Poetry Corner
by Lawrence Spiro

Maimonides wrote of 4 hierarchical levels that constitute our state of being. The first is wealth, second is health, third is knowledge and the fourth is spiritual connection. This poem addresses the relative importance of each level, and how we choose to sacrifice each level to ameliorate the next. I have written it in as a “villanelle”, with the first and third lines repeating in a set pattern.

(by Lawrence Spiro)

I am composed of 4 level way
First, covet wealth beyond measure
I freely admit at the end of the day.
Second, health to run and play,
to keep well and feel pleasure.
I am composed of 4 level ways.

Take my jewels on a tray
to stay a moment of wither
I freely admit at the end of the day

Third, empirical, divine truths I study
to know what will pass, or last forever.
I am composed of 4 level ways

For this, I release a king’s stay
and suffer over endover
I freely admit at the end of the day.

Wealth, health my mind’s quay
beneath the fourth, submit, surrender.
I am composed of 4 level ways,
I freely admit at the end of the day.

A Walk by the Sea with My Grandchildren and Me
by Mary R. Spinella

A spectacular summer morning!

Perfect for a walk by the sea
just my grandchildren and me.

Carefully we climb down the ever changing dune,
slipping, sliding on protruding uneven driftwood stairs,
laughing and cheering each other on
until our tender, winter white feet
touch the hot, iridescent sand.

Our gait becomes labored as we trudge along,
chasing Herons and Sea Gulls to the edge
of the cold, foamy surf, which shocks our feet
and makes us jump, skip and splash!

By the time we return, the midday sun is high in the sky,
and with bright, sunburned faces, sparkling eyes,
breathlessly display our treasures of radiantly colored beach glass,
exquisit snow white sand dollars, and delicate sea shells,
intricately carved and made smooth by the every changing tides.

Oh! how I love to walk by the sea,
with just my grandchildren and me!

If you have any comments or poems, email me at larryspiro@aol.com. Include permission to print if you are so inclined.