The events in Ukraine aren’t a war, but an invasion for Putin’s sport — They are slaughtering people in Ukraine every day. People just like you and me. The only difference is they are unfortunate enough to live in Ukraine. Leader Putin of Russia wants to claim their democratic, free nation as part of the empire he wants to create. I regard Vladimir Putin…

Dating after fifty is not like being twenty — Hi, I’m Louisa and I’m glad to be here again The last time I stopped by to see you I had set up a blind date online for myself And I promised to tell you what happened. Here goes, and this time it won’t be a poem: My stomach felt…

Grandmother from my novel isn’t called Nana — Note: this is a blog post version of a book chapter. Thus, I’ve not added section dividers or more photos. Jemima Cornflower turned to look one more time at the garden she had planted. It was too early for most of the food crops to show if they were growing…

A new way to develop greater depth in your characters — Any of you who read my Medium poems and articles on a semi-regular basis have noticed that I sometimes mention my novel-in-progress, currently titled Burnt-Over Memories. I had planned to spend more time working on it this Fall and spending less time on Medium. I certainly don’t write on Medium…

It looks like water on streets, shiny and wet Snow and ice, so nice Did I say ice? Dangerous Yet looks innocent Ice freezes again And becomes sharp little peaks Beware these clear spikes I only like snow when it’s still falling and I’m watching it from a warm, comfortable…

I’ve had trains and automobiles, but no planes yet — I’m in a tunnel I’m not moving, but the tunnel is. How did this happen? I had fumed to myself that my life should be better There was an eerie laugh behind me And now I find myself placed on a bench seat In an old-fashioned British-type Train compartment, all by myself…

Waving good-bye to illness — Cyber friends are great Connect on line, no germs spread Can wear pajamas I have been absent from Medium for most of the past month. First, I had a severe sinus infection. Then, by stages, I ended up with sciatica, a bad back condition that has kept me in bed…

A growing fear for our home — Thank you, Mother Earth You are more kind than we’re worth Save animals first But we’re animals Earth knows which ones are humans We’re the destroyers I watched an interview Jake Tapper of CNN did on October 15, 2021with Dan Ilic, an Australian comedian who is also an active supporter…

Written on a rainy day — My characters grumble and pout If I take medicine it drives them out So achy pain and hard to move about Or pain relief but creative drought At least now I see a connection Pain is often worse after eating confection Older age has amassed a huge collection Of foods that punish us…