Rainbow Maker

Reservoir in Drought: 2006

Oh dear. I've just about run out of oldies, which means I will soon have to decide whether to put my kiddie rhymes up (some are fine, others need refining), or whether I'll do something else. Ah, who knows! I might even get something new written....
Here is one I wrote for a very good friend of mine (I'll call her "May"). She and her boyfriend/ life-friend (called "Jack") are the most wonderful people. When we were neighbours in London, they managed to turn annual events (such as Christmas, Easter, Halloween) into something magical for the children. For each event, their house was decorated into every corner with garlands, lights and ornaments. Although they havent any of their own, they invited children from the neighbourhood over to look around, and to sample sweets and treats. May has had polio since infancy, and Jack has bad back problems, but they get through life with the most wonderful ability to see humour - even when things were pretty dark. Recently, after several years of trying to move to a bungalow, where May could reach a bathroom, after problem after problem with selling and buying, they finally moved into their ideal home! Congratulations and Good luck to you both!
This one was inspired by May, who encouraged me to write poetry when I lacked confidence. Along with my sister, May and Jack read and commented on my early works, reassuring me enough to continue... Thanks guys!!

Rainbow Maker

Trying to draw a person's life in lines
never captures how that person shines,
but a brushstroke here, a dabble so,
shows fleeting glimpse of this inner glow.

Gloriously sketched, the aura of warmth
scorns the haunting of tangible taunts,
radiates freely through damaged wall,
a lucid caress on whom it may fall.

The given body worn night and day
captures, but can't hold, the energy
spontaneous with expectation
others should also lack pretension.

Labouring frustration not all ill
gives friends inspiration to fulfil
the potential in which there is trust,
although inertia turns dreams to dust.

In dark days when fatigue overwhelms
the mind explores memory rich realms,
replaying moments of deep pleasure
impressions are personal treasure.

Never alone, souls share and enhance
live experience with intimate dance
partner in unison over the years
alternating who follows and steers.

Linked magic, child's exquisite delight:
Christmas offers fantasy flight;
legendary spirit of Halloween
can't outstrip rapture of Easter scene.

Touching so many lives, connecting
threads otherwise distinct, reflecting
emotions and thoughts given to mind,
weaving and threading carefully bind.

Content with completeness, crystal clear
life absorbs sensation souvenir
to focus then refract: the caretaker
becomes requisite rainbow maker.