Marion C. Fitzgerald Hingham, MA, USA

Writing poetry, gardening, long walks and learning to play the piano have all contributed to filling the void in my life left by my retirement from the Nursing profession. I also write articles and short story romances. Poetry, however, allows me to freely express my self, which I feel enhances all my literary endeavors. My poems have been published by The National Library of Poetry and the Poetry Guild. I am a member of the International Society of Poets. My husband Jim and I are both retired and reside in Hingham, MA where we enjoy frequent social gatherings with family and friends.

The Magic of Love We sat by the window my grandmother and me She in her rocker and I on her knee Her shining gray hair brushed neatly on top of her head Mine was all tousled being just out of bed The morning sky was gray and overcast Blackbirds on the snow below a sharp contrast Her eyes seemed sad as she looked into mine Her beautiful face so deeply lined She gave me a hug no need to speak I felt safe and secure though the day was bleak And now as each winter comes anew When the days become shorter and I start to feel blue I remember my grandmother on that special day And the sadness I felt no longer holds sway I look down at my gold wedding band Which once adorned my grandmother's hand I picture her smiling down from above And again I feel the magic of love

My Love Affair With the Sea I love the ocean when it is blue and serene I love it when it's angry and the color turns green I love it when the tide is high and cresting I love it when it's low and resting I love it with the sunshine bright upon it I love it when the storm clouds hover over as a bonnet I love the sound of the waves racing to the sands I love it when they leap over the wall to spray the land I love the feel of the spray on my face I love to meditate and I slow my pace I love its cleansing away today's sorrow I love the exhilaration it brings to face tomorrow

At the Villa I came to the Waters thirsting to talk It was a beautiful day, I went for a walk I saw the sun on the ocean, how it glistened It came to me I needed to see, to feel and to listen The salt water spray felt cool on my face, Tiny droplets resembling pieces of fine lace A white dove flew over a symbol of peace I felt some of my burden being released I heard the gentle breaking of the waves on the shore And I felt my spirits beginning to soar. The sound of the waters, flowing back to the sea. Were taking with it another sad part of me. The flapping of the birds as they took off in flight They also took with them a part of my plight I will come again to the waters from time to time To nurture this gift, which is finally mine I had searched high and low, hoping to find This gift so sublime, "Peace of Mind"

All poems Copyright © 1997 Marion C. Fitzgerald. All rights reserved.