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A box of strawberries; heart berries
Mason jars of honey and maple syrup; gifts of gold
Complimentary asters and goldenrod
A stone all smooth
Eggs the color of paper sacks
A bowl made from the clay of the earth
Hickory nuts nestled in braided sweet grass
A bundle of asparagus
Pine needles woven into a basket
Rhubarb jam, sauerkraut, pickled beets, salsa
Roots of peonies, seeds of poppies
These hand-to-hand offerings
given as gifts
mundane yet sacred
are balm for the soul.
© by Angela Hoffman.
Used with the author’s permission.
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Angela Hoffman has lived her entire life in rural Wisconsin. The pandemic and her retirement coincided, making the ground ripe for writing poetry. Angela committed to writing a poem a day during the pandemic, never realizing she would be doing so for more than two years. Her first book, Resurrection Lily, was just released and a second, OllyOllyOxen Free, is forthcoming in 2023. In addition to writing, Angela enjoys yoga, reading, painting, hiking, and searching for treasures at second-hand stores. Learn more about her at https://www.facebook.com/angelahoffmanpoet.
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CamilleBalla:
So true. Hand-to-hand offerings, variety of images bring back memories of a stone all smooth, yesterdays gift of gold delivered by mail, wrapped by the giver in central Illinois mason jars of honey and maple syrup. Thank you, Angela.
Posted 04/07/2023 07:55 AM
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Anastasia:
A handmade gift is a gift of time, saying "you mean so much to me, I took time to make this for you"a truly invaluable gift!
Posted 04/05/2023 11:18 AM
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Puppet Lady:
Because these are like the gifts we give and value, your poem really resonates with me. Beautiful images! Thank you!
Posted 04/05/2023 08:16 AM
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Jancan:
Oh, yes! Well said!
Posted 04/05/2023 12:35 AM
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Lori Levy:
I agree. Beautiful.
Posted 04/04/2023 06:59 PM
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KinVT:
Conjures so many delightful images
And such a true message
Posted 04/04/2023 05:08 PM
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michael escoubas:
What an enticing and joy-filled poem, Angela. Thank you.
Posted 04/04/2023 09:52 AM
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Larry Schug:
"a bundle of asparagus" how much fun is that to say aloud! A beautiful sentiment, well expressed.
Posted 04/04/2023 07:48 AM
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JanetRuth:
So true! A delightful gem.
Posted 04/04/2023 07:22 AM
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