Poems by Iris Elizabeth Sankey-Lewis

Poems by Iris Elizabeth Sankey-Lewis

WHEN I PAUSE TO READ A BOOK

When I pause to read a book, I’m in transit— I go to other places that will steal All senses pulsating, and I love it— I must first use radar to scan its field.

When I read a book, I tune out to tune in To what’s happening; but there’s more to it Than technicalities of the art, Now and then I’ll find new words of worth.

When I read a book, I’d rather it be mine: My pen is poised; I’ll write notes where I choose And reflect, or glance to see of chores, It’s like tuning out to tune in again. When I read a book, I’m in two places at once, It’s like seeing two presents at a glance: One so captivating, I’ll dive in, But then I look to see everything. When I read a book, there’ll be repetition When I stray, I’ll see my own life in verse: What was, what is, what things should be first— All in all there’ll be sweet inspiration When I pause to read a book. THE SOLEMN LIVES OF BEES

Undisturbed, they’ll tend their own business Without any pseudo fear. History, mystery, and strength come to mind When I think of bees.

B is for brutality to some bees. B stands for black obsidian like gem of honeybees. B is for invisible bloodshed some of us never see.

I think of the bold, the beautiful family of bees Spreading love like honey all across the globe. Bees are as boundless as time; Their language you can comprehend, because Nature has it: bees were first in our world.

B is for bright works saving at least one soul. B stands for the blind tasting honey then doing what was right. B is the queen bee venerated by all. Black, brown, and yellow bees of profound givens; It takes an extraordinary sensuous person to fully Understand them.

The solemn lives of bees have been underestimated Down through the passage of time, but no weapon Formed against them shall prosper.

10 HAIKU

Misty Morning More nostalgia and My mind on jogging Sounds of chimes Clothing on clothesline One barking dog. Morning draped in silk of white like a bride about to weep. Early sun rising as I stood alone looking at blue Jays in trees. Near River a black man Passed his white kerchief To his Irish friend.

Two in twilight Years sat barefooted Together. At twilight a spider Rushes to finish its web On my front porch. Swaying branches Swaying thoughts Swaying fan. A squirrel sat at noon on backyard lounge chair as if awaiting lunch. A sudden rain a sudden flood then—suddenly—the sun. THANK YOU

In the wee hours of my awakening You kept me from falling, You saved my life, though I’d tasted poison, You saw me drowning and sent hands to help me— Thank you. Thank you for seeing me safely through hurricanes. Thank you for sunshine and rain. Thank you for sending me aboard two helpful planes. Though fire and ice were harsh, Thank you for safety and warmth. Though my eyes were clouded by fear, Thank you for your grace, endless as time so near— Though sometimes I forget how much you care— You caused me to listen with my inner ear. Thank you. Thank you for giving me a second chance at life. Thank you for hearing my prayers day and night. Thank you for your inextinguishable light. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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