Tangible Reminders

Photo by Emma Carlson

 Tangible Reminders

Today our grandson
had his tiny hand on his heart
as the flag went by
in a Memorial Day parade.
We all did -
Mama, Oma, Grandma
and Otto.
Grandma told stories
about how Grandpa Al
had such pride and honor
for our flag,
and how Dada does, too.
I shared memories
of  Barry (now Opa),
showing respect
with his hand on his heart
so many times
over the years.
A day of
remembering
and missing
for both sides
of a little boy’s family.
His interest in
 stories and memories,
his wit and adventurous nature,
tangible reminders
that both grandfathers
truly do live on
in him.

Sarah Carlson
Memorial Day
May 29, 2023

The Intangible

 The Intangible

I’ve been cleaning out
this home,
deciding what
to keep in my now.
Many things are easy to let go
and I happily pass them on.
The champagne glasses
from our wedding
puzzle me at first.
I don’t seem to want them,
but why?
After a toast
with family and friends,
you surreptitiously kept
these very glasses
that I now contemplate.
I take them outside,
sit on the deck,
allow wondering
to ebb and flow.
Awakening trees
reflect and refract
in their glass
as they nestle and sparkle
in the springtime sun.
A symphony of birdsong
settles my being
as understanding slowly unfurls.
It’s the intangible
 that so often provides
deep comfort.
Just when I least expect it
I see, feel, hear what it is
that these glasses actually hold.
I am reminded that
you are everywhere,
including right here -
wherever it is
that I am.

Sarah Carlson
May 29, 2023

Apple Blossoms and Snowflakes

 Apple Blossoms and Snowflakes

There are times in life
when it’s hard to make sense
of what is right in front of you.
For me, this happens when
what I thought I knew
is not entirely true
and things just feel askew.
Often this intrigues me
and I look within it all
for hope and newness.
Other times it makes
my body ache and
my soul weep
as my mind
strives to understand.
Eventually, though,
I can settle
into sweet support
and deeper awareness of ME.
I think of my two-year-old grandson,
who said upon waking early one morning
during a winter sleepover,
“What’s going on in here?
It’s time to turn the lights on!”
Such good advice…
And, so I do.
Turn the lights on, that is.
Allow illumination to find
what I need,
and let the rest be
as best I am able.
Like a spring evening
when apple blossoms
and snowflakes
share the same space
in one’s front yard,
or looking to the horizon
when fields are greening
and some mountains are still white.
Things that seem discordant
can actually peacefully
and beautifully coexist.
Thanks, Otto,
for once again
pointing out that
which is true.

Sarah Carlson
May 19, 2023

Be Two, Be True

Photo by Emma Carlson

Be Two, Be True

We sit by a lake,
feel the wind in our hair,
watch whitecaps
dance in the distance.
We listen to birdsong,
enjoy Grandma’s flowers,
see pictures in the clouds
with Mama -
as she and I once did
with my father.
We listen to a song
that Dada sang
opening oatmeal,
have a belly laugh
all together.
We explore and wonder,
ask and answer,
feel big feels,
whatever they may be.
We cuddle on the couch
with ‘our’ book
finding all the
pictures and poems
about our earliest
moments together.
He slowly leans back,
gently holds my face,
nestles his to mine.
I breathe deeply,
immerse in these pure
moments of shared love.
Once again I marvel
at the simple elegance
of his essence,
and the wonder
of being two,
being so
                    fully
                                true.

Sarah Carlson (Oma)
May 15, 2023