Over the years, I’ve written my wife poems for anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, and just because. Today’s poem (which will be in my upcoming book, The Anonymity of Waiting) was written around the time of our 25th anniversary. It didn’t end up being an anniversary gift because I felt it lacked the gravitas equal to suchContinueContinue reading “The Practical Poet’s Guide to Love”
Category Archives: About me
Grief
Yesterday, I sat down to pray because I’ve felt off and a little down all week. As I prayed, I realized I am grieving a number of things. One of my uncles passed away in September and other family members are dealing physical or mental health issues. The cumulative effect impacts my mood, sleep, andContinueContinue reading “Grief”
Break Time…
It’s time to take some time off from blogging. Friday, I got my COVID vaccine. Friday night, my arm got sore, but this was nothing new. As Saturday morning wore on, my temp hit 102.4 and stayed there until late afternoon (at which time it dropped to 101.0). I am in a feverish brain fogContinueContinue reading “Break Time…”
Hive
Probably six years ago, and much to my surprise, I was diagnosed with anxiety. While it’s normal to worry now and then, anxiety became pervasive enough that it disrupted my personal and work life. But with a little counseling and a lot of prayer, I have learned to manage it much better. Like most otherContinueContinue reading “Hive”
Purpose
Sunday is my usual day to post to A Wandering Minstrel. Typically, I write my post Saturday and schedule it for Sunday. Well, yesterday was SUPER busy, and I didn’t realize til today was almost gone that I hadn’t posted yet. So, I’m shooting from the hip, last minute 🤠 Today’s poem is not oneContinueContinue reading “Purpose”
Useless
This week, I started working on a new luc bat poem. Luc bat is a Vietnamese form of poetry I learned about a few years ago. Since I’ve got luc bat on the brain, I decided to post a luc bat poem from my second book, Event Horizon, entitled “Useless.” UselessI’m glad some people careforContinueContinue reading “Useless”
Ron
My day job is in social services. Through my job, I get to know people in all kinds of situations. Most of them have health problems and need caregivers. Some are financially well off, some are supported and insured by the state. I work with people who have mental health issues, substance use issues, and…justContinueContinue reading “Ron”
Empty Hands
Change is something we all live with. It’s inevitable, and we react to it in our own ways. If I’m honest, my reaction is often grief, or, at the very least, reflection. The longer I live, the more change I go through. For me, that means a lot of grief or reflection, even over thingsContinueContinue reading “Empty Hands”
Snow at Grandma’s
Right after I decided to share this poem, I realized it might raise an eyebrow to post a poem about snow as we’re heading into summer temperatures 🤨 But maybe this will help someone stay psychologically cool 😁 “Snow at Grandma’s” was part of my first book of poems, The Wind and the Shadows. SnowContinueContinue reading “Snow at Grandma’s”
Dyed in Faith
The semi-sabbatical I took in April is over. I was loath to see it end, but it was the time of rest and prayer I needed. As a result, I decided to reduce my schedule going forward so I can continue to give more space to God and my family. Years ago, I wrote aContinueContinue reading “Dyed in Faith”
A Wandering Minstrel 