Bissextus ... Dots

Today's word is "bissextus" ... bahy-SEKS-tuh s ... February 29th: the extra day added to the Julian calendar every fourth year (except those evenly divisible by 400) to compensate for the approximately six hours a year by which the common year of 365 days falls short of the solar year. (Dictionary.com)

Dots

We need to keep order,

To conceive control of all things,

Even time and space.

We set the parameters.

Seconds, moments, hours,

Latitudes, longitudes and poles.

Mark and measure.

Add the bissextus.

Revere the weights and scales.

No wonder then,
We are surprised,
By the kiss of grace.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Premiate ... Gold

Today's word is "premiate" ... PREE-me-eyt ... to grant a prize or an award to. (Dictionary.com)

Gold

Maybe some fine day,

We will be primiated.

And deserve our prize.

Anne Selleck

Copyrighted 2016

Natter ... Beam

Today's word is "natter" ... NAT-er ... to talk incessantly; chatter. (Dictionary.com)

Beam

Morning light creeps cautiously,

Peeking through the trees,

Sliding through the grasses,

Coloring what we see.

Birds begin to natter,

Planning out their day,

We yawn and slowly stretch,

Perhaps take time to pray.

Have a cup of coffee,

Wipe the nighttime from our eyes,

Get ready for the next thing,

Whatever may surprise.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Internecine ... Folly

Today's word is "internecine" ... in-ter-NEE-seen ... Mutually destructive.

Folly

Watch the horizon!

Our internecine fighting,

Startles history.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Sylvan ... Zoom

Today's word is "sylvan" ... SIL-vuh n ... Of, relating to, or inhabiting the woods. (Dictionary.com)

Zoom

Into the sylvan scenes we fly,

And over bridges fine,

We want to see every single thing,

And at each restaurant dine.

Vacation is so full of fun,

Yet passes fast away,

We know we need to get back home,

But boy, we want to stay!

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Supercilious ... Entitled

Today's word is "supercilious" ... soo-per-SIL-ee-uh s ... haughtily disdainful or contemptuous, as a person or a facial expression. (Dictionary.com)

Entitled

He looks down his long, long nose,

With supercilious glee,

He knows that the rest of them,

Like him will never be.

His education long and hard,

His wealth created later,

The crooked paths he walked upon,

(Some just for him made straighter.)

The rabble that he gazes on,

From this lofty tower,

Will never understand how fierce,

Is his awesome power.

But, sometimes in the dark of night,

His confidences falter,

And he wonders if he bows,

At a crumbling altar.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Parapraxis ... What?

Today's word is "parapraxis" ... par-uh-PRAK-sis ... Psychology. a slip of the tongue or pen, forgetfulness, misplacement of objects, or other error thought to reveal unconscious wishes or attitudes. (Dictionary.com)

What?

Cereal in the refrigerator,

Oh, where did I put my keys?

Did I say you were delicious?

Let me forget that please!

If a parapraxis,

Is something ordinary,

Better watch what I do and say,

Boy, now I'm feeling wary!

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Apatetic ... Slick

Today's word is "apatetic" ... ap-uh-TET-ik ... Zoology. assuming colors and forms that effect deceptive camouflage. (Dictionary.com)

Slick

Slippery is what they are.

     Shimmying this way and that,

Using apatetic tactics ...

     to outwit their opponents.

If they change so easily

   with the wind prevailing,

Arranging smiles and comments

   to appease ...

What discerning magic 

     must be engaged,

To divine their true intentions?

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Passel ... Together

Today's word is "passel" ... PAS-uh l ... a group or lot of indeterminate number: a passel of dignitaries. (Dictionary.com)

Together

A murder of crows is possible,

A hive of bees, understood,

A skulk of foxes may be found,

Deep in a darkened wood.

But creatures that come in passels,

May be in human form,

And all these sorts of groupings,

Seem to be the norm.

From politicians or teachers,

To street workers or talking heads,

Whichever group you belong to,

Be yourself first, instead.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Abstemious ... Plated

Today's word is "abstemious" ... "ab-STEE-mee-uh s" ... Sparing or moderate in eating and drinking; temperate in diet. (dictionary.com)

Plated

Eat and be merry!

A diet abstemious,

Will depress our joy.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Cosmology ... Hmmm

Today's word is "cosmology" ... koz-MOL-uh-jee ... The branch of philosophy dealing with the origin and general structure of the universe, with its parts, elements, and laws, and especially with such of its characteristics as space, time, causality, and freedom. (Dictionary.com)

Hmmm

If we could discern the truth,

Of everything we see,

We would not need philosophies,

Like cosmology.

We would always be correct,

When speaking of the stars,

The universe and how it's made,

Why all is flung so far.

But we are bathed in mystery,

In us and around,

So we must propose some thoughts,

On all that we have found.

Yet, theories bend and break with time,

Leaving holes and questions,

Perhaps our senses can't reveal,
Ultimate intentions.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Autodidact ... Student

Today's word is "autodidact" ... aw-toh-DAHY-dakt ... a person who has learned a subject without the benefit of a teacher or formal education; a self-taught person. (Dictionary.com)

Student

If you go to school,

And spend a lot of money,

To get a paper, cool,

No one will think you're funny.

But if you're autodidactily inclined,

And an expert at your life,

There are some who'll say you can't shine,

And that you'll face more strife.

Don't listen to the moans,

From those who have diplomas faded,

They may just be jealous,

Or mad, or just plain jaded!

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Celerity ... Away

Today's word is "celerity" ... suh-LER-i-tee ... swiftness; speed. (Dictionary.com)

Away

Watch the dawn approach ... 

It's celerity upstaged,

By the setting sun.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Castellated ... Tales

Today's word is "castellated" ... KAS-tl-ey-tid ... Having many castles. Architecture. built like a castle, especially with turrets and battlements. (Dictionary.com)

Tales
I know a little princess,
She's all about the gowns,
And sparkley unicorns,
And endings without frowns.

Her town is castellated,
Her sky is always blue,
Every whim is honored,
Each amazing day is new.

Someday she will grow up,
Unlike the princess on the page,
But she'll go back in memories,
Smiling at her younger age.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2016

Encomium ... Run

Today's word is "encomium" ... en-KOH-mee-uh m ... a formal expression of high praise; eulogy: An encomium by the president greeted the returning hero. (Dictionary.com)

Run
Who can rise above the pettiness,
Hear what the people say?
Be brave enough to walk alone,
Yet show a clear, new way?

Who deserves an encomium,
For the deeds that they have done?
Who can last when times get tough,
Stand strong if they're the one?

These moments lead until the day,
When all of us will choose,
A leader who we'll follow,
Whether we win or lose.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2016

Amative ... Hearts

Today's word is "amative" ... AM-uh-tiv ... disposed to love; amorous. (Dictionary.com)

Hearts
Oh how very fortunate,
Are those whose lives are blessed,
With good friends and family,
In whom they find deep rest.

For those amative,
A partner may suffice,
Someone to send a card to,
For Valentine's; that's nice.

But better is the soul's love,
That for eternity will last,
Which no one can break or part,
Even when life's past.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2016

Groggery ... Cheers?

Today's word is "groggery" ... GROG-uh-ree ... a slightly disreputable barroom. (Dictionary.com)

Cheers?

This world sometimes seems,

A noisy groggery near dusk.

Full of strange creatures.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Calumniate ... Stand

Today's word is "calumniate" ... Kuh-LUHM-nee-eyt ... to make false and malicious statements about; slander. (Dictionary.com)

Stand
If you are the righteous,
Why calumniate another?
Why hurl stones of hate,
At one who is your brother?

Fighting with eachother,
On this planet shrinking small,
Proves the reality,
That we're children of the fall.

Turn then with affection,
Or at least civility,
To the one who wronged you,
With peace, your soul-filled plea.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2016

Interstitial ... Current

Today's word is "interstitial" ... in-ter-STISH-uh l ... pertaining to, situated in, or forming small or narrow spaces or intervals between things or parts. (Dictionary.com)

Current

Breaking through the madness,

A small voice beckons,

Lean in and listen.

An interstitial space,

A space thin as breath,

Rests between heaven and earth.

Weightless as thought,

More real than touch,

Spirit moves.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Fubsy ... Tabby

Today's word "fubsy" ... FUHB-zee ... British Dialect. short and stout. (Dictionary.com)

Tabby

I have a cat: she's fubsy,

Because she lays around,

She's not catching mousies,
And does not much astound.

It's ok though 'cause she's old now ...
Mine since she was a kitten.
Once she cuddled near me,
Both of us were smitten.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2016

Vicissitude ... Decide

Today's word is "vicissitude" ... vi-SIS-i-tood ... A change or variation occurring in the course of something. (Dictionary.com)

Decide

Watch the poll results,

Wild wheeling pulses explode,

Vicissitudes roll!

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Sagacity ... Seek

Today's word is "sagacity" ... suh-GAS-i-tee ... acuteness of mental discernment and soundness of judgement. (Dictionary.com)

Seek

Broken by feelings,

Heart on your sleeve,

Hoping to stay,

Afraid that you'll leave.

Knowing your choices,

Have shivered and waved,

Not full of sagacity,

Not always brave.

But the future's eyes shine,

With hope and delight,

And moments proceeding,

From darkness to light.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Dipsy-doodle ... Spin

Today's word is "dipsy-doodle" ... DIP-see-DOOD-l ... Slang. a quick dipping, sliding motion of the body, as made by ball carriers in football to evade tacklers. Also, shady dealings; chicanery. (Dictionary.com)

Spin

If you think you can,

Dipseydoodle around God,

(Better think again)

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Provenance ... Effect

Today's word is "provenance" ... PROV-uh-nuh ns ... Place or source of origin. (Dictionary.com)

Effect

Though we see ripples,

Love's provenance is hidden,

A deep spring of life.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Nugatory ... Small

Today's word is "nugatory" ... NOO-guh-tawr-ee ... of no real value; trifling; worthless. (Dictionary.com)

Small
Of all the teeny, tiny bugs,
And insects in the ground,
Are any nugatory ... 
Or are they useful where they're found?

Do not all creatures have a home
In Mother Nature's scheme?
Even the ridiculous ...
So, what then does it mean?

If every bird and mammal,
Has personality and place,
Why would we be any different,
Left untouched by this strange grace?

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2016

Desiderata ... Finish

Today's word is "desiderata" ... dih-sid-uh-REY-tuh ... things wanted or needed; the plural of desideratum. (Dictionary.com)

Finish

Into the catch-all wonders go,

Our earth the loom which holds them,

Of the desiderata of biology,

We only see the hem.

Inward, inward you may fly,

Or outward toward the stars,

And yet the mysteries remain,

All in God's repertoire.

What can we do but stand and stare,

Amazed at all the glory,

Someday the truth will ravel bare,

Our part in this bright story.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Alpenglow ... Amaze

Today's word is "alpenglow" ... AL-puh n-gloh" ... a reddish glow often seen on the summits of mountains just before sunrise or just after sunset. (Dictionary.com)

Amaze

Flatlanders have no alpenglow,

No tall peaks with sparking snow,

No deep crevasses filled with trees,

No steeps with eagles flying free.

But there are blue tides that roll,

Forests plenty in which to stroll,

Blinding sunsets of rose and gold,

A bank of memories to behold.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Aeromancy ... Tell

Today's word is "aeromancy" ... AIR-uh-man-see ... the prediction of future events from observation of weather conditions. (Dictionary.com)

Tell

If we could rely on snowflakes,

Or the melting of the poles,

Tornadic whirling spirals,

Or the cramping of our toes,

To tell us of the future,

The uptick or the crash,

This wondrous aeromancy,

Would bring us lots of cash!

But the wind that truly speaks,

Is brought by Spirit holy,

And lives in us, reflected,

From the Son most lowly.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016

Nonce ... Open

Today's word is "nonce" ... nons ... the present, or immediate, occasion or purpose (usually used in the phrase for the nonce). (Dictionary.com)

Open

There is, for the nonce,

A sort of peace,

If you don't look far,

For wars that've ceased.

But the truth is told,

Inside our minds,

And within our hearts,

For those not blind.

Tranquility's claimed,

When love draws near,

Filling the spaces,

Once owned by fear.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2016