An Exercise in Metaphor

Here's a little metaphor exercise for you: 
1.  Close your eyes, and breathe deeply for a few minutes. 
2.  Open your eyes. 
3.  Write down the very first thing that you focus on. 
4.  Describe ten possibilities that this object could be. 
5.  Now apply those possibilities to yourself.
6.  Write down these possibilities.
7.  Viola! Your metaphor! (for today anyway)


To begin: a beeswax candle
  1. light
  2. warmth
  3. sweet scent
  4. colorful 
  5. melted wax could be made into new candle
  6. melted wax could be made into an ornament
  7. melted wax could be used to strengthen thread
  8. remolded and given as a gift 
  9. inspiration for a poem
10. creates peaceful ambience 

My metaphor: 

Teaching, playing music, and writing that hopefully enlightens,

my kindness could add warmth to someone's life.

Some have said I am sweet, 

and honeysuckle oil is my fragrance of choice.

My choice of clothing often is quite colorful, 

yet I renew my perspective of life 

through humble, daily prayer.

Once, I played the role of an 'ornament,'

but through my tears (melted wax), 

I have gained inner strength.

As I continue to redefine myself, 

hopefully, 

my contributions become gifts to this lifetime. 

I don't know if I've ever been an inspiration for a poem, 

but I am inspired by others daily.

I love peace: 

peace of mind, peace on earth, peace- love- joy! 

© Jeanne I. Lakatos

Now, you try! 

Out of the Fog

I took this photo in Dublin, Ireland...after being lost in Dun Laoghaire for hours.

I thought it was amazing that a small white cloud seemed to surround the light on the lamp post.

Head 

out of the fog,

and soon, 

distortion dissipates. 

Recognition 

of a flawed distinction 

leads to a 

Renaissance.

© Jeanne I. Lakatos

On this Veterans Day, I say to all Veterans...

Thank you, Veterans! 

God Bless you!

Thank you, Veterans! 

From Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, United States Marine Corps: 

It is the soldier, not the reporter,

who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet,

who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,

who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier, not the lawyer,

who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the soldier,

who salutes the flag,

who serves under the flag,

and whose coffin is draped by the flag,

who allows the protester to burn the flag.

Autumnal Quilt Sonnet

I hand-stitched this quilt of 'maple leaf' blocks.

Autumnal Quilt Sonnet 

The warmth of summer comes to an end
and feathered songs move onward.
A gentle breeze causes branches to bend
as the north wind beckons to be honored.

Pieces of cloth arranged with care
come alive in a forgotten room.
They're skillfully pieced with knowing flair
as the mum just waiting to bloom.

The autumnal chill in the air feels grand.
The windows, now closed, reveal hues of gold.
Steaming soup's on the stove, and with needle in hand
a quilter works on her pattern of old.

Now is the time to fill one's heart right
with warmth that will gratify a cold winter's night.

© Jeanne I. Lakatos

You can listen to my reading of this poem by clicking HERE.

Autumnal Morning

I created this because it was such a beautiful, breezy autumn day in Connecticut. 

Autumnal Morning

On cool, crisp, autumn mornings, 
such as this, 
isn't it grand to sip a cup of coffee or tea, 
set the world's troubles aside for one moment, 
observe the golden leaves falling 
from generous branches, 
knowing full well that eventually, 
those fallen whispers 
of joy and love
dancing through the air
as if they have one more chance,
one more hope 
to share in life's pleasures,
will be swept up 
and added to the compost
where they will begin life anew,
and the circuitous path begins.

© Jeanne I. Lakatos

All Saints Day: Jeanne d'Arc

For All Saint's Day (Nov. 1), 

I've chosen to write of my patron saint, Jeanne d'Arc, 

whose spirit I've admired for her strength and perseverance. 

Jeanne d'Arc in Battle by Hermann Stilke (1803-1860)

Jeanne d'Arc's Death at the Stake  by Hermann Stilke (1803–1860)    

Jeanne d’Arc

Stalwart, spiritual,

she engages

an army

of anxious souls.

Her fate: rejection

inflamed 
by the ignorant

transporting her

to glorious praise

from Love’s Source.

Courage endures

through

fervent benevolence 

and truest devotion to God. 

© Jeanne I. Lakatos  

To view a website devoted to Jeanne d’Arc:

 https://www.jeanne-darc.info/

Reservoir of Drought

Whilst so many people of Jamaica and the Caribbean struggle with the aftermath from the forces of water released during the track of Hurricane Melissa, others in this country struggle with a lack of precipitation. Contrasts in need for prayer!  

Reservoir of Drought

Reflections manifest colorful leaves

where gentle birdsongs have moved onward.

A forcible gust brings bend to the trees

as the north wind beckons to be honored.

Dried, exposed banks strive to protect 

vegetation that thirsts for relief

as waterfowl glide and easily detect 

abundantly exposed wild reeds.

Gasps of steam reach futilely for 
answers to struggling pleas, 
but the sun suffocates, intensifies more, 
and rain is nowhere to be seen.

Now is the time for prayer to go out
for release from this voracious drought. 

© Jeanne I. Lakatos

(My reading of this poem is on Pod-omatic at the bottom of this page.)