Cloud Gazing

This picture is by Kari Zieglmeier. Kari is 34 years old. She had a stroke 17 months ago leaving her right hand immobile. She has since taught herself to use her left hand to produce chalk art. This is one of her earliest pieces as she attempts to create clouds. Impressive!

Staring Clouds Into Submission

The child squints

Blending the lines

Cocks her head

A sideways glance

One eye closed

Coercing images

She spies life forms in the sky

Fanciful butterflies

Boats sailing

Through blue water

Pushed by a gale

A silhouetted

Hand waves goodbye

A flying baby shark’s arrival

Prompts giggles

Beckons her to play

She dances and wiggles

To music in her mind

Words tumble as does she

Laying prone, eyes up

The hovering puffs suspend

A protective umbrella

Shadowing the sun

Darkening the clover bed

Where she rests her head

Heavy eyes observe clouds

Dissolved by her stares

Note 1: The poem shares the numerous hours spent cloud gazing with my daughters when they were young.

Note 2: The picture was drawn by my oldest daughter following a stroke that caused her to lose the use of her right hand.

Note 3: The baby shark reference is for my granddaughter, Kinsley, who truly giggles and wiggles every time the song plays. If you notice at the top middle, (slightly to the right) a could resembling a baby shark. Just like the clouds it formed by accident but with imagination.

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I celebrate Kari's strength by sharing her stories.

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