Tag: Michael J. LaFrancis

The Bloodgood Maple Growing in My Front Yard by Michael J. LaFrancis

~ ONE ART ~ 1 Comment

The Bloodgood Maple Growing in My Front Yard

I made a vow on my first Father’s Day
to be like this tree; hardy, comfortable
enough in my own bark,
a fashionista wearing burgundy,
showing passion in scarlet red,
or dressing down in basic brown.

I will be connected to fresh air,
roots that provide nourishment for growth
beyond my scars; badges that mark
lessons learned, injuries forgiven,
keeping branches supple enough
to bend and flow with all kinds of wind.

I will be open hearted as its leaves,
those tender hands with long fingers,
palms up willing to give or receive
sunshine or rain, willing to let go,
trusting a legacy of seedlings
present, attentive, fully engaged.

*

Michael J. LaFrancis is an author, advocate, advisor and connector. Writing poetry is a contemplative practice providing insight and inspiration for living a creative life. His poems appear in Amethyst Review, Avalon Literary Review, CT Bards, City Key, Friday Night Library, Mocking Owl, Northeast Coast, One Art, Last Leaves, Seraphic Review, Synkroniciti, and Orenaug MT.

He and his partner, Sharon, have two sons and were recently promoted to Nani and Popi for their two granddaughters. Michael and Sharon recently published their autobiography: Our Wonderful Life. They live in Windsor, CT.

Instagram: @michaeljlafrancis
LinkedIn: @michael-j-lafrancis

Beyond Dreams by Michael J. LaFrancis

~ ONE ART ~ 3 Comments

Beyond Dreams

We think we know
what will make us happy,
until we get it,
then we find out,
it must have been something else.

Dreams are like Lego blocks.
They come in a box
with lots of loose pieces,
a picture on the cover.

Testing and trying,
piece after piece,
until construction complete.
Soon luster wears off.

Blocks and boxes are saved
in a treasure box, joy for a day
when there are no more kits

when content to play; curious
to find out what can be created
with the pieces I already have.

*

Michael J. LaFrancis is a trusted advisor, advocate, author and connector supporting individuals, groups and organizations aligning purpose and capabilities in service of their highest ideals. Writing poetry is a contemplative practice providing him with insight and inspiration for living a creative life. His poems are also appearing in Amethyst Review, City Key, Mocking Owl, ONE ART, Last Leaves and Seraphic Review recently or in the coming months.

Two Poems by Michael J. LaFrancis

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Assisted Living

Nan’s mother told her
she would not die from rust;

rather, she will pass away
when her life is all used up.

Her mother would live on
in her own home until she fell

out of it at ninety-three,
more than twenty years later.

Nan always said advice has to fit
the stage of life you are living in. Now

a nonagenarian herself, these words
are inspiring her. Nan has taken up

oil painting, bead making, praying on
rosary beads, calling neighbors by name.

After her husband of sixty-two years
gave up his spirit, she went to the cafeteria

at breakfast; the whole room came over
to extend condolences. Her heart heard

God’s promise—my house has many rooms,
I will prepare a place for you.

*

Cathedrals

We are centered,
in an ancient ecosystem,
of towering columns and spires
that seem to open heaven’s gate.

They are wearing a course red bark,
that can be one to two feet thick,
protecting their heartwood from fire,
Lucifer’s or anyone else’s.

They are fulfilling their promise,
with a quiet reverence, like apostles.
Their dark green and white ceilings
filter light, like stained glass windows.

Their parish is a connected community,
families surrounding proud parents;
some that have passed away.
Each is a resurrection from ashes and soot.

*

Michael J. LaFrancis is a trusted advisor, advocate, author and connector supporting individuals, groups and organizations aligning purpose and capabilities in service of their highest ideals. Writing poetry is a contemplative practice providing him with insight and inspiration for living a creative life. His poems are appearing in The City Key, Mocking Owl and Amethyst Review in the coming months.

LaFrancis’ hobbies include landscape gardening, nature walks, collecting fine art and writing. He and his partner Sharon are co-authors of their autobiography: Our Wonderful Life. They have two sons and have recently been promoted to being grandparents.

@michaeljlafrancis on Instagram