Painting and Poetry

My Painting and My Poetry

When I retired because of age,

Painting and poetry became my rage.

With these posts you will see

How creativity has affected me.

Guided by my faithful wife

My life has traveled on

And I swim in acrylics.

Spring [1]

I woke up this morning and went outside

With a jacket buttoned against the wind.

I felt Sun’s warmth upon my face

As Spring danced around me,

With flowers in her hair.

This afternoon I stood on Mount Baker

 With all his mighty beauty,

I waded in some flowing water,

And the Sun was warm.

Now walking in the noise of silent trees;

I feel the cold and I’ll try to be without her

Till She returns,

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[1]  Surfing through my closet I found a book of poetry that I created just of 40 years ago. 

How I Fall Asleep

                                                             How I Fall Asleep

Sleep is quite great after I work all day.

Companied by 3 meals and exercise I need to rest.

The hours I sleep are between six and ten,

I wake happier the longer I sleep,

Those times when I haven’t slept so well,

  I awoke feeling like a walking Zombie.

When I was a young I slept differently.

Cause I liked to stay up watching TV

As I’ve aged, I’m now in my seventies.

I understand some about the flow of wisdom.

I put on my mask, then take a deep breath

This helps me to combat apnea.

Overcoming Stress After Retirement

Overcoming Stress After Retirement

Before retirement, teaching was half my life

Fighting Mandatory Retirement was important.

We needed to retire in our own good time.

When the battle ended, I was a lot more relaxed

Taking time to create poetry helps me bypass stress.

Which must be left behind because it is so destructive.

 My wife who understands me helps me to relax

When I look at her; soft love flows within my heart.

Now I have begun to meditate more frequently

Which helps prevent stress when it approaches

This is very good for my aging brain.

As it travels through my body.

My Life After Retirement

My Life After Retirement

Looking though the window as it rains outside

I am waiting rather impatiently for summer.

In the spring, frequently traveling behind clouds,

The bright sun peaks out and smiles at me.

As an athlete I learned to exercise for health.

On my morning journey I used to jog now I walk

The rain does not prevent my walks each day,

 As I remember my favorite phrase ‘It is what it is,

Meditation has helped me to calm my journey

As I travel along with a very wonderful wife

Also I join my sons for downtown walks

And spend time creating poetry.

’

From The Day I Left Work

From The Day  I Left Work

At work I gained many social relationships

And strove to do the best job I could,

Asking myself  important questions

That would help me teach others.

I asked myself, what goals would I like to achieve?

 I would help widen the space of the world they see.

And they could  learn more about themselves

And they would set goals to help each other.

I’m proud of one of my students from long ago

Yongjie is about to finish  his PhD.

I have also been able to create my blogs.

That help me send information around the world.

Most important is my wonderful wife

Once a student, who’s now my teacher.

And though I’m retired from a teaching

I still have a great deal to learn.

Moving Along while Aging

Moving Along While Aging

Now both mom and dad are gone,

And I keep moving along while aging.

Staying healthy as I can be

Walking each day in rain or shine.

It’s also important to avoid stress.

I do this by exploring creativity

Besides poetry, I love to paint.

I learn from Elizabeth my wife.

I’m also a member of a Senior’s board

And go to meetings to help other elders.

All my life has been guided by the goal to help.

I think that’s from my being the oldest brother.