A Red Christmas

by Cheryl Merrick

Trading snow for red sand,
shoveling the walk for hiking trails,
heavy coats for bright sweaters,
snow boots for hiking boots,
and putting lights on palm instead of pine trees,
my traditional White Christmas
has morphed into a rousing Red Christmas.*

*Christmas in the desert

Desert Adjustment

by Cheryl Merrick

Seeing miles and miles of desert landscape
stretching out desolately before me,
I cringed.

Could I be happy here?
With a heart longing for 
refreshing green canyons,
cool rushing water,
and towering trees arching overhead,
I began my new life in the desert.

Now a year later,
my eyes are soothed 
by the many greens of the desert shrubs,
and my heart gladdened by the exquisite beauty
of even the tiniest desert flower.

We're Home!

by Cheryl Merrick

Everything is strange.
I don't even recognize the trees or birds.
Who lives in the houses around us?
Where are the stores and parks?

Having trouble sleeping,
I open my eyes at night
and gaze apprehensively
into the dark cavernous living room.

I feel lost and so alone.
This new house doesn't feel like "Home",
but our old house doesn't either.

Letting Go

by Cheryl Merrick

I pleaded,
“Help me to be able to do my family history.
Help me know what I should do.”
The answer came,
“Release your reserved names
and let their work be done.”
I obeyed --
then I cried.
I wanted to do their work myself,
but I must accept my limits.

If I don’t go into the temple,
then I can do the research
and prepare the work so others
can do the ordinances for my ancestors
I can share their stories and photos
I can help to seal my family for eternity
This is the work I am to do

First Home

by Cheryl Merrick

Desiring a place
truly their own,
Seeking space and light,
the search begins.

His needs. Her needs.
Houses are rejected.

His Element

by Cheryl Merrick

Let him deal with details.
It’s his element.

He will know success
as he precisely preforms
and efficiently achieves.

Allow him to handle minutia.
He does it astoundingly well.

Ever After

by Cheryl Merrick

They meet.
A spark ignites into flame
    as they see in each other
the fulfillment
    of their hopes for happiness.

Their vision misted by dreams,
    they happily dance
    toward the altar.
A stumble or two later,
     we smile as they exchange vows
     enveloped in crescendoing music
     and embraced by a pink sunset.

Frustration or FulFillment

by Cheryl Merrick

Longing for close family relationships

Seeking understanding and acceptance

Needing to improve the world

Hoping to do meaningful service

Feeling ideals and goals thwarted

Frustration slowly drained my energy

and destroyed my health

Accepting others responsibility

for their own lives

Enjoying and nurturing

all the positive relationships I do have

Accepting who I am

and sharing my talents

Influencing others for good

Enjoying being out in the world

Fulfillment energized my soul

and filled my life with contentment

Frustration or Fulfillment

the choice was always mine

Another Child

by Cheryl Anne Merrick

Dreamily the young bride
eagerly looks forward
to having their first baby.

Her thoughts filled with pink booties,
and scented with baby lotion,
she eagerly anticipates 
months filled with
cheerfully decorating the baby’s room
and preparing for their
little bundle of joy.

Always a Mother

by Cheryl Merrick


They’re on their own.
You cheer them on as they manage their own lives-
getting an education, choosing a mate, 
making a living, and raising a family.
You share in their triumphs and sorrows.