“Parental Senryū” (+ an Honorable Mention earned!)

Many of my friends and former classmates have young children. I wrote the following poem while thinking about all of those young families, and I dedicate it to them as well:

Props to those who get the Pollock reference!

In other poetic news, the results are in for the Geauga Park District’s 21st Annual Nature Writing Contest, and I’ve been awarded an honorable mention for “Among The Roots” in the adult poetry category! Browse all of the honored entries at the following link, and join me in celbrating nature and the arts at the Nature Arts Festival on August 7th at Big Creek Park: http://www.geaugaparkdistrict.org/arts-in-nature.shtml

RIP Stormcloud Norman Smith

I regret to inform you all that the cat I rescued last fall, Stormcloud, passed away this afternoon due to acute kidney failure and pancreas disease. Being a rescue, I don’t know exactly how old he was, but a veterinarian told me that he was probably at least ten, so I believe he lived a good long life. He died peacefully and naturally at Storybook Acres Animal Rescue, a farm in Conneaut, Ohio, which is run by my former roommate and his mother and which takes care of sick and disabled animals. Mrs. Marshall, my friend’s mother, was very kind in respecting my wishes that Stormy be allowed to pass away naturally instead of using euthanasia. She took excellent care of him in his final months, days and hours, and I am forever grateful for that. If you have a few extra dollars, please consider donating to her amazing nonprofit organization here: http://storybookacres.org/

Now for some poetry. This is a children’s limerick that I wrote last year when I first rescued Stormcloud. Enjoy, and once again, RIP Stormcloud Norman Smith: