Homestead

By Kieran

 Homestead


Artwork and original whimsical poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025, inspired by the Prairie Home Companion, radio show hosted by the singular Garrison Keillor

 


Tis been a good year on our homestead, there’s much to be grateful for
We got a bumper crop of peaches and apricots, and Santa Rosa plums galore

Mable’s stocked the pantry with Mason jars of the very best apricots 
There’s plenty to gift our family and friends without casting lots

As for me, I’ll take a slice of her plum jam pie with a buttery crust
It’s scrumptious, juicy and so flavorful, worth way more than stardust 

Age is catching up Bessie, we got her when our daughter was born
I can tell as Bessie no longer wakes me up at the crack of dawn

Sad that ole Jackson was forced to sell his farm last summer
The recent drought’s been hard on us farmers, that’s a real bummer

As for Mable and me, we’re in this for the long haul, no doubt 
Tis the only life we’ve known; there ain’t no one gonna make use sellout

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Stained Glass

By Kieran
Image
  Origin and Significance of Stained Glass Stained glass has ancient roots, but it became especially prominent during the medieval period, particularly in Christian church architecture. The earliest known examples of coloured glass date back to ancient Egypt and Rome used decoratively in windows and mosaics. In the 12th–15th century, stained glass became a hallmark of Gothic cathedrals in Europe, reaching its peak in France, England, and Germany.    Biblical Storytelling: In a largely illiterate society, stained glass windows illustrated scenes from the Bible saints’ lives, and moral lessons, serving as a visual scripture for the masses.    Spiritual Atmosphere: The interplay of light and colour symbolized divine presence, aiming to elevate the worshipper's spirit and represent heavenly light entering sacred space. Stained glass contributed to the aesthetic grandeur of cathedrals like Chartres and Notre Dame.  It influenced architectural design, as Gothic a...
Read more

Pope Leo

By Kieran
Image
  Pope Leo XIV On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Conclave of 133 Roman Catholic Cardinals elected a new Pope for 1.4 billion faithful, the  267th in the line of Pontiffs that dates back to St Peter, who was handpicked by Jesus Christ himself. [ Matthew 16:18 ] Before he was elected Pope Leo XIV, Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Frost Prevost spent  much of his life outside the United States. Ordained in Rome in 1982 at age 27, he received a doctorate in canon law at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, also in Rome.  For the past two decades he was a missionary in Chilayco, Peru, serving as a parish priest, seminary teacher, and diocesan official.  Here he also became a naturalized citizen, then rose to lead his international religious community, the Order of St. Augustine. Under Pope Francis, he held one of the most influential Vatican posts, running the office that selects and manages bishops globally. His deep connection to Latin America helped him gain a...
Read more

Blue Bird

By Kieran
Image
My homage to Azulejos - the striking white and blue ceramic tiles of Portugal.  The name 'azulejos' is derived from the Arabic word 'al zuleique', which means “little polished stone”. The tiles were originally brought to Europe by invading Moors in the 13th century - a style that employs flowing lines, stars, flowers, foliage, fruits and sometimes animal and figural outlines to produce an intricate pattern of interlaced lines that can be tiled in endless combinations.   The art and history of azulejos have left an indelible mark on Portuguese culture and heritage. These vibrant and intricate tiles have adorned buildings, churches, and public spaces for centuries, captivating the eyes and hearts of locals and visitors alike.  The enduring legacy of Portuguese tile-making is a testament to the skill, creativity, and craftsmanship of the artisans who have dedicated themselves to this art form throughout history. This is one of my compositions inspired by a window decal at...
Read more