Sibyl M. Kellman

Galway, New York

Sibyl, when the inspiration comes, has been jotting down poetry since she was a child. It's a family trait. She has had her poetry published in newspapers, magazines and by The National Library of Poetry. She is also a graduate of The Institute of Children's Literature. Retired now from the former Sterling-Winthrop in Rensselaer, NY, she is currently helping her fiancé finish their new home, on a brook in the woods, in Galway, NY. Sibyl is the mother of two and has two grandchildren. She credits her gift to her genes since her ancestors were minstrels in Scotland.

Unconditionally Human

Within our precious habitat I pray
there will be tenderness and love each day.
However, there is also this to say—
our mortal feet
while mostly fleet
can rest on clay.
We're not celestial beings yet, and so
we cannot help but let emotions flow—
to laugh, to cry,
to let words fly,
yet always know—
that memories are short when lovers grow.
For words are only words and it is true
that tears, when shared, cleanse hearts
like morning dew.
And laughter heals
and peels
and makes us new.
So cherish me and I will cherish you
—and love you more because you're human too.

Winter's End

When muddy footprints
cross the floor
they breathe of magic
held in store
of winter's end.
Warm days descend.
Soft breezes round
the sycamore
to linger at
my kitchen door
and buds unbend.
They form a verdant canopy,
a nesting place
for company
that swiftly blend
their noble notes in harmony
with brooklets
bursting to run free
to oceans end.

Eternal Clock

Sometimes I feel
the sea in me
as if through all
eternity

the ebb and flow
of endless tides
washed me ashore
to dwell awhile.

To wander yet
another mile
of rendezvous
with fate to keep

until again
the cradle deep
lulls me to sleep
lulls me to sleep . . .

—and this goes on for evermore.