WHERE IS HE?

An absent-minded man from Pipestone

Said, “I wanted to be left alone. So last week one day

I just went away,

But I can’t recall now where I’ve gone.”

— Howard Nobles

Deceased

HAIKU

snowman in one window jonquils in another —Pat Laster Benton

JANUARY PRAYER

Thank you, Father,

For the joy of new beginnings. Just inside the doorway of a new year,

we pause to ask for wisdom and courage

and guidance, that when this year is spent, we will have spent it well.

Free us from the way of old mistakes.

Help us not look back upon smudges

and grudges, except to learn of forgiveness,

and count the learning again.

You’ve given us a clean, new slate to receive the thoughts, words, and deeds that tell the world who we are and whose we are. Make us mindful that we are your handiwork.

Make us think as you thought, touch as you touched, speak as you spoke, and to use the gift of time as if there were no tomorrow.

— Faye Boyette Wise

Benton

WALKING IN WINTER

The exercise track is deserted today except just for me and another. My coat is too thin and I think with a grin,

“I wish I had taken the other.” My feet pick up speed as I near the bright sun.

The shade that I craved all last summer I shun.

The sun’s rays are friendly and help keep me cozy.

If I’d stayed home, I’d be feeling quite dozy.

As I turn the next corner and face the north wind,

a squirrel questions my right to be here.

I smile at the anger and promise him then in a short while I won’t be near. But the day is too nice to have stayed in the house.

If I’d holed up and vexed, I’d feel like a louse.

So I head toward the sunlight with unseemly haste

And I hope all the walking is whittling my waist.

—Betty Lynn Walker

Benton