Turning 70

by Cheryl Merrick

Seventy seemed sooo old

when I was a child.

Now, it seems sooo long ago

when I naively determined 

that I would never "let"

myself become old.

Youth and middle age have long passed

til here I am a "senior" complete with 

crinkled skin and frail health,

but also with a more loving heart 

softened by the things I have suffered.

Slowly over the years, 

the abrasion caused by 

each sorrow and challenge

has worked to polish my soul. 

In Appreciation to a Special Father

by Cheryl Merrick

To a special father 

who shares with his children

his enthusiasm for life

as he leads them up

boulder strewn hills,

or takes them exploring 

the world one fun 

experiment at a time.

A father who

encourages them 

to savor both the flavors

of each dish created together,

and the sounds 

of good words read together.