Shifting Shadows

Introduction Love resides in all you are and do; but keep in mind, it can mask or be clouded by other emotions. endless paths appear open roads to love, and grief— hearts race; they break, heal . . . I was twenty-seven years old when I met Joseph. By then, I had almost given up on love. But the connection was immediate and powerful when he walked into the school cafeteria. At first sight, I recognized him as my forever love, and it wasn’t long before I found out he felt the same way. For twenty-five years, we lived a fairy-tale life together—until Joseph was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The thirteen years that followed were filled with pain and uncertainty, eventually leading to Joseph’s passing. Though I had experienced grief before, nothing compared to this. It cut through me, leaving a hole in my heart. Our love continues between two worlds, but I have never fully recovered. Seven years later, grief still emerges, bringing with it sorrow and pain, clouding reason and covering me like a wave. Over time, I’ve learned to welcome this unwanted guest, even carved out a space in my heart for it. Every day, I write about Joseph and we still find ways to communicate across the veil. Our lives consist of a series of dynamic journeys through various phases of love, grief, and personal growth. The essence of our experiences—how we remember them and what they suggest to us—is not static. It evolves and transforms over time. In Shifting Shadows: Reflections in Verse, my latest poetry collection, I explore life’s experiences. Like shadows that move and change shapes, our perceptions and emotions adapt with age and wisdom. The collection—an homage to a cherished relationship—is divided into nine parts that mirror many a mourner’s experiences. Spiritually, the number nine signifies wisdom, compassion, and completion. Each part of the book, along with the introduction and the conclusion, opens with a monostich—a single-line poem, crafted to spark mystery and wonder. Four thematic haiku, rooted in Japanese tradition, guide the reader through layers of emotion, leading into eight longer works in rhyme and free verse. In all, the book contains one hundred seventeen poems. Joseph and I came from two different cultures, but as language teachers, we shared a love for words. We played with nuance and cultural differences, letting them sing, stretch, and surprise. Over time, our exchanges evolved into inside one-liners—little gems we gleefully repeated and cherished. Throughout this book, you’ll find phrases in several languages that reflect memories, places, spirit, and tradition. These words are woven in not to obscure meaning, but to deepen it. If you’re unfamiliar with a word or expression, I invite you to pause, feel its rhythm and explore its essence. I’ve provided translations and notes beneath the poems where these beautiful words dance, should you wish to take a closer look. I’ve also tipped my hat to authors and friends who’ve inspired me along the way. In this poetic journey, every word is part of my map. Shifting Shadows: Reflections in Verse reflects my personal experiences and the wisdom I’ve gained through the years. Each poem carries a piece of my heart. I invite you to immerse yourself in the poems and find your own personal meaning in my words. If my work resonates with you and encourages reflection on your life and emotions, then we will have shared poignant human experiences, and I am grateful. Part I Ephemeral Wonders When birds flutter about, trees sing, and rivers rush, nature’s majesty swells, filling hearts with joy. Nature’s Haiku snowy owl perches velvet cloak fluttering free silent wings unfold big ole snowy owl keeper of guarded secrets hiding in plain sight on a white-sand beach resting on the pristine shore— a grand sand dollar the wind is at rest morning stillness holds its breath— the clock fast asleep Good Morning, World After a night of cacophonous sounds, the streets fill with the birdsong of spring and the gentle rustling of the wind. The sweet melodies that refresh the world lift my heart— Appoggiaturas, heaven-sent. —An appoggiatura is a musical ornament—a note that creates tension before resolution. In this poem, it speaks to the fleeting sounds that stir the heart. Sunshine Sunshine turns chestnut strands blonde and blonde strands gray. It blazes brightly, brushing and blushing cheeks— intense rays of warmth stroking our faces, filling our souls, kissing our hearts. We peer into the sun’s searing eyes and squint— we cannot meet its gaze. We must turn away. Sunshine moves as sunshine must; filling us with joy. O sunshine, sunshine, your radiant glow commands reverence.   Walks Are a Must At each turn, a thing of beauty. Around every corner, an unexpected delight. Walks are a must. Strengthening the body, awakening the senses. Filling the heart, nourishing the soul. Walks are a must. Walks are a must. Feet touching the earth, breathing into the wind, I hear my heartbeat. Life in motion. And as the road stretches ahead, I walk on. With each step, a peaceful stillness. At each turn, a thing of beauty. Around every corner, an unexpected delight. A dandelion spreads its seeds. A butterfly flits off in the distance. The fragrance of a rose in bloom drifting in a breeze. My heart, in silent affirmation— walks are a must. Have You Seen a Hummingbird? Have you seen a hummingbird? A palette of colors divine, Iridescence shining through. A message carried—soft, sublime. Hum, hum, hum along, Feel your heart open and free. Love and joy within its wings, Pure, positive energy. Have you seen a hummingbird? Wings flapping—back, forth, up, down, A tiny hummer, nature’s wonder Bringing smiles, dissolving frowns. Rufous tail, a fiery hue, Its trill both clear and strong. Careful of its half-open beak, Still it’s safe to hum along. Swift and fleeting, light as air, Passing in a blur of grace. Warm breath, a cool breeze, a moment lost, Vanishing without a trace. A bird filled with hope and promise, Peace following wherever it goes. Sent by angels to guide lost souls, In its heart, the hummingbird knows.