The Red Wagon

They pulled me along
they were young and strong
taking me for a ride
safely wrapped inside
the sides were very tall
so that I would never fall
Yet...
Life rolled on effortlessly
riding together most easily
creating contented days
spent in familiar ways
my world was bright red
although no one had bled
Yet...
One day it seemed to be
far too small for me
to sit inside and feel
safe and sound and real
nothing was ever the same
there was no one to blame
Yet...
The ride became insecure
bumpy and hard to endure
the sides were lost somewhere
bright red passed into disrepair
the young and strong were gone
though my world continues on
Yet...
The wheels and handle are whole
enabling me to control
memories meant to endure
upon the wagon bed secure
down the familiar road to home
knowing I never travel alone
Yet...

Lora Frikken ~ 7-19-04

Cooking With Friends

Thank you, Marie, for letting me see,
it’s not difficult to whip up any recipe;
You help me cook as good as my grandma,
with you I can always make the best cole slaw.

Betty, my gratitude also belongs to you,
for making baking so very easy to do;
I open the box, then add water or oil,
and maybe an egg, with very little toil.

Uncle Ben and Aunt Jemima really know
how to make me look just like a pro;
Cooking and baking don’t make me wince,
because I have friends to help in a pinch.

With the Campbell kids and Jimmy Dean,
I don’t need Martha’s talents to intervene;
I simply open a can or start the microwave,
then sit back and listen to the kudos and raves.

And now I’ve added a doctor to my repertoire,
who keeps me following the carbohydrate law;
Losing bread or pasta doesn’t make me whine,
for with a smaller bum I‘m feeling quite sublime.

These days I rarely dine with Marie and company,
But I thank the ice cream gods for Ben and Jerry!
My story has no moral, so I will advise you as I close:
Pick your friends with care, but never pick your nose!

Lora Frikken ~ 7-18-04

Fourteen Steps

Fourteen steps will make you whole,
No less no more to find your soul;
The hands of fate will hold you fast,
‘Til you return to me at last.

Break the bonds that forever bind,
Struggle with your hand and mind;
Follow the road of true intent,
To end your days of discontent.

Find the means to gain your prize,
Bargain but never compromise;
Learn the ways of wisdom true,
Allowing you to start anew.

Discover your strength deep inside,
Pray for peace to be your guide;
Feel your spirit ebb and flow,
Always teaching you to grow.

Sing the songs of cherished desires,
Dance to rhythms they inspire;
Dream the wonders you create,
To see your world illuminate.

Now that you are finally near,
Two steps more will bring you here;
Love to bind your heart to me,
And Hope to last eternally.

Lora Frikken ~ 7-5-04

Of The Woods

Daylight glistens between shimmering leaves,
as the winged maiden slips to her knees;
Her lips kiss the water she cups in her hand,
sweeter than honey from yon fairyland.

Quivering lashes reveal eyes of bright blue,
gazing about her secret rendezvous;
Wildflowers are woven throughout her hair,
delicately scenting the afternoon air.

Droplets of water create prisms of light,
flickering rainbows at the edge of her sight;
Bees and butterflies dance with the breeze,
as birds sing their love songs high in the trees.

Silently he approaches this perfect dream,
his Wings of Light magnifying each sunbeam;
Gathering her tenderly into his embrace,
their desire is revealed in this magical place.

Her lips taste the passion of his welcoming kiss,
knowing there never was a love such as this;
Beyond the fairy woods, past the garden wall,
daylight fades to dusk behind the waterfall.

Words of promise are whispered and sworn,
as the evening star brings a crystalline morn;
Gossamer wings which surround and enfold,
greet the morning sun and turn it to gold.

Lora Frikken ~ 7-3-04