A long day of work
Students from morning 'til night
Green against gray skies

I love my students
They are smart and fresh and strong
White flashes of light

My life is enriched
Through this "enrichment" I give
The mourning dove coos

How did this happen?
This unplanned, but happy life?
Sweet like gardenias

Gratitude fills me
The gift of life so fragile
Far off a dog barks

I am a native Texan who has lived for the past 30 years in Southern California. I am a published author of both short memoir and fiction, a two-time Pushcart nominee, a nationally award-winning writing coach, an editor, as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. In addition, I am the mother of three grown daughters of whom I am extremely proud, a grandmother of four darling children and the wife of a man I still love after 44 years. View all posts by lenleatherwood