Posted on by Jessica Dofflemyer

More Than A Blender

it started when I agreed
to see him one more time

and then another
and another
and for weeks
upon each of our goodbyes
I really didn’t know
if I would ever
see that Bohemian again

it was a milestone
when I bought him that purple toothbrush
the one to keep at my place
and then
eventually
I scooted
gave him half a drawer
which slowly morphed
to two

it was effortless
how space was made
and filled
now men’s shirts
hang neatly next to blouses
and we practice
saying ‘our house’
through silly smiles

but appliances
now that’s big stuff
and when the blender
and the food processor
both broke in one day
we took it as a fated sign
which lead us
to our first joint purchase

now we’re steaming soups
making sorbet
creating concoctions
in the Vitamix
the appliance
that’s, oh so much more
than a blender

Posted on by Jessica Dofflemyer · 2 Comments

Hafiz in the Morning…

It’s getting too light – I’ve missed the window of my writing hour.  I make coffee and seek the beautiful wisdom of Hafiz in the morning shadows by the kitchen stove.

No, Hafiz, it is not too dark.

Yes, my heart sounds a warning.  Ever-desiring to live with the Real!

“If It Is Not Too Dark”

Go for a walk, if it is not too dark.
Get some fresh air, try to smile.
Say something kind
To a safe-looking stranger, if one happens by.

Always exercise your heart’s knowing.

You might as well attempt something real
Along this path:

Take your spouse or lover into your arms
The way you did when you first met.
Let tenderness pour from your eyes
The way the Sun gazes warmly on the earth.

Play a game with some children.
Extend yourself to a friend.
Sing a few ribald songs to your pets and plants-
Why not let them get drunk and wild!

Let’s toast
Every rung we’ve climbed on Evolution’s ladder.
Whisper, “I love you! I love you!”
To the whole mad world.

Let’s stop reading about God-
We will never understand Him.

Jump to your feet, wave your fists,
Threaten and warn the whole Universe

That your heart can no longer live
Without real love!

                    ~Hafiz from I Heard God Laughing: Poems of Hope and Joy

Posted on by Jessica Dofflemyer · 1 Comment

Sleeping Through the Secrets

I think you’re supposed to be awake in order to achieve enlightenment.

It’s embarrassing to admit that even the lure of being privy to The Book of Secrets is not enough to keep me conscious. Every time I try to read a bit of Deepak’s sage wisdom, I get about two paragraphs in and promptly fall asleep.

I think the Bohemian found me last night with the book laid across my chest, my eyes shut and my mouth hanging open – not exactly the illuminated state I was seeking.

I’m beginning to wonder what it means if someone offers up a book filled with secrets to the key of life and I simply cannot read it without drifting into dreamland.

I thought I wanted the juiciest secrets divulged. Maybe I’m just not ready.