Some poetry

Both of these poems were written at UC Santa Cruz, where I study and live my happy life. Enjoy!

October 18, 2010

Take the time to notice the dandelion
smile to its rays of yellow
remember the sun, giver of life.

Imagine yourself as a flower
and sway and grow tall
and express the beautiful color of your soul
to the skies

no matter if the clouds pour sadness
strive, grow, share

be the dandelion
spread your rays of life
grin your living grin
and hold onto your roots as you leave the comforts of your home

courage, independence brings us to the world
say hello.

you are a dandelion
bright and independent

one of many, yet yourself.



---

November 12, 2010

He picks flowers for me
white
pink
tuck-behind-the-ear flowers
kisses for thank you's
once, twice
hands held on walks
through trees
on paths
big
small
the hands and the paths
not the trees
they're all tall and big
strong
rooted
like him
knowing himself
while I still wonder at my life
in wonder
and wonder who I am
wonderful life
oh,
I am me
with small hands
and a love of the flowers
hands, trees, life.
He picks happiness for me
big grins
gazes
happiness and contented smiles.

Book Log: Prodigal Summer

I have decided to keep a log of the books I read in 2010. I have a book log that I started three years ago or so, and have been keeping track (sporadically) of books I've read, but I often forget to write books down and I never write about my feelings on the book at the time. So, I will try to post a short review/discussion of each book I finish for the year. I just now decided to do this, so I am a little hazy on remembering which books I officially finished in 2010. I will begin with a book I am positive I started and finished this new year: Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver.It is definitely one of my favorite novels of all time, and my favorite from this author (I've also read The Bean Trees and The Poisonwood Bible). This inspiring novel focuses on three characters and their neighbors and families in southern Appalachia. The thing I liked best about it was how much I learned about myself and nature (especially moths and coyotes!). Kingsolver superbly weaves in facts about nature and human life that bring such an intriguing element to the already-beautiful and fascinating story. There is a certain sense of wonder that is found throughout the book as characters discover themselves and others and as we the readers discover things about ourselves through the biological information as well as through seeing parts of ourselves in the characters. It isn't rated G, so be warned, but at the same time, the aspects that contain more mature content are necessary to the story. It is a story about life and love in so many different ways. It truly tells the story of a prodigal summer, both in its excess of emotions and in its lesson about nature's continual push for survival in the form of new life and love. I highly, highly recommend it!