While Daddy Works The Jay Z/Justin Timberlake Concert...            

Off to the movies with my munchkins, we saw Turbo, what a winner!
Then came home to have green grapes and Pizza Pops for dinner!

                                           Sally

Can't Buy Me Love

Let this be
a paradox to
The Beatles song.
I know I
shouldn't want
these things,
I know that it
is wrong.
But it seems
you value more,
the money that
you make.
I think that I
deserve a sign
for our
relationship's sake.
I've never been
one to ask,
I'm not a selfish person.
But if you
fail to cherish me
I'll be hurt,
that's for certain.
So dig into your
precious piles.
Make an honest start.
Get something
to symbolize,
your feelings
from the heart.
It need not be
expensive.
No diamond rocks
or gold.
It just need
represent,
the value I behold.

Sally

    8:00 am Meltdown

A day can start with a smack in the face.
But it has the potential to evolve.
Considering the value of patience in the Spin Cycle of life,
Developing a rhythm that can ride out the challenges is crucial.
Every falter provides new information,
For getting it right the next time.

Sally

            That Scottish Play

             Up late practicing.
Costume washed and shoes polished,
              Liam is Macbeth.

                      Sally

The Santana Hobble

I befriended a man
on Facebook today,
who I socialized with
over twenty years ago
in Theatre School.
We hadn't spoken
in more than a decade,
and yet we reconnected
as though only weeks
had passed by.
In our reminiscings,
I reminded him
of the time I had
broken my foot.
I was living in
the West End
and didn't consider
a walk over
to The Orpheum,
for a Santana concert,
to be a commute.
Ten minutes into
my broken footed
hobble,
I questioned
whether I would
make it.
Without a second glance,
Garth scooped me up
and piggy backed me
the rest of the way.
What a guy!
Then, and now.
There are times when
Social Networking
really hits the spot.

Sally

Rorschach Mountains

Sitting at Spanish Banks
looking across the water,
I see the image of a man
in the mountain range.
He is sleeping
with his arms across his chest.
On his finger is a windmill ring,
and farther down is his
enormous erection.
He is clearly circumcised
and is either highly aroused,
or experiencing an
early morning boner.
I question if anyone else
sees this?
Or if it's a sign
of my clearly
sick mind.
I wonder.

Sally

            Shrimp Tanka

         I made Shrimp Tacos
   because you asked so nicely.
         You ate them all up!
 Then Dad purchased for dessert,
fresh doughnuts from Tim Horton's.

             Summer Sally

"Dancing In The Streets"

Driving through the city,
there are many
unpredictabilities:
Construction
Parades
One Way Streets.
I did not expect, however,
to see a gaggle of geese
partying in the middle
of the road. 
I was one of many cars
who simply stopped,
and waited.
I watched in awe.
The geese were completely
oblivious to the
world around them,
to the danger,
to the road block
they had created.
Then the drivers began
honking, and
yelling, and
were obviously
becoming impatient.
Having been there,
on a schedule,
feeling the pressure
of time...
I understood
their frustration.
But as I am
on vacation,
I could have
watched
the geese
all day.

Sally

It's Not Really About Eggs

I didn't ask for the Grand Slam.
No pancakes on the side.
I didn't want waffles or fancy fruit,
or a slice of pie.

I just wanted two eggs and toast.
A simple basic meal.
Despite consistent effort,
I cannot catch a deal.

So bear with me if I erupt
with bold anxiety.
I just wanted eggs and toast,
and maybe a hot tea.

The plethora of options

are always in my face.

Yet even with the planning

it always seems a race.

This strong dissatisfaction
does not just manifest,
in the early morning
during my breakfast.

It carries on throughout the day
a constant, strong reminder.
Of all I've failed to do and say,
the ways I could be wiser.

Until I find that which I seek

I fear you'll be subjected,

to a time bomb with a short fuse

not easily detected. 

So when I ask for eggs and toast,
just take it with a shrug.
And know I'd love the great surprise
of being offered a hug.

Sally

       My Happy Elixir

There is something about tea,
that makes me feel happy.

Every day I choose my flavour,
then I sit and truly savour.

A cup of iced tea with the rising sun,
a cup of hot tea when the day is done.

Sally 

  Jalapeno Peanuts

This only happened once,
never to be repeated.
It was so mortifying,
I hadn't even Tweeted.
But now I take the time,
to share this thought with you.
In hopes of circumventing,
a dreadful pain, it's true.
So listen up, take my advice,
when eating spicy peanuts.
Wash your hands before you plunge
to change for your convenience,
your tampon with the spicy salt
still on your finger lingering.
It did create a hot sensation
in my bits, a tingling.
So far from pleasure did it feel,
that I hopped and yelped.
In hopes of finding coolness,
in the tub I knelt.
So do take note when
Jalapeno peanuts hit the scene,
don't change feminine hygiene
unless your finger's clean!

Sally

                         Rich With Time

Staycations are great, and serve our budget well.
We save even more by chilling in our HomeTel.

                                 Sally

                      Ride Katharine Ride

Realizing how volatile and fleeting a human life can be,
is one of many revelations one experiences when losing a loved one.

Reality, and your deep vulnerability kicks in,
when you lose your mother and brother in the same year.

Rage, sadness, grief, and devastation bombard you,
as no matter how you look at it, it just isn't fair.

Relief eventually sets in when you discover that the pain does subside,
and somehow you and your siblings manage to move on.

Reacting to your experience, you all decide to do something
for those you've lost, and those you don't want to lose.

Riding across France as a unified, cohesive family unit,
becomes your focus and drive.

Raising money for Cancer Research,
so that other families may not have to feel your loss.

Respect, 
Sally

Canadian Geese Eh!

Nibble nibble plop
Nibble nibble plop plop plop
Oh to be a goose.

What a life they lead
roaming on the luscious grass.
Such simplicity.

Sally

Inspired By Lily...

Metaphoric Musings

To visit with a dear friend,
is to experience all the glory of
an exquisite six-course meal.

The appetizers get you warmed up,
re-capping, and re-capturing the moments
leading to the rendezvous.

The salad arrives along with
the freshest and newest news.

The soup makes it's entrance
smoothly transitioning into
the spicy gossip column.
Enriching, and warming our insides
with stories we can sink our teeth into.

The entree' is welcomed with resolve.
Quiet, contemplative noshing ensues,
highlighting the fact that good friends
are comfortable with silent moments.

As buttons are undone, and chairs pushed back
to make room for the swelling satisfaction,
the dessert arrives.

It promises to be the icing on the cake,
revealing all secrets, desires, and emotional journeys
reserved for a truly attentive, satiated audience.

In the final moments of tabletop minutia,
digestif glasses are clinked, and friendship jarred,
like peaches in a pantry.
Visible, enticing, and waiting
for the next celebratory 'meal'.

Sally

Unencumbered Pleasure

There's a little fella,
just over a year old,
discovering all the
glories of the beach
for the first time.
He's wearing a
button down shirt
with only one button done,
so it hangs off his
shoulders with style.
His soggy diaper
hangs below,
drooping with gravity,
and every visit
to the water.
His newish hair
rests jaggedly
atop his head,
reminiscent of a
balding man
in his forties.
Absolutely everything
captivates his attention,
but most of his effort
goes into walking.
Remaining upright
in the sand.
He waddles back and forth
from his toys,
to his mom,
presenting her with
tokens from the sea.
Some dried seaweed,
the claw of a crab.
For every delivery
he receives a
plump
juicy
kiss.
It is no wonder
his contentedness
is as plentiful
as the ocean itself.

Sally

Soundtrack

           The Wind

As we descend upon the beach,
that frames the big city
in all her pandemonious glory,
we zigzag the obstructions,
and avoid the pedestrians
who have taken to the streets
like the flooding Nile.
We are trapped
in construction zones,
and sit at traffic lights
on every corner.

We arrive,
anticipating the hot,
aggressive pavement
nipping at our heels.
We wait for it to
bear down on us
with its
oppressive breath,
but all we hear is
the wind.

We see boats,
and people.
Folks walking their dogs.
We see kites,
and kids,
and ducks
and geese,
but all we hear is
the wind.

There are bicycles
with bells,
helicopters,
crickets,
Police Officers
on Quads.
Children reciting
Shakespeare,
frogs croaking,
and bees singing
their tune.
It all flashes
before us
like a silent film,
with the soundtrack
composed by
the wind.

Sally

To Think...

   With Grief 

To think
that just yesterday
I was recalling
James Gandolfini.
Saddened,
and still in awe
of the loss of him.
Celebrating and
enjoying
his contributions
by re-watching
his work.
I sympathized with
his wife,
and his
children.
His 9 month old
daughter
will only
have his work
to remember him by.
Then in bed last night,
while watching
The Sopranos,
I heard my daughter
SHREIK!
Cory Montieth is dead.
At the time,
there was no
doubt in my mind
that it was a hoax.
It couldn't be,
I told myself.
But it could,
and it did.
I had a flashback
to my early 20's
when River Phoenix
died.
I know these
things  happen
all the time.
Everyday,
to everyone,
everywhere.
People die.
Of heart attacks,
drug overdoses,
car accidents...
But something happens
with those who reside
in the public eye.
Those whose
characters we've grown
to love,
to develop an
attachment to.
It feels as though
a whole room full
of people have gone
as their multiple faces
go with them.
Thankfully,
their imprint remains
in the performance
anthology
they've left behind.

Sally

Holy Cannoli

                 Respect

          James Gandolfini
   I'm recalling your brilliance
          in The Sopranos

                  Sally

Mr. Hyde

                     Bipolar Much?

On the days you maliciously lash out like a sleaze,
I wish I had courage to pack up and leave.

                           Sally

For My Friend Nadia

Twenty Years of This

When Mrs. Jones
has made her mark
depriving you
of laughter,
call me and
within a flash
I'll give you
my canister.
Then you can
shake out
someone's lawn at
LD's Photo Counter,
giving me
a story
to tell
forever after.
If fair is fair
then you too
can celebrate
your stunt,
of the time
you got me to
go searching for
Mike Hunt.
Let's call a truce,
enjoy the fruits
of 20 years of
labour,
and know
that I
am here
for you
with endless
party favours!

Sally

Laundry Soap Aromatherapy

      Method

There is a certain
laundry soap that does
something magical
to my insides.
When I smell it,
my mind wanders
to a variety
of delectable and
desirable places.
Water slides,
soft inviting pillows,
tangy lemon popsicles
on the beach.
Saturday morning cartoons,
roller coasters and
movie theatres.
PJ's with built in feet,
Teddy bears, lip balm
and nail polish.
Watermelon,
bathing suits,
goggles,
and sand in itchy places.
Mulled wine,
fire works,
twinkly lights,
and bubble bath.
Soft towels right out
of the dryer,
and popcorn
with lots of butter.
A good book,
a good song, and
a good cuddle with
someone warm
and inviting.
Method
One smell that
does all that.
My own
personal
heroine.

Sally

When The Livin Is Easy

Summertime

Sweaty boobs by 8:30 am,
Signify the need to move slowly in the heat.
Satiating raspberry lemonade is essential to cool the inner workings.
Suspending deep thoughts until noon, guarantees leisure as the central theme.
Second to Fall, Summer offers scents that waft and haunt deep into the night.
Suspiciously smoothly pass the days that melt into each other like scones to butter.
Seasons come and go, but summer holds all of the juicy memories of freedom.
Sally

Buckling

                I Want My Mommy

The weight that I shoulder in my role as mom,
     is so hard to carry I often feel numb.

                           Sally

Dreams Can Come True

The Neighbour Fairy

We have been so lucky
in every single way,
to have the kindest neighbours
one could want today.

Arthur and Aline,
Shannon and her gang.
Zack, Pareesa, Eliana
with whom we used to hang.

They all left and others came
to sunny Moorside Place.
Life went on with fun replacements
as we ran and raced.

Recently, just two doors down,
young Elgar moved away.
We waited very eagerly
to see who'd come to stay.

Then came the truck and to our luck
the Neighbour Fairy blessed us,
a fine young married couple,
whose wit and sense would test us.

Mark is a nurse you see,
and Colin is a clown.
They tired of the busy world,
deep in hectic downtown.

They came up to our hill
to join our peaceful slice,
to add to the montage, our quilt,
that represents all life.

I'm looking forward to movies,
Book Clubs on the lawn.
Tapas, wine and friendships fine,
laughing until dawn.

So welcome our new neighbours,
and in our hearts we carry,
gratefulness and adoration
for the Neighbour Fairy.

Sally

Thinking

          Be Not So

If reading caused one to gain calories on Earth,

I could not imagine the size of my girth. 

                             Sally

The Plan

Dear Followers, Readers, Family, Fellow Bloggers, and Friends...

        I have been thinking and reflecting on the past year of Poetic Rehab, and I've made some decisions that I would like to share with you. Although I am nine days away from 365 poems, I have decided to continue writing until August 30th. When I look back at the posting pattern of the past year, it was in September that I successfully started writing a poem a day. Even though twice I failed to blog on a given day (Feb. 22 & June 27), I still wrote a poem and posted it the following day (I think that counts eh!?!?). It is the summer, and I have a great deal of time on my hands. I have had a couple of poems brewing, but while working, I did not have the time to invest... So continuing the blog will give me the opportunity to write a few more poems, and share...
       I am also trying to compile a top ten list (it may have to be top twenty, or at least have some honorable mentions...). I could use some help, and would love to hear your thoughts/opinions. Please comment... Follow if you're into it... I am loving the support!

Sally

BTW... August 30th is also my awesome friend Dave's 60th birthday, so I'll have to work on something special... and it seems auspicious to connect it to the end date.

A Clown Wedding

Zero & Somebuddy

When I studied Theatre, I met a great gal.

Sweet, funny Sarah stood out from them all.

She was zany, adorable, and had great timing,

she was tough, and durable, and was never caught whining.

When we graduated she went to study right away,

the art of clowning at Commedia Dell'arte.

There she met a man who offered her bliss,

the unique, the extraordinary, the mighty Sir Chris.

After years of fun courting they decided to marry,

and over the threshold his clown he did carry.

We were invited to attend an incredible mass,

at a church in Kurkland, decorated with class.

After a breathtaking ceremony in which Chris wore real pants,

we hopped on a school bus and drove to Seattle fast.

We detoured on the way an extra few miles,

to drop off a needy stranger in true Chris-caring style.

When we arrived at Hokum Hall we were shocked and astounded

at all the themed tables with which we were surrounded.

We chose The Pirates, it suited our style,

with an eye patch and sword we sang in the aisle.

Then we did watch a Buster Keaton film,

while a live organist played all the sound effects and fills.

The party continued until late in the day,

then Sarah whipped out to buy plates at Safeway.

In her wedding dress, she ran up the aisle,

then bought a steak for her in-law, with magical style.

It was so much fun to spend time with them,

but like all good things, the weekend did end.

We have stayed in touch with this amazing clown pair,

although when they're together, people will stare.

You can spot them miles away, with Chris in poofy pants,

his jester hat, goggles and confident stance.

Because they're original, a serious must-see!

The miraculous clown couple of Zero & Somebuddy!

Sally

Retirement

In honour of the retirement of a GREAT teacher, who taught me everything I know!


        For Ron

 The fruit has ripened

The apple releases hold

    It is time for pie!

                          

           Sally

Disturbing Thoughts

        Nuts?

I am 43 years old,
married,
and the mother of
three children.
I am responsible,
organized,
and take my respect
for humanity,
and the environment
very seriously.
However,
with Tim Burton
in town,
I have found myself
incessantly wondering
about him.
On Canada day
I speculated whether
he could hear the fireworks.
I questioned whether he
was enjoying the heat,
or found it suffocating.
As I blared Manu Chao
on my way to visit
KC and Kaya,
I pondered his
appreciation
for Latin music.
His close proximity
has infected my
ability to think straight,
and yet,
my fear of encounter
has engirdled me with
a paralysis,
preventing me from
reaching out.
I think this strange,
for someone normally
so balanced.
What is it about
this man
that has my
knickers so knotted?
He is my
muse.
I am hungry
for his inspiration,
yet terrified to
disappoint.
Deep breaths
Sally,
deep breaths!

Sally

Summer Lessons

Remembering Your Lips

Sometimes
when I'm at the cabin,
I get busy doing
my thing.
Then I look up.
I am instantly reminded
of my incredible
surroundings,
and I stop,
and take them in.
The mountains,
the trees,
the lake,
the falls.
Sometimes when I
think too much
I forget the simplest
things like,
my pin number
my postal code
which foot to put on the gas.
When I stop,
and just let my body
do the thinking,
it all falls back
into place.
Yesterday
I kissed you.
Then I kissed you again.
There was nothing
automatic about it.
Having fallen into
a rhythm
of the
automatic peck,
I was awakened,
reminded.
Completely in the
moment I,
felt your lips
on mine
for the first time
in ages.
I kissed you
again and again,
feeling your lips
curving, slipping.
I had forgotten how
plump and juicy
they are.
I felt 23 again.
Thank goodness
for the moments
when we
remember
what we've
forgotten.

Sally

Happy Canada Day!

Surrogates

They reached out 

to the still 

warm from bed

treasures,

that I handed to

them at dawn.

They loved

and nurtured

and fussed

and fretted

and adored

and nuzzled

and RAISED

my children.

They allowed

me to go to work

with the

peace of mind

that every mother

craves,

but rarely receives.

Beverly

Kim

Safta

Starla

you have

strongly

impacted

what my kids

will look back on

as their childhood.

Your flawless

third party parenting,

has made a

permanent contribution

to who they are today.

Eternal gratitude

is only a fraction

of what I owe you.

As my youngest

embarks on his

own road to 

independence,

we are child care free

for the first time in

sixteen years.

Thank you

Merci

Todah

Sally