heart – Colleen Keller Breuning

Don’t Bring Me Roses

Don’t Bring Me Roses

The cold mistral wind blows across the bay,
Where the fog lies kissing the mountainside.
Our hearts and hands entwined, we find our way
To the place where our deepest hopes abide.

On those long winter nights, we sang in tune
Waiting for Venus and Mars to align.
Whispering vows by the light of the moon
Savoring, sipping the sweetest of wines.

I don’t need fine diamonds or flashy cars,
I don’t want your money, flowers or fame.
No need to promise me the moon and stars,
You only need to set my heart aflame.

Promise you love me, forever be mine…
But don’t bring me roses for Valentine’s.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2023
February 18, 2023

Happy Valentine’s Day to all!

Haha, I know what you’re thinking after reading this sonnet. This sounds like an anti-Valentine’s Day poem, doesn’t it? But it’s really not. I’m not against Valentine’s Day at all. In fact, Dan and I got married the day before Valentine’s Day on February 13, 1988 because it happened to fall on a Saturday that year.

As it turns out, the number 13 evolved to become our lucky number. We were engaged and wed on the 13^th, and the lot we built our current home on was lot number 13. That number has surfaced throughout our lives in good ways, so I’m not superstitious about it.

As for gifts, well… we don’t really buy each other Valentine’s Day gifts or even anniversary gifts anymore. We celebrate our anniversary more than Valentine’s, as it is more meaningful to us. We very rarely go out to dinner on our actual anniversary, because in our experience it’s always a huge Valentine’s day rush. Noisy, crowded restaurants, jacked up prices, mediocre food, impatient waiters just trying to rush you through, bench seating (hate it) ….no thanks! We celebrate with a quiet meal at home and go out a few weeks later when it’s less crowded (and warmer). And wine, of course – well, we always have wine! LOL

So is this poem fact or fiction? It’s more fiction than fact. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like fine diamonds or money, haha. Who doesn’t? And we certainly do not drink sweet wine, we prefer the dry reds. As much as I love flowers, Dan doesn’t buy them for me anymore – and there is a really good reason for that. It’s because my cats never fail to sample the flowers, whether it is roses for Valentine’s, hydrangea for Easter, sunflowers or even a simple houseplant! It’s so wonderful to receive a flower arrangement, but within minutes, Bobby is jumping on top of the kitchen island and nibbling on the leaves. I don’t want to risk them getting sick and destroying the flowers in the process. So I have had to stow flowers in my office, or way up high on the entertainment center. That’s no fun, I feel like I don’t get to really enjoy them. So I guess Dan and I have kind of given up on flowers for now. It’s funny, Jordan also used to love to nibble on flowers – but Tommy did not care for them one bit.

Because it is tax season, both of us worked very full days on both our Anniversary (13 hours for me, lucky 13!) and Valentine’s Day. C’est la vie. Things have been super busy, but in a few weeks we’ll probably venture out to have our dinner celebration. I hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day, roses or not!

xoxo
Colleen

Mood: Sassy
Inspiration: “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” Neil Diamond & Barbra Stresiand

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 33.14 Topic: Don’t Bring Me Roses
Hard Bonus: Incorporate a lyric by the rock band Heart (Mistral wind, where the fog lies kissing the mountainside, long winter nights we sang in tune)
Easy Bonus: Use words found on candy hearts (Love me, Be mine)

Cool Blue Water

Cool Blue Water

Hope springs eternal in my heart
Ever ready for a fresh start
A place for dreams and reverie
Where cool blue water waits for me.

Give me the splendid silent sun
As bees and flowers come undone
Running through fields of green, so free
Where cool blue water waits for me.

Drifting down in the aqueduct
I vow my life to reconstruct
I accept time absolutely
Where cool blue water waits for me.

Hope springs eternal in my heart,
Where cool blue water waits for me.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2023
January 28, 2023

Hello! A late post again, and y’all know why….. Work, work, work! That’s all I do! You know the old saying. The overtime at work has been crazy this month, and I’ve barely had time for anything else. There is so much for us to push out in the month of January it is insane. I’ve been logging 20-30 hours of OT every week this month. I think I already wrote that last week. But just THREE MORE DAYS until things ease up. We are an amazing team, we’ve got this. *BREATHE DEEP*

I have gotten so much done and learned so much this past month. I really love my work, and definitely enjoy serving our clients at my accounting firm. It has been such a tremendous experience! But you know the saying “All work and no play makes Jack a dull, dull boy.” (I think that is from The Shining, one of the best movies!) Yes, that’s kind of how I feel this month. DULL, lol. Dan and I are both so busy that we have not done one social thing all month – except go to a holiday work event, which was very nice indeed! I have worked every single day, including weekends, this month except New Year’s Day. The overtime pay has been nice, but I’m ready to at least get my weekends back.

I started writing this last Sunday, but then got super busy and did not get back to it until this evening. I really miss writing more often and especially reading my fellow blogger’s blogs. I feel guilty about that, even though they probably understand – if not, please bear with me during this season. I miss photography. I miss going to a winery on weekends. I miss seeing my family and friends. I miss Face Timing with the grandkids more.

But it’s all good. Life is good. I actually have two outings planned for next weekend – woo hoo! I don’t really have anything else to say. I wish you all a wonderful weekend, and hope you stay warm. Sending love to y’all.

xoxo Colleen

Mood: Sleepy
Inspiration: “The Water Diviner” by Ludovico Einaudi

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 30.14 Topic: Hope Springs Eternal
Hard Bonus: Use a line or quote by Walt Whitman (“Give me the splendid silent sun” and “I accept time absolutely”)
Easy Bonus: Include an aqueduct

Light Fading

Light Fading

Twilight is falling,
autumn breeze blowing.
Past the honeysuckle bushes,
my tired feet are slowing.

My breath comes in gasps
under periwinkle skies.
Can you see the light fading
when you look into my eyes?

Is this how it will go
when we get to the end?
Will you take one last glimpse
and let my spirit ascend?

Will you hold me and dance
beneath the amber moon?
Or kiss my lips tender
as the wayward geese swoon?

I’m grasping onto moments
like the free-falling sand.
Can you see time slipping through
my pale weathered hands?

Now the wind pushes onward
and like a willow, I bend.
As I grow ever weaker,
will you hold me til the end?

Then search for my light
in the field of white stars.
Speak to me nightly
as I watch from afar.

Tuck away our memories
and forget them, never.
My spirit glows in your heart,
for my love is forever.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
August 21, 2022

I wrote this about a month ago and tweaked it today, on my Dad’s 88^th heavenly birthday. As I get older and closer to the age he was when he died back in 2002, I can only imagine how sad he must have felt in his final months. I am sure he wanted to hold onto all of us for as long as he possibly could, despite his pain… It made me ponder and think of how I would feel, if I knew that my time was ending soon. How much I would miss my sweet husband, my children, my grandchildren, and my family and friends! Not wanting to cause pain, but knowing they would be devastated after I was gone. It also provides some insight and a reminder that we should live every single day to the fullest, and be grateful for those in our lives. We never know how much time we have left on this Earth.

Not trying to be melancholy, but sometimes my mind goes to these places and this is how I deal with it. My poetry is my refuge, my comfort, my way to deal with overwhelming emotions. I share it so that you can take from it what you want, and to feel whatever emotion the words might dredge up inside your soul. I wish you all peace, love and pray that you continue to make happy memories and cherish your loved ones. I know I certainly will!

xoxo Colleen

Inspiration: Moby “Everloving”
Mood: Thoughtful

Lines in the Sand

Lines in the Sand

The wind blew cold
The moon grew old
And just where did our time go?
In void of gray
You slipped away
Where all cloaked emotions flow…

Inhale the breeze
Of churning seas
As hope scatters across land.
I stand alone
Hand clasping stone
And I draw lines in the sand…

I drew you lines in the sand,
Lines in the sand…

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
July 4, 2022

I’ve been on a real Radiohead kick the past few years, and I was excited that both of my sisters are Radiohead fans as well! This is one group I have yet to see in concert, but I’m keeping my eye out for their next tour. 😉

I think Thom Yorke is one of the most brilliant lyricists and singers. His voice is ethereal, haunting, and sends chills down my spine. I particularly love this song, “Sail to the Moon,” which Thom wrote for his son. It makes me think of my beloved Tommy, especially during Tommy’s battle with lymphoma, which fatefully claimed him. I would sing the lyrics to this song to Tommy, and pray he was going to be okay.

Somehow as I was listening to this song, it inspired this poem. I don’t know why but it just came to me, starting with the phrase “lines in the sand” and it just sort of morphed into this. I love when that happens! Thank you, Thom Yorke, for your constant inspiration!

xoxo Colleen

Misty Eyes

Misty Eyes

Little voices call out so sweet,
Pitter patter of tiny feet.
Smiles that light my indigo skies
As tears of love sting misty eyes.

Finger painted hands, work of art,
Silly giggles that steal my heart.
Moments cherished with each sunrise,
As tears of love sting misty eyes.

I sing their favorite nursery rhyme.
Too soon, I’m running out of time.
Emotions swell with each goodbye,
As tears of love sting misty eyes.

Little voices call out so sweet,
As tears of love sting misty eyes.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
February 10, 2022

This poem is dedicated to my beloved grandchildren Posie and Hatcher, my sweet little Valentines! I sketched out the words to this Kyrielle Sonnet on the trip home from Florida last month, and I finally got around to putting the finishing touches on it today. It’s always so difficult to leave them after each trip, uncertain when I will see them next and knowing how much they will have changed. I dread saying goodbye, and it takes me a while to settle the emotions. For me, the best therapy for sadness is writing.

Dan and I saying goodbye to Posie and Hatcher!

I am also posting this to the Instagram group @hergrowthcollective. The topic for this week is “Love,” and just happened to fit with this poem. Love comes in many forms, but love for family is one of the strongest and enduring of all bonds. Everyone told me how special the relationship between a grandparent and grandchild is…. but until I experienced it, I had no idea! It is the greatest thing. My love for them is eternal, and it grows with each passing day. They fill my heart with the purest joy I have ever known.

Life has been so busy, and I’ve been a bit MIA from social media. A much-needed break, I guess. I worked about 20 hours of overtime the past couple of weeks. Fortunately, our busiest work month has passed, and my schedule should be getting back to normal. Whatever that is, lol!

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!
xoxo
Colleen

HEY!!!! Check this out on my new podcast on Spotify – dropping today!!!

Mood: Joyful
Inspiration: “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder

My Christmas Spirit

My Christmas Spirit

Tender hearts swell with gratitude,
The season casts its festive mood.
Twilight twirls in fresh fallen snow
As Christmas lights twinkle and glow.

Cardinals cavort in branches bare,
Winter sun fades in crimson flair.
Your spirit calls when cold winds blow
As Christmas lights twinkle and glow.

Memories of you warm my soul,
Your absence left a gaping hole.
Tears and emotions ebb and flow
As Christmas lights twinkle and glow.

Tender hearts swell with gratitude
As Christmas lights twinkle and glow.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2021
December 31, 2021

Memories of Christmas past always come to mind as I am decorating for the Christmas holidays. This year, for the first time in 8 years, I decided to put up some of my Dickens villages. It always makes me think of my father, for some reason. He delighted in seeing the lighted houses when he visited our Florida home shortly before he was diagnosed with cancer in 2001. We had him around until February 2003, and then our whole world changed.

Not having Dad around, especially at the holidays, makes me a little melancholy at times. He is my own personal Christmas spirit that comforts me when I am feeling sad or unsettled. I know he’s watching down on everyone in our family, with a huge smile. I believe he’s proud of all of us, to see how our families have grown. I only wish my grandchildren could have met him. I miss you and love you, Dad.

I hope all of you had a wonderful 2021 and holiday season, despite all the turmoil, COVID, and heartbreak we have seen in this world. I wish you all peace, health and joy in 2022!

Love,
Colleen

Mood: Pensive
Inspiration: “In the Bleak Midwinter” by Ric Mills

Butterfly Piano

Butterfly Piano

Keys
caressed
by fingers
gently stroking
black and ivory
sweet music sets us free
crimson blood thrums in our veins
as intangible passions stir
on wings of enchanted butterfly
resonating in hollows of my heart
take me to this place of serenity
your wings cover mine, softly guide me
chills down my spine, the song begins
our spirits take flight at dusk
delicate pas de deux
as two souls entwine
eternally
let each note
light the
dark

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2021
September 14, 2021

Mood: Golden Butterflies by Ludovico Einaudi

Beast of Burden

Beast of Burden

I’m facing dark clouds tomorrow
Soul weighed down by pain and sorrow
Western wind is blowing colder
Beast of burden on my shoulder.

Off the rails, rogue brain is chasing
Daunting demons I am facing
Fear etched face, I’m feeling older
Beast of burden on my shoulder.

My heart pounds wildly on the edge
Teetering on unstable ledge
Cast away the heavy boulder
Beast of burden on my shoulder.

I’m facing dark clouds tomorrow
Beast of burden on my shoulder.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2021
July 30, 2021

When you pray to God for a sign, and He’s been throwing all kinds of hints at you for a very long time to make a decision…. and you finally, finally, finally listen. Thank you, God.

The Road To Resolution

The Road to Resolution (A Kyrielle Sonnet)

Roads stretch far as the eye can see,
Speeding white lines hypnotize me.
Drive nonstop until morning light…
I’m going the distance tonight.

All bets off in the quest for fire,
The quiet search for heart’s desire.
Eight hundred miles to set things right…
I’m going the distance tonight.

Emerald streaks paint the night sky
Like a home dye job gone awry.
Your green eyes meet mine, sparkling bright…
I’m going the distance tonight.

Roads stretch far as the eye can see
I’m going the distance tonight.

Des Larmes Pour Paris (Tears For Paris)

Tears For Paris

Des Larmes Pour Paris (Tears for Paris)

It all started with just a seed of hate
propaganda straining with the weight
suicide bombers, lives torn apart
as desperate screams pierce the heart.

Day without sun, stars without night
moon without glow, what a lonely sight
in a river of fear all hopes drown
as the levee comes crashing down.

And the wayfarer never makes it home
his spirit cast away, to forever roam
pierced by the shrapnel, left for dead
as the streets of Paris turn scarlet red.

Point the finger, place the blame
but we shall never be the same
damage done, no turning back
as the tower lights fade to black.