Mama had a powerful personality.

She'd say, "No one steps on my toes."

Gesturing emphatically

the fat of her arms flapping like wings.

No bent back, she stood straight and honest

commanding respect firm voice, strong arms.

She didn't take any crap

telling off her boss and whoever crossed her path.

She'd say, "I don't mince my words."

But she did mince onions

and even made meatballs cry.

I ate up everything she said

remembering the taste and smell

the fastness of her tongue

the filling of her food.

She lived till 96 and stayed spicy and spirited

as a Mexican dish.

Wore a badge of courage

shinning her silver star of deeds

as good as her chicken soup.

Peel Me

by Blake Valin

This leather covered body

loose sun-dried hide -

make a good couch,

my grandson says.

Pinched eyes -

blue jelly beans

set deep in brown wrinkles,

strings of silken white hair

fly in the wind - cobwebs

of time and more time.

Peel me, strip the husk

for the shiny soul seed.

Words are full of treachery

I know they've entrapped me-

However much they claim

To change their spots

I'm afraid to trust them-

All I can hope to do

Is draw circles around you

With my hands-

A Tombstone I Found Deep in the Woods

by John J Buchholz

Once stood erect and marked a grave. . .

it now lays flat faced to the ground.

I turned the stone both sides were blank. .

no names no dates or service rank.

I quickly learned when the stone was turned. . .

how angered ants protect their nest.

Don't bury me where graves are marked. . .

with names and dates and short remarks.

A place where ghouls will search for loot. . .

a diamond ring or golden tooth.

Place my remains in wilderness. . .

the only true perpetual care.

Let stars and shadows be my guards. . .

while rain and wind nurture and groom.

Where open blooms with fragrant scents. . .

fills the air and blankets my soul.

I'll feel at home where wildlife roams. . .

and ants can find a place to nest.

A Passing Moment

by R. Rosoff

She smiles passing me

my heart soars, remembering

beauty confronts age.

I am reborn in her youth;

a moment of happiness.