Finito ... Done

Today’s word is “finito” ... finished; ended. (Dictionary.com)

Done
This year’s finito!
But when you blink it’s all new!
Start again. Again.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Retrospection ... Tick

Today’s word is “retrospection” ... the action, process, or faculty of looking back on things past. (Dictionary.com)

Tick
There is much to be learned they say,
From retrospection of the past,
Choices made for good or ill,
Leave traces that will last.

We can ponder future acts,
And weigh them in our minds,
Change them at our every whim,
And with them our form align.

But the past is frozen,
The future but a dream,
The only time we have is now,
To change things, it would seem.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Gawsy ... Pause

Today’s word is “gawsy” ... of people) well-dressed and of cheerful appearance. (Dictionary.com)

Pause
Inbetween this Christmas and
Next year’s beginning bell,
Two gawsy, happy holidays,
All saddness is dispelled.

Soon enough we will return,
To troubles small and great,
We’ll fight to keep our heads up,
And go down pathways straight.

This respite has been merry,
With peace and love to share,
Perhaps we’ll make it last a while,
If we can dream to dare.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Réchauffé ... Mmmm

Today’s word is “réchauffé” ... a warmed-up dish of food. (Dictionary.com)

Mmmmm
The best part of the feasting,
Is réchauffé galore!
After having rested,
There’s always room for more.

A dab of mashed potatoes,
A tiny slice of pie,
Some relish of cranberry,
In the fridge I spy.

After having seconds,
Eaten with great mirth,
I will ignore the scale,
And the increase in my girth!

A whole new year awaits,
That’s when I’ll show restraint,
I’m sure by then that I will have,
The traits of a great saint!

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Shilly-shally ... Hang

Today’s word is shilly-shally ... to show indecision or hesitation; be irresolute; vacillate. (Dictionary.com)

Hang
Purposefully walking,
No shilly-shallying,
Straight towards the fateful branch,
Where she will hang, still.

Slowly spinning round,
Encasing her very self,
Not knowing the story’s end,
Yet doing what she must.

Inside, a miracle,
Unseen and undescribed,
Shifting from form to form,
From the dust to the sky.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Ephemeral ... Given

Today’s word is “ephemeral” ... lasting a very short time; short-lived; transitory: the ephemeral joys of childhood. (Dictionary.com)

Given
Ephemeral breath,
Ephemeral life we have,
Wild gift of wonder.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Big-hearted ... Abide

Today’s word is “big-hearted” ... generous; kind. (Dictionary.com)

Abide
How do they get this way ...
The big-hearted, the lovely, the kind?
What special quality rises,
To create that state of mind?

Or is it a state of heart,
That expresses unearned love?
And where does that come from,
If not from above?

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Atiptoe ... Listen

Today’s word is “atiptoe” ... eagerly expectant, as anticipating a desired event or arrival: waiting atiptoe for the mail. 

Listen
We are atiptoe on this night,
Waiting for the new-born son.
Who has come and will again,
Until his children all are won.

So each day when we arise,
We wait with baited breath to hear,
The voice and step of he who saves,
The words of our own Lord most dear.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Gemütlich ... Still

Today’s word is “gemütlich” ... comfortable and pleasant; cozy. 

Still Settled by the fire,
Wishing for quiet snowfall,
All is gemütlich, fine,
Listening to the night call.

Thinking of friends most dear,
And family together,
Those are a different warmth,
Independent of the weather.

Contemplating love,
Come to us on earth,
A warm unending bliss,
Revealed in holy birth.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Kvell ... Success

Today’s word is “kvell” ... to be extraordinarily pleased; especially, to be bursting with pride. (Dictionary.com)

Success
He began to brag,
To kvell at his fortune,
Counting his dollars.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Halcyon ... Solstice

Today’s word is “halcyon” ... calm; peaceful; tranquil

Solstice
Truly halcyon days have come,
Though Christmas waits for all,
The balmy air lays calm and clear,
And snow does not blow or fall.

For those who travel near or far,
The roads are clear ahead,
And everyone at journey’s end,
Should rest safely in their beds.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Effervescent ... Become

Today’s word is “effervescent” ... vivacious; merry; lively; sparkling. (Dictionary.com)

Become
Effervescent is this season,
Full of joy and gladness,
For on Christmas Day was born,
The one who did slay sadness.

We thought our lives were meaningless,
That sorrow was our treasure,
Until he came to prove to us,
His love beyond all measure.

Thus we live in this dark world,
With heaven in our eyes,
Guilty, yet we are forgiven,
Christ is our final prize.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Flâneur ... Busy

Today’s word is “flâneur” ... idler; dawdler; loafer. (Dictionary.com)

Busy
There’s so much to do ...
Flâneurs on the couch, beware!
Time is running out.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Deipnosophist ... Follow

Today’s word is “deipnosophist” ... a person who is an adept conversationalist at a meal. (Dictionary.com)

Follow
The deipnosophist
Dances fast and weaves a spell.
Pied piper of words.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Tintinabulation ... Listen

Today’s word is “tintinabulation” ... the ringing or sound of bells. (Dictionary.com)

Listen
Soon we will be hearing,
The tintinabulation,
The ringing of the bells,
The bells of Christmas.

As long as bells are ringing,
And songs are being sung,
The people joyful singing,
We will with hope be filled.

Christmas comes but once a year,
And came only once in time,
But only once was needed,
For in time he came.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Welter ... Christmas

Today’s word is “welter” ... a confused mass; a jumble or muddle (Dictionary.com)

Christmas
The lights entangle.
A welter of bright color ...
A celebration.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Peripeteia ... Break

Today’s word is “peripeteia” ... a sudden turn of events or an unexpected reversal, especially in a literary work. (Dictionary.com)

Break
The garden was lovely,
Trees and streams and all,
The crystal water shinning,
But this, before the fall.

Then the gate was shut,
And we were left outside,
Alone to fight the earth,
And from ourselves to hide.

Eons came and went,
Still we chose the dark,
But hope in something deep,
Kept us straining toward the mark.

Then a peripeteia,
A baby in a stall,
Came to shine God’s light,
And redeem us, one and all.

Still he waits most quietly,
In sorrow and in joy,
For us to make our own turns,
And his grace employ.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Esculent ... Treats

Today’s word is “esculent” ... suitable for use as food; edible. (Dictionary.com)

Treats
All things esculent
Will shortly be appearing.
Sweet and savory.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Festal ... Maybe

Today’s word is “festal” ... pertaining to or befitting a feast, festival, holiday, or gala occasion. (Dictionary.com)

Maybe
This festal season makes me
     think of elves ...
those handy little creatures
     dressed in felt.

Wouldn’t it be exciting to
     know a couple personally ...
When you had to create a 
     family dinner for 25?

They certainly worked wonders
     for the shoemaker ...
Though I hear they are not
     always so friendly.

Having someone to sweep the floor
     or tie your shoes,
Or let the cat in and let it 
     out again, would be fantastic.

I wonder how they are at
     picking out the perfect present?
Would they sit, legs crossed,
     pointy toes tapping, as they 
          scrolled through myriads of web pages?

Would they spin wrapping paper,
     like Rumplestiltskin spun gold,
Creating ribboned fantasies
      that would make the relatives faint?

Would they work at night,
     leaving everyone breathless
In the morning as we awoke
     to mounds of French toast 
          and soft-boiled eggs?
     
I suppose, since I’ve never seen one,
     except at the mall in winter,
That all my chores will still be there tomorrow ...
     But Stranger things have happened,
          haven’t they?

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Brobdingnagian ... Dig

Today’s word is “brobdingnagian” ... of huge size; gigantic; tremendous. (Dictionary.com)

Dig
There’s only one word
For all this crazy action ...
Brobdingnagian!

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Forby ... Break

Today’s word is “forby” ... besides. (Dictionary.com)

Break
Dark is dark indeed,
See? The light is coming soon.
Forby, it is here!

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Concinnate ... Needled

Today’s word is “concinnate” ... to arrange or blend together skillfully, as parts or elements; put together in a harmonious, precisely appropriate, or elegant manner. (Dictionary.com)

Needled Putting up the Christmas tree,
All elements must concinnate,
There can be no confusion,
Everything must integrate.

The lights should all be spaced,
Equally apart,
Mix even reds and greens,
Or don’t even start.

Don’t forget the angel,
She’ll beautify the top,
Every time we pass by,
We’ll have to stare and stop.

Such a fine green centerpiece,
To adorn the space,
All because a little child,
Came to show us all his grace.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Tinselry ... Joy

Today’s word is “tinselry” ... cheap and pretentious display. (Dictionary.com)

Joy
The season beckons,
Even the tinselry sings,
“The new is coming!”

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Ology ... University

Today’s word is “ology” ... any science or branch of knowledge. (Dictionary.com)

University
If I could live forever,
I would study all the ologies.
Beginning with the names of stars ...
One should know what is
     spinning above her head.

Then the strata of the earth,
Each differentiated by color, and texture,
And the lives hidden within, 
like secrets kept from the beginning.

The animals of course,
From anteaters to zebras would be
     observed and touched.
What better way to understand?

Perhaps then, humanity in all its
forms and colors and customs.
And bodies and how they do their
     miraculous work.

And when all that can be touched,
Or seen, or smelt or heard is known,
The invisible would be explored: motion,
numbers, music, quarks and forces. 
How clouds know when to form
and where to drop the rain.

And last of all, or maybe first,
The study of our purposes,
The reasons for our deepest happiness
And sorrow.

So many mysteries. (I hope heaven
     has museums.)
I wonder how, on this amazing planet,
     we can content ourselves 
          with trivialities?

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Fastigiate ... Wait

Today’s word is “fastigiate” ... having branches that are erect and parallel, tapering to a pointed top. (Dictionary.com)

Wait ...
Someday, maybe soon, maybe late,
We will meet in joyful celebration,
Our hands raised high,
Like fastigiate trees ...
Dancing will be the only way
To express our feelings.

After all the complications of
This earth. After all the confusion
And uncertainty. After all the pain,
The loss and agony. Will be joy.
Joy!

Can you believe it? See it in your
Mind’s eye? Angels on a pin will
No longer be a topic of conversation.
Because we will walk with them
In light and peace. Advent is
Here. And the advent of the Christ is 
The advent of us all!

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Bonhomie ...

Today’s word is “bonhomie” ... frank and simple good-heartedness; a good-natured manner; friendliness; geniality.  (Dictionary.com)

Vision
What if we could give,
A small touch of bonhomie.
A piece of our hearts?

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Spoonerism ... Tangle

Today’s word is “spoonerism” ... the transposition of initial or other sounds of words, usually by accident, as in a blushing crow for a crushing blow. (Dictionary.com)

Tangle
Reading through the paper,
Everywhere you look,
Confusing as a spoonerism,
Is that flakey book.

No matter what it says,
With its tongue firmly in cheek,
Its tricky words sway people,
Every day of every week.

If truth was a bright light,
That shone upon the pages,
Maybe then we’d know,
What is only known to sages.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Snarf ...

Today’s word is “snarf” ... to eat quickly and voraciously; scarf (often followed by down or up). (Dictionary.com)

Eat
We’ve snarfed up the treats,
Now we are on new diets.
Around and around.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Benignity ... Open

Today’s word is “benignity” ... good deed or favor; an instance of kindness: benignities born of selfless devotion. (Dictionary.com)

Open
We are showered every day,
With benignities uncounted,
The grace of God so obvious,
It should not at all be doubted.

Yet we live ours days as blind,
Ignoring beauty calling,
Tripping on dark thoughts and deeds,
Thinking we are falling.

If we could see just past this world,
To the surrounding glory,
We would laugh and play and dance,
And tell a different story.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Existential ... Sense

Today’s word is “existential” ... of or relating to existence. (Dictionary.com)

Sense
Thinking about all the things,
All things existential,
Those are the ones, don’t you think,
That are the most essential?

Why we’re here; where we go,
What matters between ...
Thoughts of things invisible,
And what they really mean.

If on this earth there’s nothing more,
Than revolving ‘round in space,
There is no chance, no chance at all,
That we are saved by grace.

But if electricity and quarks,
Are real, though not seen or held,
Perhaps God’s love and providence,
Are just as real as well.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Vicissitudes ... Shield

Today’s word is “vicissitudes” ... successive, alternating, or changing phases or conditions, as of life or fortune; ups and downs. (Dictionary.com)

Shield
Through every vicissitude,
They persisted and they thrived.
They lived their lives in truth and trust,
And many of them died.

Trouble made them stronger,
Persecution made them bold,
Throughout all the ages,
The amazing story has been told.

How do you stop this gospel,
Which grows with every pain?
It grows and blossoms always,
Like a flower after rain.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Roman ,,, Poised

Today’s word is “Roman” ... a novel. (Dictionary.com)

Poised
He wrote a roman,
Congratulated himself,
Waited breathlessly.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Corybantic ... Focus

Today’s word is “corybantic” ... frenzied; agitated; unrestrained. (Dictionary.com)

Focus
As their language took control,
Took over in its rage,
Corybantic, not content,
Not the language of a sage.

The anger and the accusations,
Overrode the facts,
Suddenly it was too late,
To try to take it back.

Now the gist is in the mill,
And the stones are turning,
Those who choose to ignore the truth,
Will soon enough be learning.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Folsom ... Prayer

Today’s word is “foison” ... abundance; plenty. (Dictionary.com)

Prayer
A day of foison,
Freedom, food and favor
Now we remember.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Postprandial ... Preview

Today’s word is “postprandial” ... after a meal, especially after dinner: postprandial oratory; a postprandial brandy. (Dictionary.com)

Preview
Thanksgiving is tomorrow,
We will eat everything,
Turkey and the trimmings,
And whatever guests will bring.

Between the mashed potatoes,
And the pumpkin pie,
The homemade breads and rolls,
Our diets we’ll defy.

Later, as the sugars rush,
And we start to yawn,
We’ll need a postprandial nap,
To be able to go on.

Though it does not seem possible,
As we laze about in chairs,
Soon our hunger will return,
And we’ll eat again without a care.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Stargazer ... Sparkle

Today’s word is “stargazer” ... a daydreamer. (dictionary.com)

Sparkle
Stargazers look up! 
A special star is coming.
It’s hidden in hope.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Horoogium ... Tick

Today’s word is “horologium” ... a timepiece, as a clock or sundial, or a building supporting or containing a timepiece. (Dictionary.com)

Tick
In his horologium,
He hides eons of time,
They appear as minutes, hours and days,
Yet are coincidentally divine.

We cannot see outside ourselves,
We’re hidden well inside,
He holds us in eternity,
Where angels too abide.

Someday we will rise above,
This pedestrian point-of-view,
And watch as heaven and earth combine,
Fresh and completely new.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Copacetic ...

Today’s word is “copacetic” ... fine; completely satisfactory; OK. (Dictionary.com)

Sigh
Sit cross-legged here,
All is copacetic now.
Breathe in and breathe out.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Gusto ... Tasty

Today’s word is “gusto” ... hearty or keen enjoyment, as in eating or drinking, or in action or speech in general: to dance with gusto. (Dictionary.com)

Tasty
Do you eat with gusto,
Your breakfast everyday?
Oatmeal and some orange juice,
Like the charts all say?

Do you have a piece of toast,
With butter and some jelly?
Do you know that soon,
It will settle on your belly?

All those sweets will get you,
That’s what my mother said,
But I do love buttered bread,
Maybe I’ll stay in bed.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Usageaster ... Proper

Today’s word is “usageaster” ... a self-styled authority on language usage. (Dictionary.com)

Proper
A usageaster!
Please help us speak correctly!
We never learned how.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Avocation ... Yipee!

Today’s word is “avocation” ... something a person does in addition to a principal occupation, especially for pleasure; hobby: Our doctor's avocation is painting. (Dictionary.com)

Yippee!
What would you do for love?
What choice of avocation?
Something in art or music,
That you’d do without cessation?

Maybe you would juggle,
Or train dogs to dance,
Perhaps you’d learn the game of chess,
Or master games of chance.

Could you pull rabbits out of hats,
Or learn strange tongues to speak?
However you would spend your time,
Joy is what you’d reap.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Controvert ... Fight

Today’s word is “controvert” .... to argue about; debate; discuss. (Dictionary.com)

Fight
So many things to controvert,
But who has the time,
To cover every subject?
But some would be inclined.

The arguments do rage,
Online and in ink,
In person not so much,
You never know who’ll blink.

Perhaps someday civility,
Will come back in style,
Til then, ‘til we all agree,
We might try at least to smile.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Rhapsodic ... Marble

Today’s word is “rhapsodic” ... extravagantly enthusiastic; ecstatic. (Dictionary.com)

Marble
To see earth from space,
Would make the jaded gasp in
Rhapsodic delight.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Oppidan ... Primal

Today’s word is “oppidan” ... of a town; urban. (Dictionary.com)

Primal
The country’s not for everyone,
With fresh clean air and trees,
Some people are oppidan,
And you can’t please these.

They prefer their coffee shops,
To be right down the street,
And taxis to be close at hand,
To ride ... not use their feet.

The weight of earth and feel of rain,
Are not what give them pleasure,
But for those who live outside,
All these are a treasure.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Simony ...

Today’s word is “simony” ... the making of profit out of sacred things. (Dictionary.com)

Exchange
Of all the things we cannot buy,
Delight of soul is surely one,
It would be simony as well.
And by few would it be done.

Blessed peace is not for sale,
Nor love, nor life’s duration,
God’s love is given full and free,
The greatest revelation.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Spruik ... Yawn

Today’s word is “spruik” ... to make or give a speech, especially extensively or elaborately; spiel; orate. (Dictionary.com)

Yawn
She wishes to spruik
But there’s no one to listen.
So she mumbles low.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Ipso facto ... What?

Today’s word is “Ipso facto” ... by the fact itself; by the very nature of the deed: to be condemned ipso facto. (dictionary.com)

What?
The truth was not told,
He ipso facto spoke out,
No one believed him.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Gallimaufry ... imagine

Today’s word is “gallimaurfry” ... a hodgepodge; jumble; confused medley. (Dictionary.com) 

Imagine
Children in the living room,
Games scattered on the floor,
Blankets and stuffed animals,
Gallimaufry, door to door.

But order came of chaos,
A lake formed in the hall,
Made of blankets stretched out,
Wall to wall to wall.

And banked along one doorway,
Was the beaver dam.
Along it’s ledges, creatures sat,
Anything that swam or ran.

Nature appeared inside the house,
Replicated and enhanced,
Nearby the children happily,
Played on, in song and dance.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Devoir ... Powerless

Today’s word is “devoir” ... something for which a person is responsible; duty. (Dictionary.com)

Powerless
If you lose your faith,
How will you do your devoir?
How will you survive?

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Cucullate ... Cozy

Today’s word is “cucullate” ... resembling a cowl or hood. (Dictionary.com)

Cozy
Safe within his nest,
Leaves warm; a cucullate cap.
High above he dreams.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Strepitous ... Chewy

Today’s word is “strepitous” ... boisterous; noisy. (Dictionary.com)

Chewy
Normally strepitous,
He was busy with his treat,
Dismantling a pretty gourd,
The pieces at his feet.

He started with the pumpkin,
Sitting on the stairs,
It barely lasted Halloween,
It is no longer there.

Between him and the snow,
Fall decorations are no more,
Time to light the Christmas tree,
And get the wreath for the front door.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Salutary ... Early

Today’s word is “salutary” ... promoting or conducive to some beneficial purpose; wholesome. (Dictionary.com)

Early
Snow is on the ground,
I’m sure there is a reason,
But what salutary thing,
Could there be for this cold season?

The squirrels are running madly,
To find a nut or two,
Birds are on the feeders,
Hoping for something new.

Children in down are swaddled,
Adults are wearing mittens,
Not many living creatures,
Seem with this false winter smitten.

So this stuff mysterious,
Water frozen into snow,
Must advance the earth’s production,
But how? I suppose God knows!

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Picayune ... Smallish

Today’s word is “picayune” ... of little value or account; small; trifling. (Dictionary.com)

Smallish
Such picayune things,
Yet, late in years,
Their memories linger,
Full of hopes and fears,

Little words spoken,
Actions of all kinds,
Make us who we are,
They are not left behind.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Turophobia ... Nibble

Today’s word is “turophobia” ... an irrational or disproportionate fear of cheese. (Dictionary.com)

Nibble
Cheese is everywhere.
Turophobia is real!
There’s more for the rest!!

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Thither ... See

Today’s word is “thither” ... to or toward that place or point; there: on the farther or other side or in the direction away from the person speaking; farther; more remote.

See
When we all do thither go,
To that place mysterious,
Will the answers that we question,
Make us much less curious?

And there, will joy overcome
Finally every woe and fear,
As by love we are surrounded,
And God, to our very eyes draws near?

Will we remember sins and follies,
Pleasures, pain and holy deeds,
Or will we find in his embrace,
Everything we know we need?

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Sprachefühl ... Listen

Today’s word is “sprachgefühl” a sensitivity to language, especially for what is grammatically or idiomatically acceptable in a given language. 

Listen

So many stories,

But they need sprachgefühl,

Which should we believe?

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2019

Obumbrate ... Stormy

Today’s word is “obumbrate” ... to darken, overshadow, or cloud. (Dictionary.com)

Stormy

Though evil may obumbrate,

Spread its wings and fly,

Try to ruin everything

Till it’s too late to wonder why,

Goodness may yet prosper,

If we trust our hearts,

Finding joy in every moment,

Now’s the time to start.

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2019

Squee ... Gone

Today’s word is “squee” ... to squeal with joy, excitement. (Dictionary.com)

Gone
It’s the end of Halloween,
I’d like to squee and sing,
No more silly costumes,
No more bells that ring.

No giant bags of candy,
Purchased at the store,
No eating of the extras,
Because there are no more.

No more happy pumpkin lights,
Costumes off fifty percent,
Soon we will be wondering,
Where Thanksgiving went.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2019

Lilliputian ... Ropes

Today’s word is “Lilliputian” ... extremely small; tiny. (Dictionary.com)

Ropes

Large people; small land.

Watch out for Lilliputians!

They will tie you down!

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2019

Ghost word ... Ending

Today’s word is “ghost word” ... a word that has come into existence by error rather than by normal linguistic transmission, as through the mistaken reading of a manuscript, a scribal error, or a misprint. (Dictionary.com)

Ending

At heaven’s gateway,

How many, like a ghost word,

Arrive by surprise?

Anne Selleck

Copyright 2019