist.

United We Stand

What is black and white Without the black? What is white and black Without the white?

A simple saying Of simply saying, “We need you both; Don’t break apart.”

A concept would be lost Of a creation long ago. A ing of you two Stuck together with glue.

Home is Better

Walking the trail on a wintry day, I look around and see not a soul. The desert sand is blowing hard. I turn my back to keep it at bay And quickly make it home to stay.

Walking the trail on a wintry day, I wonder where the wildlife is. It’s cold and windy and do feel They are all nestled in their way With no desire to up and stray.

A Question Mark

The descending fog atop the hill, So beautiful and peacefully still, Seems to be so magically strange To have this view over the range.

The hidden peaks draw a blank, The invisible valleys may have sunk, The foggy sky without the sun, Is this the desert where wildlife runs?

Come All

Climb aboard, you desert rats. Climb aboard, those wearing hats. The trip begins from up high, Looking at the desert sky.

Climb aboard, you desert rats. Climb aboard, those wearing hats. Miles of wonder seen with the eye, Taking a breath, whispering, “Oh my!”

Climb aboard, you desert rats. Climb aboard, those wearing hats. Descending now, capturing the sight, Settles nerves from the height.

Bunny

You outsmarted me, Stared me in the eye, Then took off and hid In the desert scrubs.

I knew you were there; You camouflage well. Rest easy, cotton-tail, You outsmarted me.

Desert Life

Lizards and rabbits, Enjoy your days here For tomorrow may Never come, I fear.

Showing your beauty, You earned your fun. So spend your days Frolicking in the sun.

Triplets

Hello, sweet desert bunnies. You are in a playful mood. Yesterday, you were only one. Today, I see a herd of three.

I cannot tell the difference Between one, two, or three. I wonder if you see yourselves Through a looking glass, all three.

Electric Blanket

I love my bed, So warm and snug. My arms around, Giving me One big hug.

Let the wind blow On a day so cold. But take a peek: I am snuggled Under a ton of gold.

A Rainbow Tale

Over the rainbow I made a wish with a stare. I am wondering if it will Be mailed … how rare.

I hope it will come With the utmost care, For I don’t have wings To catch it in midair.

My wish did arrive Via a drone to my house. A sunbeam so bright Interrupted the dining of a mouse.

Over the Mountain

Take the long road to success Then the next one will be shorter, For what you gather along the way Gives you more knowledge and A shorter journey without a stay.

You Are Here

The beauty from your soul Gently brings the stars to shine, Twinkling lights from above Spreading angel dust so fine Upon the night with tender love.

Our Dog

A girl with a yawn Waking up at dawn With your sweet, Gentle, loving face.

Come here, sleepy one, Waiting for the sun With your sweet, Gentle, loving face.

It is time to go out. “Come, Molly,” I shout. With your sweet, Gentle, loving face.

Me Too

Sniff, sniff, sniff. “I want a Reese Cup too!” Oh, Molly, you cannot. It is very bad for you. So off you go, sweet girl. Shoo, shoo, shoo!

Priorities

Now get off the bed, You lovable Molly dog. You will get your bone If you just let me get up!

Going Forward

I took the wrong steps in life; I did not see them there, For my eyes were tightly closed And my mind so full of strife.

I settled in for fear; I would climb the steps alone, For neither faith nor love of me Would bring my ears to hear.

It took some years, With sadness and a gentle heart, To climb back down those stairs And dry my valley filled with tears.

The Crown

I see a crown from afar Where a dancing sunset Glistens on the hill, Showing off the brilliance Of jeweled rocks seated High above the valley.

I catch a glimpse of royalty Attired in nature’s gold, And for a moment, gradually, Fading back into reality, Brr—it is getting cold!

A Sunbeam

I try to catch a sunbeam Before the day does end. I quickly leash my dog, And I’m off with my friend.

The sunset is upon us; We run along the trail. And Molly’s black tail Is flying in the air.

Thoughts

On a gray and overcast day, I often sit and think. Could haves and should haves Often come to mind.

Climbing our desert hill, I look around and see People going about life with Could haves and should haves.

Writing

I’m in a pensive mood; No time for any food. For thoughts can Come and go so fast. I had better make That chocolate last.

A Sighting

It’s a boxing match in the desert! For a moment all is quiet. Only the noise of two jackrabbits Bring us to a standstill, in awe. The competition ends, and The two components take leave. Molly and I look at each other; We both know these special events Are rarely seen in our neck of the desert.

Fresh is Better

Roadrunner, roadrunner, With your fat, puffy belly, I see you are a scavenger At the local town dump.

Food is so much healthier In the wide open desert. So skedaddle doodle doo And get on out of this stew.

A Theory

Life can throw a monkey wrench When you are down and out. But searching deep from within, Tools can turn your life about.

The Birds

There were two desert birds That stopped by for a moment. With an unknown name, They made their way to fame.

I caught their attention While iring their color. With feathers of beige, They flew off from their stage.

Grandparents

The old Joshua tree Bent over, low to the ground; Its withering bark breaking up, Needed a helping hand.

Two young Joshua trees Rushed to its aid. Snuggling close, giving , “Our trunk is your trunk.”

Over the months, New sprouts formed. The old and the new did , And grandparents came about.

The Gift

Two Christmas snowman Made with love up and ran. Arrived today, took a bow, Then jumped upon my tree.

They sparkled in the light, Presenting quite a sight. Two Christmas snowman Arrived with love for me.

Lost Reindeer

A reindeer, a reindeer, A reindeer in the Mojave Desert. How did a reindeer end up here? I hope it’s not in any way hurt.

A reindeer, a reindeer, Its rocky nose does not glow, And needs a new bulb, I fear, To guide it to the North Pole snow.

Greetings

The crickets and frogs Are nestled in for the winter. Expect not a sound. Though maybe on Twitter.

Settled in with my iPhone And the sound of the clicker, Warm wishes are sent As the clock moves its ticker.

As the season’s end draws near, Sounds come loud and clear Of rivets and croaks echoing From afar, “Happy New Year!”

The Snowfall

Everyone is waiting— Snow is predicted. It’s the desert here; The excitement prevails.

The night is upon us; Snowflakes quietly descend. All eyes are at attention As the magic begins.

The animals are dancing. The howling brings joy, For a pure white blanket Brings a beauty not ignored.

We Made It

Newly glittered nails To ring in the new year. Auld Lang Syne— A song we love to hear.

The clock struck twelve; Our carriage arrived. Thank God we survived Without losing a shoe.

Year 2015

The new year is here. What will it bring? A bucket full of fear Or a jump-up-and-sing?

I close my eyes, Wishing with all my heart, This morn I up and rise To give this day an early start.

Party Goats

A goat with a hat on New Year’s Day; Who ever heard of a goat with a hat— Especially a Happy New Year hat? Be careful starting the new year right While a goat is eating your new hat.

Staying Put

I see the peaks from far away; A white, snowy mountain overlay. It seems too far to this scene And cozier through my window screen.

Too Cold

The desert squirrel, Not liking the cold, Ran from its burrow And back so fast That all you could see Was a blur zooming past.

Two Horses

Yippee-ki-yay! It’s a western show! Horseback riding On a desert trail.

Ride ‘em high, Ride ‘em low. Horseback riding On a desert trail.

Yellow Birds

As tiny as newly-opened rose buds, Yellow birds upon a desert bush Bare of flowers, were welcomed To adorn this lonely bush.

The gathering continued Until the gang was all there With a picture-perfect look Upon a bare and lonely bush.

Then it was time to depart. Not liking the audience, The tiny yellow birds flew off Like rose petals fluttering into the air.

You’re Welcome

Our guest, a visiting bird Nibbling on a crunchy seed, Courtesy of a small scrub bush, Was not content with its feed.

It decided to hop on the bush To fill its hungry, rumbling belly. Landing in a bowl of porridge, It flew off content, full of jelly.

Stone Bunny

What a courageous bunny Guarding my waterhole. A bunny—how funny— Taking on this new role.

Stand guard, brave bunny, Against the wild bobcat. You are such a dear honey, I will give you my hat.

You have seen when it’s dry. You have seen when it’s gray. Also when it’s filled up high, And bobcat sips along his way.

Hidden Faces

I haven’t seen a coyote This winter desert year. And nothing that I did note Of seeing them being here.

Perhaps shadows in the night Were all there was to see, Keeping coyotes out of sight And hidden away from me.

Moving On

When looking through a peephole, A tiny world comes to mind— Not the dream of a lifetime goal, But stepping out you will find The world there at your fingertips.

Only One

Climbing up high, Sitting on a hill; Often there, I Am with my creator.

Maybe that’s why Birds of a feather Flying in the sky Stick us together.

Oops

Perched upon a mountain rock, I close my eyes to see my God. With the sun beating down, My sleepy head begins to nod. I jerk awake with a puzzled frown, For I almost landed upside down.

Reawakening

Something heavenly Falls from above. Soothing flakes polish The tattered edges Of a long-endured life.

When melting begins And the snow says goodbye, A clean layer of life Brings joy and sweetness With a newness within.

Beauty

Beauty comes in many forms. I wonder if it is meant to last. For often it’s removed from us To find a closer look beyond At the true meaning of the word.

Thirteen with Love

A number uneven, A number so long, A T for together, An H for you, hon. The I short for Eileen, The R feels just right. Oh, T—what a team. Well, E—who said it was easy? Makes for an E well earned, With N so near to my heart. Happy Anniversary, Van.

About the Author

Eileen Blakeman divides her time between Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Joshua Tree, California, where she lives with her husband and their dog, Molly.

She has published four other books: My Thoughts and Sayings from the Desert and the Cape, My Life in a Barn, Seeds through the Air, and Bells with Wings.