By James Bates Out in the rolling countryside Enjoying the first signs of spring Stopped for a while by a farmer's field And listened to a bluebird sing. His song was oh so cheerful As it echoed through the trees Carried across the fertile land On a gentle, drifting breeze. The world was awakening … Continue reading Springtime Countryside
The Dance
By James Bates One day…not much is there. Mom's eyes are dim with memory faded, Words come hard and the spirit is flagging. Then, it is as if a song begins, And through the deep recesses of forgetfulness, There emerges a kind of light, Renewed energy and a plan. Conversation begins. Words once forgotten … Continue reading The Dance
Winter Sun
By James Bates The boy loved the icy winter, And playing in the snow, Sledding and building snowmen, Snowballs for him to throw. One day he awoke quite ill, Confined there to his bed, His best friend Bob came to visit, And panicked he'd soon be dead. "No," the father calmed him, "not my … Continue reading Winter Sun
Pancakes
By James Bates Auntie Gertie spent more time that summer teaching me how to make pancakes than was probably necessary but I was just a ten year old kid who'd rather have been playing baseball or video games than fooling around in the kitchen learning to cook; that didn't matter to Auntie. She had a … Continue reading Pancakes
Academy of the Heart And Mind 