I don’t write poetry often, but sometimes it needs to be done
Understood
Mud on my jeans, leaves in my hair.
I've been walking in the woods.
Tried to get lost, but the way was too clear.
Blazes on trees; path underfoot.
Sometimes I want to disappear,
Let nobody know where I am.
The wind in the trees, it knows my true name.
I need reminding again.
The birds scream their words,
the chipmunks, they chitter;
The deer tiptoe loudly through leaves.
But I am a human and must find my voice.
The clues are out there with the trees.
I have this for a start--
I know I'm a part of everything there in the woods.
The birds and the trees say what I need to hear:
"Understood, understood, understood."
Melissa Burnett
2/26/23
Word Doodles
Word doodles,
Squirmy wet noodles.
Make them flat,
Add this and that.
Now they roll, over and under,
Streaking 'cross the sky like thunder.
Watch them bounce, high low high.
You might catch one if you try.
Stretch like taffy,
Photo-graphy,
The world's their stage
(Shaped like a page.)
Blown wide open, then opaque.
They can bite, quick, like a snake.
The only thing words never do is
shut their mouths--
Your words are you.
Melissa Burnett
2/3/23
I Remember Oreos
I remember Oreos.
The scribbles drawn on tiny toes--
a smiling face.
a round TUIT.
Motivation wrapped in love,
and topped off with a smile.
I remember books and songs.
Your playful word games led me toward
the life I now enjoy,
where lost inside a story
is the best place to be found.
It's thanks to you I know the truth
of consequential things.
That dancing in the kitchen
makes the work feel fun.
That laughter helps the pain hurt less,
and lets new pleasures grow.
And oh--
The laughing times we've had!
My story overflows with joy
because you taught me how.
I need to thank you now.
You gave me life
and so much more.
A mother's duty, I suppose.
Still...
I remember Oreos.
Melissa Burnett
Written for my mother on her birthday.
5/22/25
Melissa Burnett 