In the middle of an ordinary cornfield,
In an ordinary place,
Stands a small group of trees
Spared from agricultural fate.

Chosen by fairies–
Forever their glade,
Or spared by corporate greed,
Property line arguments man-made.

Whatever the reason,
It rests in the fog,
Magical as ever,
Eerie, a bit odd.

Yet it doesn’t look out of place,
It fits just right,
A hidden little wonder
Tucked away out of sight.

I hope there are fairies,
Or witches, or gnomes,
Living in that haven,
Their whimsical home.

Life’s been shining like the sun, in skies so clear and blue,
My mind is light, my spirit bright, my health feels strong and new.
Surrounded by the sweetest souls who lift me when I fall,
Their laughter rings like silver bells—a joy that fills it all.

We’ve shared our secrets, chased our dreams, danced under moonlit skies,
Collected moments, big and small, where happiness resides.
The love I feel within my tribe, so steady, warm, and true—
It’s proof that life’s a miracle unfolding in my view.

I’m grateful for the peaceful mind that once was filled with rain,
For strength within my beating heart, and lightness after pain.
I look into the mirror now and love the me I see—
I’m proud, I’m fierce, I’m beautiful, I’m finally feeling free.

Each breath’s a gift I treasure deep, each sunrise feels brand new,
I taste the sweetness of my days in everything I do.
Thank you, God, for blessing me with laughter, love, and light—
I love my life, I love myself—it all just feels so right.

Sitting at this table,
My sisters in their place,
My brother at the top,
With a baby by his waist.

We’re mostly parents now,
With our kids in tow,
But when I look at your faces,
I see the little kids I used to know.

We all have our own lives,
Of our own creation,
No longer just play pretend
On some summer vacation.

A brand new generation,
Being raised by us,
They’re little and young and free,
And I love them all so much.

Even when I don’t see them,
Or weather cancels our plans,
Being a sister, a mother, an aunt-
The best roles I could ever land.

And we’ll sit here at this table,
Loud, chaotic, and such,
Often I’m sad, honestly mad,
But in this moment, life has given me so much.

The older i age, I realize  no matter how hard I try, I will not please everyone, in this life everyday,
Although with out any effort, I can ******* many,
Just with honest words, I say.


The original: Tom Maxwell  6/11/2025 AD