“Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind”

A free verse poem

Bath Bombs Photo Credit Tremaine L. Loadholt

the love wrapped up in someone
has fought its way out — eager to
greet the world and shower us
with bath bombs.

how kind must a heart be
to devote its time to creating
gifts with essential oils and other
ingredients melded together to
share with hundreds?

me and my mom walk past my
neighbor’s door and we spot them
instantly.
at first, I decline— with sensitive skin,
it’s hard to try new things and not
know what the body will do 
afterward.

but my mom jumps at the
opportunity to scoop up
two of the balls and grazes
her nose up against each — inhaling
their scents.

I smile at her childlike behavior
knowing an enjoyable night
will occur.

a little envious and curious, too, 
I found myself back at my neighbor’s
door to collect my own bomb.
a white concoction with blue & pink
swirls greeted me.

I had to take it home.

that same night, I drowned my limbs
in the oily inviting fragrances and lost
myself in their mix. 
the next night, I chose another.

I left a “Thank You” note for 
my neighbor as time and patience
have to be two things with which
she’s been blessed.

trying to find my place in a 
new community with new people
around me hasn’t been hard 
at all — my apartment building
is full of welcoming arms and
smiling faces.

these days, this is heaven-sent.

I will try the other bath bomb
this weekend — built-up stress will
need a passageway out of my system,
and a deep cleansing accompanied
by it will be a much-needed welcome
reprieve.

when love is patient and love is kind,
I remember.
wouldn’t you?


Originally published in soliloque via Medium.

“Let Your Heart Be Light”

Customized Christmas card that I gave out this year. Here’s one for all of you. 

It is my hope, it is my prayer–that all of you will enjoy the upcoming holiday season. I will be taking a short break from social media, logging off effective, Sunday, December 23, 2018, at 7:00 pm EST. Both Jernee and I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas, that is–if you celebrate. If you do not, find peace in something you truly want to do and enjoy every moment of it.

Be Good To You.
Be Kind To Others.
Love As Much As You Can.

Peace and Blessings.