LOCALadk Magazine

Creative Corner The "Creative Corner" is LOCALadk's way of highlighting the talented creative writers and artists in our region. Enjoy the following pieces celebrating the beauty of spring. Lady Slippers Above: Sandra Hildreth, "Lady Slipper Quartet," watercolor Puffed and billowy, pink in hue, Lady Slippers huddled in the morning dew. Quietly standing so straight and tall, your message is clear, yet your stature – so small. You show us the way, with your blossom so new, to survive in the forest of life – so true. Some of you lean, some stand straight and tall, like a cluster of people, I seem to recall. So why can't we see how we should live life – trusting, blossoming, doing what's right. Helping each other, no matter their state – giving, receiving, it's never too late. For humanity rings with goodness and truth. and we need to give thanks for our learning and growth. On The Brothers By Debby Havas (Jay, NY; debbyhavas.com) By Tim Hoppey for Patrick Red Hoppey Father: We boxed the final weight of him Behind a Celtic cross. On up the trail I bear this box But not so well our loss. Son: I ask a turn to carry him; A heavy lift this loss. On up the trail I bear this box As Simon did the cross. The only one without red hair, I've little mood to talk. It's life that damns the two of us On this his final walk. We carry grief as brothers will But still it's good to walk. I've donned his Irish cap and tweed's The texture of our talk. Up here the rocks have permanence Beneath our passing tread. If only he were of that stone And I the ashes spread. I ask a turn to carry him Before his ash is spread. Too weak to walk I ferry him Across the paths we tread. "My son, that's Erin to the east And wind to ride upon. From here your ash will fledge and live Above the House of Donn." "Like seed, my brother, you'll disperse And wind you'll ride upon. Now go and root the stony nooks And caps of lichens don." Left: Sandra Hildreth, "Hazy Mountains & Wild Flowers," oil painting

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