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The Sunday Poem: Gabriella Duncan... Lemony Sunday Afternoon

Poetry belongs to all of us. And (I believe) when it ceases to hold a place in our hearts that is useful, it disappears from our culture. Many times writing a poem is just as helpful to an individual as reading one. Listen to Gabriella Duncan.

"I was raised in ALL FAITHS orphanage and foster care system here in Albuquerque since the day before my seventh birthday. What an adventure and wonderful journey although it may not seem like that when others hear my life story. I have raised 180 foster and treatment foster children here in Albuquerque ....It was both challenging and wonderfully rewarding. I became an adoptive parent to many kids who were left homeless and lost. To process that pain and sometimes joy I often wrote poetry to sooth my soul."

Lemony Sunday Afternoon

Still in my pjs at noon,

that is the plan
Relaxing
enjoying
a lemony
Sunday
afternoon.
Breaking all the rules
of productivity
for a breath of
fresh joy,
a cup of tea,
and just plain ol'
down time.
For when I am up,
I shall sail upon
the winds of peace
from the rest
given and breathed
into me
from
a lemony,
Sunday
afternoon.

--Gabriella Duncan

Poetry submissions are welcome. Email theditchrider@gmail.com.

3 members like this

Comment by Margaret Randall on February 13, 2011 at 7:50am: Sounds like Gabriella's life is the poem, and her 180 foster children the beautiful lines that make it ring true.

Comment by BARBARA BYERS on February 13, 2011 at 8:09am: Gotta love them Sunday joy moments. Thanks for pointing out that they are there and can keep us all doing what we do. Thanks for what all you do. Thanks for the poem.

Comment by Dee Cohen on February 13, 2011 at 8:31am: This sweet poem describes a well earned breather from the business of day to day. You've captured these stolen moments well. I hope you have many more! Dee

Comment by cathyray on February 13, 2011 at 9:14am: I like to call my lemony Sunday afternoons "church" but you have truly captured the feeling. You are inspiration!

Comment by Stephanie James on February 13, 2011 at 9:18am: ^^ Me too cathyray! ^^

I shall sail upon the winds of peace

A mantra for those who raise children!

Beautiful poem, beautiful woman

Comment by Ben Moffett on February 13, 2011 at 11:21am: Inspirational. Remarkable. Uplifting. Crystal clear. I'm betting Daffy likes it, too.

Comment by Granjero on February 13, 2011 at 11:23am: Wait a second! Johnny Mango is the Ditchrider?

Nice poem for a lazy day by the way. If I didn't have to work, that would be me,

Comment by Gabriella Duncan on February 13, 2011 at 11:43am: I forgot to mention my pjs were a giant pair of footed jammies with winnie the pooh on them and a drop drawer bottom on them.....My daughter bought them on Ebay for me and they belonged to a man who was 6 foot 5....much bigger than I...yeah....I am five feet tall....Giggles!!!