Slow Dancing

 

The rhythm’s in my head, 

my feet tap tap tap to the beat

my lips mouth the words

it’s the end of the day and we sway

to this dance (take a chance)

my head insists (take a risk)

I just don’t know (take it slow)

but the scars on the heart, they insist.

Will it grow? Will it bloom in profusion?

Is it real? Or is it just an illusion—

a chimera, a lark? Or some other delusion?

An undertow? (If I let my guard down will I drown?)

Do I stay? Disembark? (Is it wise to restart?)

Is there a trace (A glimmer? A spark?)

in your words, in the lines you earmark?

As my heart beat, beat, beat, beat, beats like a drum

it resonates, while I succumb to the thrum...

I guard the line (Do you want me to go?)

Or take a chance (How will I know?)

Shall we dance?

  (take it fast) 

   (take it slow)

 

© Ginny Brannan 2024

 

Where the Bow Meets the String

 

I hear you whisper and tell me you love me,

that "You’ve been brave, but it’s time to move on–

so go hear the music, let it uplift you,

carry you forward, get lost in the song..."

 

Swaying so gently, just like the first time

the season was changing–I believe it was Spring;

the spark in your eyes, the warmth of your smile

we were lost in the moment, 

where the bow meets the string.

 

Time keeps advancing, giving and taking

and sometimes it takes things we don’t want to lose.

We heal ‘cause we have to, can’t dwell in the darkness

we’re called to move forward, and so we must choose.

 

As I sway to the music I remember the first time

I know you’re beside me, feel the brush of your wings

and somehow it feels right, that all will be all right;

and we’ll find each other

where the bow meets the string.

 

© Ginny Brannan 2023

Gone, But Not Forgotten...

I loved the scent of your affections

and the sizzle of your heat,

I don’t need no sweet confections

your smoky taste leaves me complete;

Such a morning temptress, though anytime would do,

I don’t think that there's anything

that could take the place of you.

You were the cream inside my coffee

the sunlight on my windowpane,

your taste still lingers on my lips

but that’s all that remains…

Yes, I forgot to pick you up,

I was such a fool…

now I’m left here to lament the taste of you.

Yes, I must acknowledge that my love for you is strong…

—you were the last piece of bacon in the fridge

              and now your go-o-o-o-one

(and now I think it's time to move along!)

© Ginny Brannan 2020

NaPoWriMo #12 

A few weeks back a friend challenged that someone should write a song about "bacon." Never one to let "sleeping challenges lie, "I came up with this. Yes, I went there, because...it's "BACON!! I'm weird like that!

Cole’s Song

I wrote this a few years ago to honor my dear, sweet little cousin Cole, my cousin Michael's grandson. His mom, Hanna, is an amazing woman, and has advocated for him every step of the way, including speaking before congress in support of a National Database for Undiagnosed Diseases.  In recent days Cole's previously undiagnosed disease has finally been given a name: Vanishing White Matter Disease. Yes, it is as serious as it sounds.  I thought I would share this poem again. It is a prayer of sorts… and if you are prone to praying, please whisper one for this little guy, and for the family that carries him in their hearts…

Cole's Song

God bless this child

His mommy and daddy too

Give them peace and strength

The kind that comes from You

Let them know You care

You’re always by their side

Let them feel Your love

And in their hearts abide

God bless this child

He was born a cold March day

A healthy, normal boy

A twinkle in his eye

His Papa’s pride and joy

Who could’ve know then

What would be his fate?

A multitude of surgeries

What trials would await…

God bless this child

His mommy and daddy too

Give them peace and strength

The kind that comes from You

Let them know You care

You’re always by their side

Let them feel Your love

And in their hearts abide

God bless this child

‘…and a little child shall lead’

So the story goes

Cole, you’ve touched so many hearts

Perhaps God only knows

Or perhaps it’s not that hard

The reason seems quite clear

To teach us all “Have faith”

Perhaps that’s why you’re here

God bless this child

His mommy and daddy too

Give them peace and strength

The kind that comes from You

Let them know You care

You’re always by their side

Let them feel Your love

And in their hearts abide

God bless this child

©  Copyright Ginny Brannan January 6, 2011
Photos of Cole used with permission, Hanna Welch

This is written as a tribute to my little cousin Cole. He suffers from a disease which includes seizure disorder, and diminished hearing and eyesight. He has undergone multiple surgeries in his brief life, but remains one of the happiest little guys I know.

To learn more about Cole go to http://www.colescause.com/