kyrielle sonnet – Colleen Keller Breuning

Felinity

Felinity

I believe in love at first sight,
My furry little feline sprite.
In your shelter cage, full of glee…
My heart you stole eternally.

Mood swings from funny to fickle:
Playful, puckish, in a pickle.
Blind luck? I call it destiny…
My heart you stole eternally.

I held you close that fateful day
And helped your spirit sail away.
Chase that rainbow, finally free…
My heart you stole eternally.

I believe in love at first sight…
My heart you stole eternally.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2023
February 11, 2023

This was written for Tommy Breuning, my furry soulmate who died from lymphoma on September 12, 2020. He was 15 years old. He was my animal spirit, my furry soulmate, and he completely stole my heart from that very first day. Here is the story of how we met in 2005.

It was September 11, 2005. We were on a mission to rescue a cat. There had been a huge influx of stranded kittens into Florida from Louisiana, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Kate and I went down to the Broward Humane Society, and it was jam packed with folks wanting to adopt the plethora of dogs and cats in need of a home. The local Channel 10 station was even there, covering the news. We had looked at some of the Louisiana rescue kittens, and even stood in a long line to get a chance to meet a few. We held Lucky and another white cat from New Orleans that were from this import, but they were skittish and we really didn’t seem to bond. I knew that we both had to feel something in our hearts, that would be the sign that kitten was the one for us. I was trying to be patient and determined to get the right match.

We went back into the large cat area of the shelter to check out the other kittens waiting for adoption. There at the very back, I spotted him. A little tiger tabby, desperately trying to cover up his poop with a shred of newspaper! He was so tiny and so adorable, and we watched him playing with his little brother behind the glass. His name was “Titus” from the Rome mini-series. It was most definitely love at first sight! We requested a meet and greet. There the little shelter room, he came to us with hesitation and snuggled up to our necks, purring loudly. He had a very loud kitten voice, and we knew immediately we HAD to adopt him!

It was an easy decision, but now the problem was…. would we get to him in time? Once we filled out the application and put in a bid for “Titus,” we were given a number to officially adopt the kitten. But we quickly discovered there were 90 people ahead of us in that packed waiting room!

Frequently, the shelter workers would call out a number and that person would be so disappointed to learn that the pet they hoped to adopt had already been adopted, sometimes minutes before. Many left disappointed, some children in tears. Katie and I were becoming more anxious as we waited. Would we get to Titus in time?

We chatted with an older couple seated next to us who were much further ahead of us in line. They were hoping to adopt a certain dog. Another family was called up, and their dog was already adopted – the same dog the couple next to us were hoping to adopt. The husband turned to me, stealthily slipping me their ticket and whispered, “Here, take our ticket. Good luck getting your kitten.”

I felt like an outlaw, a cheat, at accepting that ticket and “jumping the line.” But at the same time, I could see the hope and anticipation in Katie’s eyes. The mere thought of not bringing this little boy home was more than I could bear. I knew he was my soulmate, and I just had to have him!

About 10 minutes later, our new ticket number was called out. Katie and I approached the desk, hearts pounding. Our application had been approved…. and Titus was still available. He was ours! Tears misted our eyes as I completed the paperwork and paid the $75 fee. They said they were having a “2 for one” special, I could take another kitten home for the same price. I was very tempted to adopt his brother as well, but I did not want to push my luck and take on too much at once! We could go back and pick him up after his neuter procedure was complete. I always say that was the best $75 I ever spent.

On the drive home, we decided to change his name to Tommy, after my beloved father who had passed away two years prior. Tommy Titan. A perfect name for him! There was an immediate bond after bringing him home. I have so many funny stories and beautiful memories which I will continue to share on this blog. Tommy Breuning became a bit of a social media celebrity. He had his own Facebook page, wrote the infamous “A Tommy Blog” and sparred with his sister Jordan frequently. The Blogophilia writing group seemed to really enjoy when Tommy took over my weekly blog! I miss those Tommy blogs, and I have saved every one of them. Maybe some day I will compile a book of them. There are over 40 of them! Below is a video we created for one of our Blogophiia posts.

There ought to be a law against stealing hearts. Tommy stole mine from the very first day, but I love him eternally for that. Rest in Peace, my sweet Tommy. There will never, ever be another cat quite like you!

xoxo
Colleen

Mood: Thoughtful
“The Stowaway ~ A Cat’s Tail” by Colleen Breuning

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 32.14 Topic: There Ought to be a Law
Hard Bonus: Incorporate a quote or line of Sean Connery
Easy Bonus: Use the phrase “in a pickle”

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

In the Mountains

In the Mountains

There is a calm before the storm
Beyond the place where black winds form.
Miles away from cacophony,
Where the soul finds serenity.

Breathe in the pristine country air,
Observe the beauty everywhere.
Blue skies stretch for infinity
Where the soul finds serenity.

Here in the mountains I shall stay
As the winter sun fades away.
Resting here for eternity,
Where the soul finds serenity.

There is a calm before the storm
Where the soul finds serenity.

Colleen Keller Breuning @ 2023
January 14, 2023

Today is my sweet Posie Mae’s third birthday! It is hard to believe she is already 3 years old. We were unable to travel to be with her this year, but we did FaceTime with her this morning. We got to see her open the presents we sent. She loved the pretty pink princess dress with accessories and the ballerina music box! She even modeled the pink dress for us, and was absolutely in heaven. I love her more than words can say!

I’ll be honest, I’m feeling melancholy and sad in every cell of my being this afternoon. I wish so badly to be with Posie on her special day. Even though FaceTiming is great, it does not even compare to being there and celebrating with her. There were several reasons we did not make the trip this year. First, my busiest work month is January. Hell hath no fury, compared to an exploding workload of client year end filings, W-2s and 1099s to issue by January 31! Second, the airfare that I researched was completely outrageous and we really can’t afford it right now. We had some major expenses in 2022, just like 2021. Third, I’m not retired and rich, nor will I ever be. LOL

This year we are planning to spend Christmas in Florida with the grandkids, so we probably will not be able to make another trip there for Posie’s birthday in less than 2 weeks next year either. That is life – we must make hard choices. I’m sad that I can’t be there for every single milestone for the grandkids, but in reality my kids’ grandparents certainly did not make it down to Florida to celebrate every birthday, holiday or milestone either. It’s just not physically or financially possible. I need to remind myself of that occasionally. But I’m human, and I admittedly have FOMO. I want to share every special moment with them, but we don’t live in Florida anymore and can’t really afford to retire. Wah! Okay, time to snap out of the pity party, Colleen lol!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend, and hoping that your year is off to a grand start.

xoxo
Colleen

Mood: Melancholy
Inspiration: “Enigmatic Encounter” by ATB/Enigma

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 28.14 Topic: Hell Hath No Fury
Hard Bonus: Use a Clive Cussler book title (Black Winds)
Easy Bonus: Mention something you might see under a microscope (cell)

Christmas Spirit

Christmas Spirit

The crimson sun comes crashing down
Blood red rays tumble to the ground.
I see it through the scarlet glare,
Christmas spirit is everywhere.

I find joy in falling snowflakes,
Even though my broken heart aches.
Scent of pine needles in the air,
Christmas spirit is everywhere.

Oh silent night, most holy night,
I’m drawn towards the eastern light.
I bow my head to say a prayer,
Christmas spirit is everywhere.

The crimson sun comes crashing down,
Christmas spirit is everywhere.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
December 30, 2022

Well I have written yet another Kyrielle sonnet this week. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! It was a very low key Christmas holiday for us. We spent it with the cats in the morning, then up to my Mom’s and my sister Sarah and her family for dinner and gifts. Next year, we’re definitely planning to spend Christmas in Florida to see the grandkids and both Vince and Katie. We’re kind of glad we didn’t follow through with it this year. As it turns out, the flights were exorbitant, and the cancellations were massive due to the crippling winter storm! Next year will be our year.

I finally got an opportunity to run outside today, the first time in over 3 months since having my gall bladder surgery. The day was sunny with high temps in the low 50’s – perfect running weather in my opinion! However, I was giving myself some grace, since it had been so long. But I am happy to report that I did my usual 6 mile run without stopping, 6 laps around the beautiful lake in our neighborhood. The geese were congregating in the middle of the lake, and some parts were frozen. I observed a herd of deer grazing in the lot across the lake. The sun was beginning to set, and I snapped some photos of the reflection on the lake. It was a delightful run, and I’m looking forward to getting back to a regular routine with running once again.

Tonight Dan and I went out for an spur of the moment early New Year dinner at the country club. It was delicious, and not crowded at all. We usually stay in New Years’ Eve, have some shrimp and champagne, and call it a night at 12:05 lol. We don’t care to be out on the roads on what Dan calls “Amateur Night!” There will probably be some Scrabble games, maybe even a fire pit since it is supposed to go into the 60s tomorrow.

I wish for all of you the happiest 2023! May you know many blessings and experience peace, love and happiness.

xoxo Colleen

Mood: Calm
Inspiration: “Silent Night”

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 26.14 Topic: The Spirit of Christmas
Hard Bonus: Incorporate your favorite Christmas Carol or holiday song lyric ( “Silent night”)
Easy Bonus: Include 3 shades of red (crimson, blood red, scarlet)

Empty Sky

Empty Sky

My witness is the empty sky,
Devoid of any truth or lie.
Raindrops tumble from clouds of gray…
It all ends in tears anyway.

Winter wallows with brutal cold
As cherished memories unfold.
No matter what they do or say…
It all ends in tears anyway.

Behold as Christmas comes again
With scent of spruce and cinnamon.
But time is cruel, stealing the day…
It all ends in tears anyway.

My witness is the empty sky…
It all ends in tears anyway.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
December 24, 2022

Merry Christmas to all! I was trying to incorporate a lighter Christmas mood, but Jack Kerouac kind of rained on my parade today. Haha!! Researching his quotes, the two lines I chose stuck with me and fit into this Kyrielle sonnet scheme as the repeating final couplet. As I’ve said before, writing a sonnet is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle of words!

Actually I was thinking of how this past year was very difficult for so many. On a personal level, seems like those close to me have gone through a lot this year (or the past 3 years, I should say). This morning I was reflecting on the loss of my dear brother-in-law Bob this past April. It was on both Dan and my mind, we happened to talk about it upon waking this cold Christmas Eve. We both have such wonderful memories of Bob, his tales of adventure, Sasquatch, goofing off in Michigan with the kids. If you knew Bob, you can just imagine! All kids absolutely LOVED him! Our kids loved playing pranks on him, one year they woke him as he was sleeping in the basement with a robot contraption featuring a vacuum cleaner! I have some hilarious pictures of him – what a sense of humor and a beautiful heart he had. He was the youngest of four Breuning brothers, and the loss was very sudden and tragic. It left us all stunned and devastated, we are still saddened by his early departure from this Earth.

It is also that time of year when I reflect on special Christmas memories from my childhood, and how lucky I was to have the parents and siblings I have. We didn’t have a lot of money growing up, but we always had special family times and memories. Some of them were crazy funny, and it’s always so much fun to repeat those stories when we are all together (which unfortunately is getting rarer these days). Christmas has always seemed less special after losing my father in 2003. It sort of jolts you into this alternate reality: your parents are actually not going to be immortal like you secretly hoped. I cherish all the time I have with my Mom and look forward to seeing her on Christmas!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, may you spend it surrounded with your loved ones, making more cherished memories. Stay safe, and stay warm!

XOXO Colleen

Mood: Melancholy
Inspiration: “Morning” by David Darling

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 25.14 Topic: A Cherished Memory
Hard Bonus: Incorporate a quote or line by author/ poet Jack Kerouac (“My witness is the empty sky” and “It all ends in tears anyway.”)
Easy Bonus: Mention your favorite herb or spice (cinnamon)

Bewilderment

Bewilderment

Summer beckons, delights of June
My eyes are the size of the moon
Gentle breeze caresses the bay
And I won’t let it fade away.

Pour the champagne, the night is young
The taste of passion on my tongue
The weeping willows bend and sway
And I won’t let it fade away.

My wings flutter like mockingbird
Bewildered by your ad hoc words
Winter sun sets in skies of gray
And I won’t let it fade away.

Summer beckons, delights of June
And I won’t let it fade away.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
December 3, 2022

Happy Saturday! We are having a blast here with Katie and the grandkids! This is a short off the cuff Kyrielle sonnet that I jotted down this morning. It kind of evolved from the Panic! At the Disco lyric “eyes are the size of the moon.” It’s just a little piece about love, life, and wanting to hold onto the warmest memories we make. We go through so many emotions in life, some bad times along with the good. Sometimes people say things not intending to hurt others, but they are just words. Though it isn’t good to live in the past or the future, it always helps to have beautiful times to bring to mind. It also lets us know that pain and sorrow do not last forever. Sorrow never completely goes away, it can become less intense but then wash over you again like a rogue wave.

I wanted to write about the wonderful time we had at Otium Winery with the grandkids this past Thursday. It was a spur of the moment trip that’s around the corner from our home. The minute we opened our car doors upon arriving, three barn cats ran up to us and greeted the kids with loud meows and purring. They were so excited, since my fraidy cats have only been making very careful appearances for them. The sun was setting at the winery, and we got some beautiful photos of them with the cats. I will always cherish this memory, the picture Katie took of my holding them, cats at their sides, and the beautiful winter sun setting in the background – I adore this and live for these moments!!!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed weekend!
xoxo Colleen

Mood: Thoughtful
Inspiration: “Je Te Laisserai Des Mots” by Patrick Watson

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 22.14 Topic: Bewildered
Hard Bonus: Include a lyric from Panic! at the Disco (“Eyes are the size of the moon” and “pour the champagne”)
Easy Bonus: Use the term “ad hoc”

Beneath the Harvest Moon

Beneath the Harvest Moon

Autumn fires burn in golden sun
October hues have come undone.
As catbird sings his mournful tune,
I wait beneath the harvest moon.

Whisked on the wind, leaves are falling.
Feel the chill of winter calling.
Love comes not a moment too soon,
I wait beneath the harvest moon.

Your lips taste of cabernet wine,
Sending chills running down my spine.
Craving your touch that makes me swoon,
I wait beneath the harvest moon.

Autumn fires burn in golden sun,
I wait beneath the harvest moon.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
October 21, 2022

Just a quick write while we’re on the road to Florida! We made it all the way to Savannah, Georgia last night. Today we drive a few hours to stay the night with my BFF Marianne & Brian at The Villages. We’ll check out the town and have dinner, always a good time! Then Sunday, on to Disney World to meet Katie, Brenton, Posie and Hatcher for a fabulous time in Disney World! After that, we spend a few days with Vince and Natalie and do some relaxing and fishing.

Rather than drive the whole boring I-95 corridor down to Florida, we started our trip on I-81 and I-77 through Virginia, NC and South Carolina. The colors were spectacular, even though I was driving during the most beautiful part in southern VA/North Carolina! Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!!

Xoxo Colleen

Week 16.14 Harvest Moon
Hard Bonus: Include your favorite song title – “Come Undone” by Duran Duran
Easy Bonus: Mention Fire

Rogue Specters

Rogue Specters

Upon dark clouds did hope depart,
An iceberg dagger to the heart.
Dim shadows lit by fading light…
Rogue specters in the autumn night.

Ten thousand spirits strayed, adrift,
Cast out by societal rift.
Bound by vision to make things right…
Rogue specters in the autumn night.

They mount their saddles, carry on
To promises of blooming dawn.
Sailing on sunbeams, taking flight…
Rogue specters in the autumn night.

Upon dark clouds did hope depart…
Rogue specters in the autumn night.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
October 7, 2022

I’m so happy to see that Blogophilia, my old blogging group, has relaunched!! YAY! This group has always been very effective in making me write poetry consistently each week. I’ve missed it, and I have really slacked lately. Their format has changed a bit, with no scoring anymore. That’s cool, I don’t really mind. Actually, I rather like the freedom of using/not using the prompts. I’ll keep on trying to use them, as it sometimes makes me go in a direction that I normally wouldn’t…like this week!

Sometimes just being in the moment or a thinking on a prompt inspires a poem. The wind started whipping up a little bit last night and kind of reminded me of Halloween coming. The line from Blake “thousand spirits stray” kept sticking with me. I envisioned some estranged spirits in the netherworld being in a kind of purgatory. I changed this up many times and ended up with a Kyrielle sonnet. I tried experimenting with a pantoum, but just couldn’t make it work.

Autumn is finally in full force, and I love the changes it has brought. The temperatures are cooling down, and we’ve had a fire in the fireplace a few nights this week, which is so comforting. This week there’s been an owl hooting out in our backyard, too! I love this, that sound is so soothing. This is my absolute favorite season of year, and living in Virginia we truly get to embrace the beauty of autumn! Some of the maples are already turning red in town, most of our own trees are young and haven’t started turning just yet. Today is a beautiful day, we are going to go to get some pumpkins for the front porch from Nall’s Farm Market. I will also pick up some squash and mums to add some color.

I’m doing much better recovering from my gallbladder surgery last week. Many thanks to everyone’s advice and kind thoughts. I have a post-op appointment next week. Food has been hit or miss, if you know what I mean. I’ve been trying to stick with a low-fat diet. This week, I cooked up some homemade chicken noodle soup and some teriyaki salmon with roast yams & asparagus last night for dinner. Both of these meals made my stomach very happy! The good news is I’ve gotten my energy levels back…can’t wait to return to my running and workout routine once I’m cleared. I hope you all have a wonderful week!

xoxo Colleen

Inspiration: “By the Roes, and by the Hinds of the Field” Johann Johannsson
Mood: Thoughtful

Vertigo

Vertigo

My head is spinning round and round,
My feet unsteady on the ground.
I’m caught up in this undertow,
I’ve got a touch of vertigo.

I try to still these waves of change
And close my eyes to rearrange.
I sense your warmth as cold winds blow,
I’ve got a touch of vertigo.

In fields of gold, your lips meet mine,
We savor taste of autumn wine.
Hold me close, never let me go,
I’ve got a touch of vertigo.

My head is spinning round and round,
I’ve got a touch of vertigo.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
September 17, 2022

This is a poem I started a month ago, when I experienced a very brief period of vertigo that lasted for only a few hours one morning as I was trying to work from home. I threw down a couple of lines and left it unfinished. I came back to it this morning and it morphed into a Kyrielle Sonnet. That is kind of how I’ve been rolling of late, lol.

Life has been extremely busy with work. This week was the September 15 tax deadline, and I ended up working many hours of OT. Whew! Lots of things (mostly all good) coming up in the next month, though. Tomorrow night, the concert I have been long awaiting – PORCUPINE TREE!! Haha, not many people even know this progressive band. I can hardly wait to see lead guitar genius Steven Wilson and his band perform at The Anthem in DC. We are spending the night at the DC harbor. Then on Wednesday night, PET SHOP BOYS! Yes, that old pop band from the 80’s. I just love them. Remember the song “West End Girls?” AH!!!! They were the soundtrack from the 80s for me, great memories of when Dan and I got together. Our kids grew up listening to their music. It was originally scheduled in 2020, but was postponed twice due to COVID. I don’t know how this old gal is going to handle two rock concerts in one week, but I will hang!

Then on September 27, I’m having gall bladder surgery. Yippee…. NOT! Yeah, this wasn’t in my plans…. but I had some URQ pain over the summer that I finally got checked out. After some testing and a surgeon consult, I was diagnosed with multiple gallstones, so that organ is soon going to be history. Wondering if that has been contributing to a lifetime of GI issues? We shall see…. I’m not nervous about the actual surgery, just a little unnerved at the possible after effects. You know how I love my food and red wine!

October will be a busy work month, with lots of deadlines to meet before a long Florida trip we have planned. It’s a driving trip, with three stops: my BFF Marianne’s house in the Villages for one night, Disney trip with Katie, Brenton and the grandkids, then to Vince and Natalie’s house for some relaxation and fishing! I can hardly wait to see everyone!

Through all of this, I intend to enjoy the pleasures of my favorite season – AUTUMN! My house is already decorated with shades of gold, red and pumpkin. I can feel the crisp change in the air, ever slight that it is. I am looking forward to the beautiful hues that will soon bloom all around us. Take care, friends and remember to cherish the beauty all around you!

xoxo Colleen

Mood: Crazy Busy
Inspo: Porcupine Tree: “Time Flies”

Hummingbird

Hummingbird

I dreamt I was a hummingbird
Pursuing melodies unheard.
Borne on the wind, so wild and free…
In search of my true destiny.

My silken wings carry me far
Beyond the moon and shining stars,
Above the weeping willow trees…
In search of my true destiny.

Cool waters beckon me to land,
Reflections cast upon the strand.
I looked, but all I saw was me…
In search of my true destiny.

I dreamt I was a hummingbird
In search of my true destiny.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
March 3, 2022

From a real dream that I had a few weeks ago… very vivid colors and fantasy-like! I love when I can remember those kinds of dreams. That first line was rolling around in my head this whole time and I figured I better write it down soon or I’d forget it!!

Check out my spoken word version of “Hummingbird”

Mood: Elated
Inspiration: Hans Zimmer “Cornfield Chase”