“Rat Ripple-down— Part One”

Several years ago, a bold family of roof rats invaded our home. A combination of live traps and baited boxes outside eventually took care of them, but our exterminator warned that the pond out by our kitchen wall  probably drew them to that part of the house. He advised us to remove the fountain and pond. While doing that, he suggested we double check the back wall for entry areas and seal everything off. Our successful efforts shifted us into a roof rat free home as we’ve made it several seasons without sighting a single brown nose!

We removed the pond lining and spent last summer filling the area with bag after bag of soil. I couldn’t decide what to plant into the new area and tossed wildflower seeds that like shade over the ground a few weeks ago. I picked up some lily bulbs, too. The packs were a random assortment of types and colors. The first bloom, white, sat perfect and pretty in at the edge of where our old pond once rested. A couple of days later, a sunny yellow blossom danced in the morning breeze. 

     I focus on the positive growth losing the pond brings to that section of yard. As this spring moves to summer, fall, and winter, I’ll plant other kinds of bulbs into the fertile area. I’ll remind myself that change can be good, even when it was unwanted.

Copyright 2026 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman

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"The Subtle Sign of Sadness"

A few days ago, the library branch I use notified me that my card needed renewing. An annual ritual marked each spring that arrives with Live Oak pollen, Mountain Laurel blooms, and dancing dandelions. I left the message with its bold RED number in my emails, knowing it would nag me relentlessly until I checked this task off my list. 

Entering the library,  I sniffed the scent of books like a hound hungry for meat. For some unacknowledged reason, I’d pulled away from reading over the past few months. Fingers trailing along titles, I realized I’d never finished the final book of a trilogy. My usual goal of reading a favorite author, a new-to-me writer, and a non-fiction piece had died with our frozen winter months. The time of year that usually binds me inside with a book in hand had escaped without a single volume sitting on my bedside. 

Driving home, I thought about how WORDS, my solace and haven, have slipped into  thick and silent shadows. 

People frequently ask, “How are you doing?”

“Fine. I’m fine. How about you?” I reply politely. My thoughts scripted by what I think they want to hear. 

However, I’m not fine. 

WORDS have left me.

MY WORDS.

OTHERS’ WORDS.

My sadness, so subtle that I didn’t notice its presence, silences my day. 

     

Copyright 2026 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman

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"Something to Prove"

    

unnatural competition
sibling rivalries created and nurtured
by narcissistic manipulations
the alcoholic mother and enabling father
doling out love to the winners
the challenge evolves
 to plastic wives and drunken children
awards for misogyny and adultery
applause for cheats
 and deceits
victory gained
by zealous clannish unity
that punishes the different drummer
with ostracism and disdain
darkness shadows each generation
with something to prove

 

Copyright 2022 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman  

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"Approval"

   

her exclamations of righteousness
fill every hour of every day
as she proclaims her piety
she protects her façade of devotion
with her illusions of perfection
she announces her good deeds
by never saying no
she weaves wreaths of sacrifices
she carries the cross of expectations
over her broken body
her fears wrap around her
 when she judges herself harshly
with condemnation for human failings
she kneels in supplication
asking forgiveness for her sins
 

Coppyright 2024 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman

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"Rain on the Rooftop"

  

Rain on the rooftop, a Texas lullaby   
Thunder a distant heartbeat, wind a crooning sigh   
Watch the windows weep as lightning cuts the sky   
Clouds roll and tumble, carry raindrops on a ride   
Trees cleanse their dusty leaves—shake off Summer’s dry   
Droplets form to puddles, and rivers start to fly   
Mother Earth’s cracked face smiles and laughs in reply   
To rain on the rooftop, a Texas lullaby   

Copyright 2011 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman

"Soft Rain on a Quiet Night" PLUVOASMR

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