Linda is a Speech Pathologist in Cincinnati, Ohio. She loves writing of all kinds and has been writing poetry since childhood. She feels that the things that are created with one’s hands, whether they are made of words or more substantial materials, seem to be the only work that remains done rather than having to be continually redone. Linda has always dealt with her emotions by writing them down, finding it the best way to dispel anger and sadness as well as to share happiness and love. Her life experiences are chronicled in poetry and will probably continue to be so.
POETIC BLOOMINGS 
MY HORIZON
I look out across the distance,
across time,
across life.
I see our joys and stuggles,
our triumphs,
and our strife.
We’ve been through it all together,
through laughter,
and through tears.
We’ve shared our lifelong journey,
our life goals,
and our fears.
I am so lucky to see this horizon
and my life
joining you.
We have have been quite fortunate
in sharing
such a view.
SUNSET
Swirling ribbons of color
dance crazily before the sun
as it settles beneath the sea
looking for tomorrow’s children.
UNCLE
Brother of my Father and Mother
a love given freely
without obligation
making me the special Other.
A kind ear who is always there
without judgement
without guilt
but guidance given with care.
When I can’t go to Mom or Dad
I know there is Uncle
who will listen
and help me not to feel so bad.
Without you I feel quite lost:
no more talks
no more walks
loneliness will be the cost.
ADJUSTMENTS
When a loved one is lost
by death
by distance
by choice
he stays in our hearts
and in our minds
instead of in our days.
When you lose yourself
through illness
through confusion
through neglect
you are still in our hearts
and in our minds
instead of in our days.
We will keep a piece of you
until you want it back.
ODE TO RETIREMENT
In childhood my life was run
by parents, teachers and adults.
In adulthood, my life was run
by spouse, children, and job..
In retirement, for the first time
my life is run by me.
A PLACE IN MY LIFE
In this house, I keep all my memories.
My children grew up here.
I loved my pets here.
Important decisions were made here.
I found refuge from strife here.
My marriage matured here.
I entertained friends here.
I cooked countless meals here.
I accumulated possessions here.
Life’s lessons were learned here.
I grew old here.
In many ways it contains my life.
That is the meaning of home.
YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND
You just click on my name
and you know wherever I am
I will answer as soon as I can.
When nobody else is around
You know somehow I can be found,
I’ll be here, your Facebook Friend.
DECEIT
Who am I fooling when I lie?
Who am I hurting?
Who will ever know?
Who cares?
Why not fabricate?
Why care what others think?
Why give away my truths.
Why be honest?
Where will lies lead me?
Where do I turn?
Where are the answers?
Where does the truth reside?
When will I be believed?
When do I give up?
When is the reckoning?
When will I get it?
What is the truth?
What is reality?
What can a lie accomplish?
What is my problem?
FAIRY TALE (Rhupunt form)
I imagine
there’s a dragon
with a wagon
in his big cave.
The hero shows
with swords and bows
to end all woes
and show he’s brave.
But when he sees
the dragon, he’s
swayed by its pleas.
And with a wave
He says good bye
with tear filled eye
and with a sigh
resigns to knave.
Moment of Rapture
After many yearsign
of feeling alone
and mostly ignored
he put his arms
around me and said
what can I do
to make you feel better?
And for that moment
I finally felt loved.
WHAT MATTERS MOST
The peace only found
in my own back yard,
achieving a goal
that was really hard,
believing in dreams
that seem out of reach,
a beautiful walk
on a quiet beach,
holding on to hope
when it seems so lost,
putting it out there
not measuring cost,
hoping that life is
not troubles and pain,
but only a list of
the treasures we gain.
PART OF THE PROBLEM (Haiku)
Sometimes the worst thing
a human being can do
is nothing at all.
MY HERO
I know a man who spent his youth
fighting for our nation.
In Vietnam, to know the truth
is just where he was stationed.
While he was there he nearly died,
but was saved by his brothers.
Guilt he carries still inside
that he could not sve the others.
His health and peace were sacrificed
although he lives on still.
He doesn’t claim its overpriced
and he never will.
With all that’s happened still he lives
to serve his country strong.
With a passion he will always give
to his country right or wrong.
But now he gives to others too,
to his wife and family.
He feeds the birds and shows concern
For other friends like me.
For all our heroes, small or grand,
for those we do not know,
I hope we all will take a stand,
some gratefulness to show.
They are among us every day,
folks who gave their all.
We must appreciate the way
they showed up for the call.