Gracie’s Cradle of Love ~

Gracie - 4 Months Old

Sickness rings from your soul
as you fill with stifling staleness
lingering, pressures your breath
calling me to nurturer you as He
brings you to a home of safety

Peace comes to thee quickly
again your strength is protected,
again your will to survive as a
special feline halo casts a glow of
triumph that cast out the evil serpents

Together we shall overcome the
foggy shadows that linger within
thy breast for it was written that
you would be given all that you
deserve, for you have been chosen

And I, chosen to fulfill His desire
bringing you to a haven of wellness,
bringing you to everlasting warmth
from His loving arms to mine as
I hold you dear in your -

cradle of love

Black Ink ~

Scratching words on paper
as fast as the pen will glide,
capturing a visual on the page
everyone now can see inside -

Walls of a black ink quill
words hidden deep as one tries to hide,
gasps for air from a liquid death
deep within the other side -

Exposed now to fired sunlight
masked with purity words do flow,
as consumed fantasies now remain
hidden lifestyles in a world of woe -

Life goes this way from dusk to dawn
lone poet plays his words with rhythm and song,
subsiding vapors depart from the soul
crushes life from choking, that held to long -

as black ink kills the inspired poet

Janet and Me!

So many years ago I met you online,
and you became a special friend of mine

We chatted, we laughed and sometimes we cried,
becoming friends knowing we were special inside

The place where we met was a game site online,
a place called Pogo; we would meet nightly to unwind

Such fun we had getting to know one another too,
a wonderful friendship with others and yes - me and you

Years have passed and our friendship is strong,
through trust and love we have shared all along

Feelings about Kids and our little Grey Kitties,
about the games and farms, I laugh getting all gitty

Although I live in NY and you AL grown girl,
the miles don’t seem to matter as we give life a whirl

So my friend, I post your picture for all to see
what a beautiful blessed friendship we have –

you and me!
Dedicated to a dear friend - Janet Thompson, AL

A New Me ~

L ife is strange with its ups and downs
I nviting you to experience its whimsical crowns,
V enturing into water traps so deep
E nticing, capturing you ‘til you weep

L earning lessons from a school room book
A nswering with innocents and a childish look,
U rging your heart to take a chance
G uiding your spirit without a second glance,
H iding in a corner you leap from your stance

L istening to the wind song of your heart
O verly cautious, but it’s a grand start,
V oicing with glee your freedom anew
E njoy life with what is instilled in you –

a new me


Author's Note:

Acoustic Form of Poetry is a style when the first letter of each sentence spells a word, reading top to bottom, left side.

Inhale ~

Have you ever noticed how a feeling
can come to one through the innocents
of nature’s flight that can send you reeling?

Look homeward and see His smile
as His creations fly within a silent sound
telling us He is with us all the while

A simple message seen with our eyes
that calls to all who adore, He says,
I am watching over your silent cries…

take a moment to inhale - Me

Lord Simba from CO ~

At a moments notice
Lord Simba
is ready to play
forgetting
he is royalty!
Ah heck, lets have
fun, he says...

Taking a moment to see what's outside,
Lord Simba spies a Squirrel Creature -
"Can he see me behind this window,
he is wondering, hmmmm..."

Simba

As I sit here penning this little ditty,
My desk is full of sprawling kitty!
This dear old inscrutable friend of mine;
I hope he has many more lives than nine!

He's just an ordinary striped ginger cat,
So fiesty, independent and fat.
His lack of noble lineage doesn't bother me;
I doubt that he's concerned about pedigree!

He has given me so much pleasure,
Even tho' he's mutilated some treasure!
What an elegant and enchanting pet.
I haven't found his contender yet!

He doesn't ask all that much of me,
Just some food and affection periodically.
I scratch his ears, stroke his fur smooth;
He in turn provides me with purring to soothe!

Maybe there are more exotic pets than a cat,
I will most certainly grant you that,
But when it comes to the bottom line,
No more noble creature did God design!

Written by:
Robert L. Hinshaw

Tabby Keeping Cool Under a Doggie Umbrella!

Heat Wave

I can’t get over it
Last summer was so mild
But now the Gods are making up for it
“Suffer ye sinners!” they say

Aside from the obvious - Sweat
A slight loss of appetite
Listlessness
Reluctance to rise
A sudden genius for not-working
excuses I notice it in my cat

“My God!” I holler to my wife.
“I think Tabby is dead.”
Tabby lay on the living room floor
stretched out full-length
“She doesn’t even move
when I call her name –

Tabby! Tabby!
My God! Tabby!”

I’m wringing my hands.
Do I dare touch her?
Do I really want to
confirm my worst fear?

But I do…

I touch her. That soft hot fur
I can’t detect any breathing
Tears are starting to well

Then -

Just a faint twitch of her tail
She rises suddenly
Walks slowly off
Quite annoyed
As though to say –

“Why the hell you have to touch me man?
Why you wanta bother me?
Don’t you know that the best thing
a long-hair kitty can do
in this heat is SLEEP!”

Submtted to 'Expressions' ~
A Dear Friend and Huge Cat Lover - David Austin, MI

Who Me???

NO, I HAVE NOT SEEN YOUR LIPSTICK!

Why would you even ask me that? I'm insulted!
Every time something goes missing around here,
everybody looks at me!!! For your information,
I don't even wear that shade. It doesn't flatter
my complexion and it tastes terrible!

I Long to Say...

I long to say what is within a word,
a word that says what I show
with loyalty, with light
always a part of His glow

I long to say what is within a book,
a book that says what I was
with faith, with spirit
always a part of His world

I long to say what is within a song,
a song that sings a story
with harps, with joy
always a part of His word –

that is a lyric waiting

Remembering Chaise ~

Our Beautiful Boy -
Thank you for your unconditional
love and devotion.
We love you
and will miss you
'Snoodler'
for as long as we live.

Carol & Paul Wolfram, UT
January 18, 2000 - June 27, 2010



My Sweet Chaise

I look in your eyes seeing love you share,
as you came to me with loving care

Your purpose was clear right from the start,
you were sent to mend my broken heart

How can I tell you how grateful I am,
did I take a moment so you could understand?

My heart cried years ago with the loss of my Son,
God brought you to me for He knew you were the one

I weep again dreaming of your face of love,
as you wait for me in His heaven above -


my sweet Chaise


In Memory with Love -
to Our UT Canine Friend

Rhoda, Max and Gracie
Long Island, NY

Music of the Sun ~

A spiral wave descends,
notes of musical rapture
dances within the wind,
creates an unclouded
moment of peace’s solitude,
a moment of given grace

Eyes that glitter and shine,
as sparkles of sunlight
touch my inner mind,
flourishing
a musical fanfare,
that vigorously peaks

Entanglement
captures my body again,
twirling, spinning
me around with an
uplifting dance of
pure pleasure delight

Music of the Sun
enhanced my rhythm
as it contains me,
bringing a
sensation of joy
sensation of love –

from His promised world

Love Opens ~

Love opens the door to one’s heart
if one is brave enough to let it in

One doesn’t know how lonely they are as feelings were suppressed for years on end


Afraid to open their eyes so they may see
blocked the sunlight darkening deep within

Learn how to live accept love’s gift
Taking a chance on emotions again

Ascend life to higher rainbow peak
Love can cure detained sadness within

One must be ready to take a chance
to complete a cycle determined by Him –

for love is the answer He has sent

I Long to Say...

I long to say what is within a word,
a word that says what I show
with loyalty, with light
always a part of His glow

I long to say what is within a book,
a book that says what I was
with faith, with spirit
always a part of His world

I long to say what is within a song,
a song that sings a story
with harps, with joy
always a part of His word –

that is a lyric waiting

Author's Note:

Free Verse Form of Poetry written without using the letters U, M or E.
Any Form is acceptable...

Mai Ling - Seven Months Later...

Reggie (l)- Mai Ling (r)
Last November, Mai Ling was adopted by Linda Saroglou, LI, NY. Because of circumstances here at my apt. complex, it was necessary to give up my Mai Ling. For seven months, Linda and her daughter Kristi have been in touch with me as to the welfare of Mai Ling. Linda on many occasions has comfort me and my grief as I took this extremely hard, giving my pet up. Linda has a 14 year old male 'Reggie' so this is Mai Ling's new Beau, so to speak. Kristi has two cats of her own, so it is now a houseful of frisky kitty cats and a house full of love.

Linda and Kristi treated me to a great lunch yesterday at Ruby Tuesday's and through encouragement, I went for a visit to their home to see Mai Ling. Of course, I had tears, but to my amazement - Mai Ling looked at me like "Who are you?" Yes, she has forgotten me. It is sad, but it is wonderful that she has accepted her new family and feline buddies. I now can put my own 'guilt' to rest and move on with our lives, as I enjoy living with Max and Gracie.

Wildlife, A Slow Disappearance ~

There comes a time in ones life when
all around them doesn’t matter anymore,
peace is all that one really is concerned with,
as one dreams beautiful dreams of their lives.

The world today is moving so fast, spinning
on its titled axle of grief with the oil slick of
the mass ocean and the starving of the fowl,
sadly man has overstepped his bounds.

Quiet moment is a luxury today as the hustle
and bustle of metal movement surrounds the
human who walks upright above the animals
who try to survive our over produced world.

Centuries ago we join them only to destroy
their nests, to take from them the innocents
of their lives within our humanly paths,
taking from them their breath and freedoms.

Man and their selfish acts have hindered the beauty
of this planet, continually destroying the natural
habitat that was ordained to be their world, planned
for their comfort during a lifetime here on earth -

a lifetime when wildlife should not be
fearful of mans technology.

'Missy' Still a Winner ~

Crystal Tears

Winter snow covers
Shelters while you are dreaming
Eyes weep crystal tears

April 1, 1996 - December 5, 2007

Second Place Winner
Seasons Senryu Poetry Contest
PoetrySoup.com ~ June 16, 2010

Every Moment by My Side ~

In Memory of "Beloved Aimee"
November 15, 1988 - June 16, 2004

You came to me knowing how
dearly I needed you to comfort
my heavy heart, too ease my pain,
helping me to contain my sanity.

You gave to me your strength
desperately I needed, to make sense of it all.
You seem to know as you caught my tears
yesterday and again my tears of today.

Such a special friend you were to love me
unconditionally every day of your precious life.
Without question you were by my side,
always my loving steadfast companion.

Beloved Aimee forever in my heart
memories of you shall bring me joy,
along with tears of laughter as I see visions
of you in my dreams at my days end...

Sweetly I dream Aimee, until we meet again.


Poem by Rhoda Galgiani
Written with love for Carole Wolfram, UT

He and Me

He watches over me,
I take a breath and He
Purifies my soul.

He protects me,
I stumble and fall
He catches my spirit.

He comforts me,
Wrapping a gift around
My heart and mind.

He loves me,
Telling me so with His
Every heavenly word.

Us!
He and Me,
God, my Father -

Amen.

Fourth Place Honorable Mention
Poem of Faith Poetry Contest
PoetrySoup.com ~ June 15, 2010

A Monsoon Kind of Day - AZ

Furiously the heat lingers
as the desert sun grasps
holding your drought,
your growth ordained
to your part of the world

Desert spirits cry to be dampened
yearning for a moments relief,
as the riverbeds of your soul
rough from the carving heat,
lie still in their death

Over the rise the storm is coming,
wailing winds of magnitude strength
levels sparse renewed struggling growth,
as fury slams against the tall cactus
whipping the foreseen seasonal path as the –

raging winds of the monsoon come again

Eigth Place Honorable Mention
Monsoon Poetry Contest
PoetrySoup ~ June 16, 2010

EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE OVER 50 –

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room
on each side.

With a 5 lb potato bag in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and then hold them as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute and then relax.

Each day you’ll find you can hold this position for just a bit longer. After several weeks move up to a 10 lb potato bags.

Then try 50 lb potato bag and you will eventually try to get where you can lift a 100 lb potato bag in each hand and hold your arms straight out for a full minute, (I’m at this level).

After you feel confident at this level --

put a potato in each bag!

Author Unknown -

The Wilderbeast's Quest ~

Eyes search as he travels through dark shadows of his forest
Hoofing through thicket over laden growth he searches for life’s light
Bringing truth to the Wilderbeast hidden in darkness


Fifth Place Honorable Mention Winner
Sijo Poetry Contest
PoetrySoup.com
June 8, 2010

Author's Note:

Sijo is the classic form of unrhymed poetry in Korea. Sijo have three long lines. Each line varies between 14 and 16 syllables, with the middle line the longest. The first line states a theme, the second line counters it, and the third line resolves the poem.

Kitty Play Time ~

My Kitties hearts I did
touch today as they romped
and played with me,
tickling, chasing them
around the room
such fun we have,
us three


Moments of joy we share together
tossing the little toys in fun and play,
they hop and jump chasing each other
bringing back the toys – meow they say

My Kitties fill my heart with lots of love
waking me up each morning with hugs and purrs,
it’s 6 am; they want me to get up, come play,
but most of all to open that can of wet food, cuz…

wee’ze hungry, Mom, they say!!!

Who Says Love Can't Conquer World Peace?

God's smallest creatures  show no fear amongst love...











New friend of 'Expressions' sent these pictures to enjoy. Thanks Iolanda Scripca, CA

Surrounded by Love ~

This is my dear spiritual email buddy Carole Wolfram, UT. She is surrounded with love for sure, by Chaise, Danielle and Ella. We have been friends for a number of years and many time my Kitties send emails from NY to their Doggie friends in UT. Carole is a huge supporter of 'Expressions' and voted for this blog everyday when
the Blogger's contest was on. This picture fills my heart with love.
Oh, Carole is married to a great guy - Paul...He's the Daddy!

King Oscar ~ I had a Bad Day

I've been a bad boy. I got frisky and tore the wood on the patio. I couldn't help it, I was bored to pieces. Sorry, Mom! It looks like someone let the cat out of the bag to 'Expressions'. Now everyone knows! Dang!
I'm so embarrassed -

Oscar a Dachshund is 12, owned by Iolanda Scripca, CA. You may view her fabulous poetry at poetrysoup.com by doing a name search or visit her website at www.scripca.com

A Baby is a Baby, is a Baby ~

Can you 'Not say Awwww' when looking at this picture?
I can't. Even though this isn't a Kitten or a Puppy,
I had to share this special photo with you...Pure love!

Sent to 'Expressions' from Carole Wolfram, UT

The Best Poem in the World ~

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor.



But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp--
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.

Herb, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.

'And why is everyone so quiet,
So somber - give me a clue.'
'Hush, child,' He said, 'they're all in shock.
No one thought they'd be seeing you.'

JUDGE NOT!!!

Author Unknown -

'Expressions' is spiritually uplifted by Barbara Dyson, NV

'Expressions' is 1 Year Old - Kitty Years - That's 7!

Happy Birthday 'Expressions',
Happy Birthday to Youuu!

What a Glorious Year We've Had...
Thank you for your comments and ongoing support!

Rhoda, Max and Gracie

Lying Love Lies ~

Love has turned its head away
bringing distance to a crying heart,
lies spoken, the body begins to sway

Your desires wandered from the start
love disappeared in a moment's lust,
plunging my soul with your poisoned dart

Crying pain crushed my frail body’s bust
changing its blood flow from a dying cell,
as truth showed you my broken trust

Your lying love lies promised never to tell,
your secrets I now live with, in my own empty hell

Second Place Winner
Beautiful Form Poetry Contest
PoetrySoup.com
June 2, 2010

Author's Note:

Terza Rima form of poetry is a verse form composed of iambic tercets (three-line groupings). The rhyme scheme for this form of poetry is "aba bcb cdc, etc." The second line of each tercet sets the rhyme for the following tercet, and thus supplying the verse with a common thread, a way to link the stanzas. The only time the form changes is at the conclusion of the poem, where a single line that rhymes with the second line of the final tercet stands alone; the rhyme scene at the end of the poem looks like this:
"xyx yzy z."

A Tear of Happiness ~

When one takes a moment to touch your heart
with words written on paper expressing
what they might feel for another human
being is an honor of the highest goal -


When one takes a moment with pen and ink
expressing what they feel from deep within
their soul that has been guided by his God
is a positive, forward and upward motion.

When one takes a moment to share his love
to a stranger in his world of pain and sorrow
telling hidden secrets from long ago years passed
revealing truth as he searched for the loving Him.

When one takes a moment to show caring
in the gentlest way through his faith and
affirmation actions trusting the words that
would be treasured by the reader’s eyes…

a tear of happiness is shed.

You Bring Me Joy ~

My heart sings of You,
not of man, but of You, Jesus.

You bring me joy,
You bring me salvation.

Without You in my life
of singularity, I would be lost.

Thank you for taking care of me,
thank you for your love.

My loneliness is far easier
to bear with You by my side -

as I need not cry no more.

Whispering Mews ~

Teardrops glisten
in the winter sunlight
Thoughts of you tug
my saddened heart.

Memories of your
whispering mews.
A small grave is
silent and calm.

Your spirit walks on my right side,
Your shadow to my left…

As I remember.

Kitties Garden...

Just Getting Started with Our Garden...








Drift Wood from the
Long Island Sound,
North Shore

Faith is the Word

Faith is a single word
that dominates my heart,
as it grows from day to day
wasn’t there from the start

Faith came one day in a haze
trying to enter my body of fears,
comforting me from a heartbreak
guiding me through my falling tears

Faith took my hand grasped it tightly
hanging on, to keep me safe today,
showing me in a persistent struggle
a path to glory, glorified His way

Faith took me to a new place in life
my heart is at peace for I am not alone;
for without Faith where would I be as
I wait here on Earth, in an empty home -

without you

Happy Birthday Dad...

Happy Birthday Dad!
I miss you, my heart cries as I remember.

May 22, 1911 ~ May 26, 1990

Love,
Rhoda

A Singular Fashion ~

Longing to be loved again, has returned
in a feverish pitch, demanding attention
to the reality surrounding one’s solitary life.

Moments of a singular fashion,
a one on one mingling, with thy self lingers in the
mind, as saddened eyes gaze at couples, laughing.

Longing to be loved again, to have intimate
whispers consume every crevice that encircles
the longing desires, joining into oneness again.

Thoughts of traveling through a spiritual space,
with a loving soul who chose to grasp a spirit lost in a
solitary dimension would complete the promised pattern.

Longing to be loved again, dancing through life
swirling to a glorious waltz, completing mind and body,
spiritually bonding together, as it was meant to be.

Holding on to an eternal embrace
within one’s grasp, touching, feeling, joining
knowing it comes with mutual loving consent.

Longing to be loved again, never to
question a life of singularity, of oneness, or
hearing the individual footsteps of loneliness…

as one longing to be loved again, cries.

Judge Thee Not ~

Judge thee, I shall not
for I have no right.
But, what shall we be,
where shall we go?

Every corner
there seems to be
an obstacle,
hurdles to jump.
How high
must we jump?

Hope I shall,
but, how do we
over come this
dark shadow of the landlords
and their debts you owe -

They cry for you.
I cry also,
for our chance.

Author's Note:

Two poems written for a love in 1983 as I
became really interested in 'Expression'. The
relationship lasted for about 10 years. He,
I thought, was my lasting love, boy was I wrong!
I am happily single enjoy my life with my Kitties -
Works for me very well...

Curtains of Lace ~

Curtains of lace
Fill my world.
The cool airy
Elegance of thread,
Woven into patterns
Of sheer beauty.

Like the threads woven,
So is our life’s pattern.
So delicate but,
Strong against the world.

Intertwined are we to love
And to be loved.
This is our choice,
This is what shall be…

For Infinity.

Kittie's Garden is Outside...

My Garden is Inside...

Lighting ~

Lighting, you come to me
swiftly out of a clear blue sky.
Your thunder roars and rumbles as your
devilish bolts dart across the sky.

Dramatically the rain comes from the
black clouds, dampening the greenery below.
Lush gardens gather your moisture
being nourished for another day.

Lighting, you come to me
striking with force showing all who can see.
You shout your glory across the land
spreading your mighty power.

You lighting, are feared by all,
for you are God’s pitchfork
striking down on those
who shall not obey.

Quickly running for shelter
those who fear shall turn their ways.
For God’s powerful weapon destroys
those who refuse to hear thy voice.

R.E. Galgiani ~

Dedicated to My Father
May 22, 1911 ~ May 26, 1990

I think of him
And I shed selfish tears,
Wishing I could bring back
So many of those years.

Time he taught me
Moves so fast,
Time that is gone
Time of the past.

My love for him
As a daughter I have shown,
My father, my dad
His love I have known.

I shall miss this man
I looked up to with pride,
In my heart and mind
My Father has never died.

His memory will live
Forever and beyond
His memory I shall cherish,
Until all things are gone.   I love you Dad... Rhoda

A Little Bear Story...

Little Bear without a care
Wandering in the woods,
Come and share your honey
And all your special goods.

Little Bear with honey bees
Swirling around your head,
Run fast, hurry off quick,
Hide under your little bed.

Little Bear sleeping sound
Dreaming of things too come,
Soon you’ll be all grown up
Basking in the summer's sun.

Little Bear has met his mate
A new cub soon will come,
Now you’ll collect sweet honey
With your newborn son.

Little Bear life is good
The way it was meant to be,
With Papa, Mama and Baby
For the entire world to see.

Kitty Cat Haven...

Kitty cat lives at the zoo
trained to know what to do
she catches that mouse
who lives in the big house
eating the cheese given by you!




A Limerick is a five-line, often humorous poem. Lines 1, 2 and 5 have seven to ten syllables and rhyme with one another. Lines 3 and 4 have five to seven syllables and also rhyme with each other. The rhyming scheme is usually A A B B A

Sixth Place Winner
Zany Zoo Poetry Contest
PoetrySoup.com

We Chose Our Prize from a Fish Store...

Hi All...

As the 5th place winner on bloginterviewer.com for the month of April, we chose a $25.00 Gift Certificate from Giovannis Fish Market! They will be mailing the Certificate to us here at home. Now, what could be more appropriate than that 'The Mother Cat' asks you???

I will let you know what we order! Thanks again for all your supportive votes, the Kitties and I are 

going to love our tasty prize.

                                         Hugs,
                                       Rhoda, Max & Gracie

                                      giovannisfishmarket.com

I Rescued a Human Today...

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want
her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved.... At least I could save one.

Author Unknown -


Author's Note:

If you are thinking of bringing a pet into your family, please consider visiting your local animal shelter. It will be one of the best moment in your life. Most parents want to give their child a pet. Please remember, children are children. Only bring a pet into their lives when they are able to understand what a pet is...a live, breathing, feeling creature, not a stuffed animal that is to be thrown around. You will have unconditional love from an animal who needs you - Please hurry - their waiting to adopt you and your loving family!

A Kitty Cat's Garden ~

There is always
someone around
to protect the
Kitty Cats -

and of course,
there is always
a Kitty Cat
around to
protects our
garden -

Spring is
finally here on
Village Drive,
LI, NY