I’ve written many poems about the language arts, and hope to publish them in a chapbook someday.
reading a new book
the fragrance
of fresh paper
stack of art books
not needing to read today
just need them there
books on the shelf
supported by each other
kindness of friends
treasures stored
here and there –
homemade chapbooks
The letters are courtesy of Reusable Art.
Haiku by Ellen Grace Olinger
EASTER DINNER
The background is red
Her hair has become silver
And her dress is rust.
Her smile these days is pure gold
And her eyes sparkle anew.
* * *
This poem was published first in Time Of Singing, years ago. It was written for my mother, after my father’s passing. I included this poem in my first chapbook, And So My Soul, which was illustrated by Charles A. Waugaman (2001, Elin Grace Publishing).
Yesterday, I was happy to see that And So My Soul is included in the Haiku Bibliography, edited by Charles Trumbull, at The Haiku Foundation. My book includes a few haiku.
Quiet Christmas Poetry (2014, Elin Grace Publishing) is my second chapbook.
It is good sometimes to reflect upon the mystery of time and how projects vary in their individual journeys.
My parents, Harold and Enola Borgh, were both teachers, and they volunteered as teachers after they retired. They would be happy to know of my volunteer work in education at The Haiku Foundation.
Blessings,
Ellen Grace Olinger
after a project
is complete
and has its own life
in this beautiful
and challenging
world of ours
there may be
feelings of loss
and then
perhaps after
some rest
and something
new begins
to grow
in the smallest
of ways
some lovely new space
today
Blue and turquoise tears
sparkle on the Christmas tree . . .
card from cherished friend
by Charles A. Waugaman (1932 – 2010)
WITHIN The Circle of Seasons: Poems by Charles A. Waugaman
2003, Elin Grace Publishing (out of print)
Oostburg, Wisconsin
The picture is from a card by Charles, with his artwork.
All Rights Reserved.
P urpose
R evealed
A nd
Y our
E fforts
R enewed
* **
My first blog with WordPress is Poems From Oostburg, Wisconsin. I began with WordPress in December 2009. This format for writing has encouraged me so much.
In 2001, I published a small chapbook of my poems, now out of print. So now it is 2014 and a long time since then. I hope to make a few small chapbooks from my blogs, beginning with my site Quiet Christmas Poetry. Karl will help me, and we’ll include his photos. I will keep you informed.
In 2007, I published a poetry collection with Time Of Singing. The title is Welcoming Hope: Poems For Those In Need. Please visit their books page for more information, if you are interested. Many poets are included, and the book is illustrated by Charles A. Waugaman.
And I plan to keep Poems From Oostburg, Wisconsin current. Today I posted a haiku I wrote last year:
Sunday morning
finding poems again
in silence
Thank you and many blessings,
Ellen Grace Olinger
Photos by Karl.
I read this poem by Charles year-round, often aloud. There is so much wisdom in his poem, and it also was a great comfort after my mother’s passing in 2004. May God bless you this Easter and always. Thank you, Ellen
‘GOOD’ AS IN FRIDAY
He fashioned from their cross
a throne.
He made of death a door.
He robed his nakedness
in love,
And needed nothing more.
For though they wrapped his
broken flesh
in linen crisp and white,
He left sin’s costly fabric
soiled
And cloaked himself in light
That shines the centuries
undimmed
to pierce earth’s dark despair,
By spilling scarlet car-
peting
Up Heaven’s radiant stair.
By Charles A. Waugaman
The Word Incarnate
Elin Grace Publishing, 2003
All Rights Reserved
Charles edited Time of Singing for many years. Lora H. Zill has now been the editor for years. I know many people are grateful this poetry journal continues and grows. TOS is a part of my life.
Poems From Psalms And Nature 