Category: Art From Wisconsin

Four Poems

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These are poems that I wrote in 2018. Some of you may have read them first at Poems From Oostburg, Wisconsin, which we began in December 2009.

We Drove North

we drove North
to see fall colors

along the way
snow fell and
lightly covered

fields of soybeans,
corn, and other crops

and the wind
painted one side
of tall trees
with the snow

October 2018

Evergreen Branches

evergreen branches
fill part of the sky
without the ash tree 

words that are tears
may be harder to write
and this is just fine

sometimes I read a poem
years later and remember
my emotions

do I revise the poem?
improve the craft?

sometimes yes
and the change
may be small

but only if I do not
lose the voice of the
person I was then

who wrote the poem

November 2018

November Mornings

November mornings
and shorter days

a small lamp
transforms a room

I read with my new
and stronger glasses

so grateful for stars
in the sky

and words in my mind
a book, post, prayer

the sun rises
reaches the tops of trees

the weathered trees
I so love

November 2018

Blessings

poetry books
by my chair
a few snowflakes
music and silence

stir-fried vegetables
in olive oil this morning
cooked in my new
cast iron skillet

all the voices and designs
colors of fruits and vegetables

verses from Psalm 23 –
He restoreth my soul . . .
my cup runneth over . . .
goodness and mercy . . .

December 2018

Ellen Grace Olinger

Growing Older: Reflections and Gratitude

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How grateful I am to be growing older. There were significant health challenges for me in 2018. I think of this year as “Recovery Phase 2.” I rest in faith and good care. I also say “daily dedication and small steps.”

As I helped with my mother’s care, I saw that part of being older is the acceptance of how life changes. People we once knew “in person” may no longer be here.

In 1987, I earned the Doctor of Education (Ed.D) degree at Northern Illinois University. This past week, a fellow student, Gretchen, passed away. In the previous many years, Regina, and then Karen, also passed away. I help with an email newsletter, as professors and students have stayed in touch. They all have achieved so much, and continue to serve. We honor all.

Many ways to serve and make a contribution. A blog post that sends out light, joy, creativity, and hope is wonderful. I enjoy reading/viewing posts each day.

Karl’s photos add so much to my/our blogs. Here are a few from 2018:

Lake Michigan
Oostburg, Wisconsin
July 2018

Garden Journal
July 2018

I continue to pray the Psalms. They give me strength, hope, and are both familiar and always new.

Ellen Grace Olinger