Category Archives: Photography

Last photo of April ’21

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April is always my busiest month in posting thanks to the National Poetry Writing Month challenges that I try to participate in. I always think it’s going to energize me to keep up the momentum for the rest of the year, but that never quite pans out.

Last year, after posting daily in April, I averaged one post per month for the subsequent seven months. This year, I hope to perform better than last. I mean the bar isn’t that high, so…

I will be exploring new blog “challenges” this year, beginning with one I discovered on Manja Mexi Mexcessive‘s blog. The rules, as posted by the challenge host Bushboys World: 

1. Post the last photo on your SD card or last photo on your phone for the 30th April.
2. No editing – who cares if it is out of focus, not framed as you would like or the subject matter didn’t cooperate.
3. You don’t have to have any explanations, just the photo will do
4. Create a Pingback to this post or link in the comments
5. Tag “The Last Photo”

The last photo I took on my iPhone last month:

Sebastian ~ hunting or hiding? He’s much better at the latter.

Retirement Home

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 I’m going to build a solid house,
 Good bones to frame it straight and true
 Upon which fasten seasoned boards
 The outside elements to subdue.
  
 It shan’t be graced with gingerbread
 that merely mildews in the rain,
 or gargoyles leering overhead 
 evincing darkness and disdain.
  
 A simple plan as fits my taste,
 I aim to please no one but me.
 One needn’t look for blemishes.
 I’ll know they’re there; I’ll let them be. 
  
 My house will stand the tests of time
 Clean lines that age but loathe to stray,
 With understated grace and strength
 to see me through my final days.

Today’s dVerse poetry prompt, as posed by sarahsouthwest: “I’d like you to look back over the last year and choose a poem that calls to you, and write a response to that.”

I chose a poem by Elizabeth Crawford Yates, a local poet who published in the 1950s. Her poem, “To a Time-Grayed House,” struck me in that she ascribes the aging process with “dread and wistfulness.” As I celebrate my 60th year on this planet, I don’t dread growing old nor do I pine for those long-lost days of youth. I do want to age gracefully though, and maintain my health as best I can. And so, the poem above was my response to this:

 TO A TIME-GRAYED HOUSE
  
 Though you may stare with dread and wistfulness
 At youthful cottage and its sleek white dress,
 Remember this. Too soon, that one may be
 A peeling thing, with shaken masonry. 
  
 Elizabeth Crawford Yates
 from her book Wind Carvings (copyright 1953)