Category: Maria Brady-Smith
There is Beauty Everywhere
There is Beauty Everywhere Even the tattered tarp that covers the woodpile, battered as it is by the bitter wind, cups a puddle of rainwater in its folds, which it offers now, like a chalice, to the t... Read More
Am I an Old Lady Yet?
Am I an Old Lady Yet? I’m not quite sure when that threshold is crossed. Some of the external evidence is here- thinning hair, furrowed skin, aches from old injuries, and the way I have become invis... Read More
A Blessing
A Blessing As you set out on the path ahead, may the difficulties of the past be transformed into strength and compassion. May your fears be channeled into alert determination. May self-doubt recede s... Read More
Sense of Well-Being
Sense of Well-Being Such a luxurious beginning, the way I climb out of this soft, warm bed and have everything I need- a bathrobe and slippers, a toothbrush and paste, a toilet that flushes, ample cof... Read More
Elegy to My Father
It has been 44 years this week since my dad died. It was all such a long time ago and I am glad I wrote down these memories of him when I did. Elegy To My Father I My dreams took years to comprehend y... Read More
Just This Moment in Time
Just This Moment in Time It is a cold December evening. We have just returned from a night hike under the stars and now, you stoke the wood stove while I settle in with a good book, basking in the coz... Read More
Introversion
Introversion When I am around a lot of people, there is a little scribe in my brain who insists on taking notes, processing every single interaction. He is very thorough and writes slowly with his tin... Read More
Granddaughter
Granddaughter We are walking together across the blazing blacktop. Sweat blossoms on my lip and brow. She is talking, talking, talking. Her hand, as if it knows its own language, the language of trust... Read More
When Sadness Comes to Visit
When Sadness Comes to Visit Against all instinct, Don’t run away. Try not to fix anything. Don’t get busy Cleaning the house Or running errands. Just sit down with it. Offer it a cup of te... Read More
Late Afternoon
Late Afternoon There are plenty of days that I let this moment pass, just keep working, ignore the slant afternoon sun’s beckoning call. Come, it says. Rest. Linger for a while. You have worked hard... Read More
On Watching Mr. Rogers Bury a Dead Fish
On Watching Mr. Rogers Bury a Dead Fish My grandchildren and I sat mesmerized, as he quietly, carefully, netted the little silver body, wrapped it reverently in a paper towel shroud, troweled a hole i... Read More
If I Could Tell You Just One Thing
If I Could Tell You Just One Thing If I could tell you just one thing, it would be this- beneath the daily disappointments, beneath the layers of frustration, anger, sadness, beneath even your despair... Read More
Each Morning, Daughters
Each Morning, Daughters In these quiet early hours, before the day begins, my heart finds its way to each of you, my grown daughters. I float back and back to our deepest beginnings, when I had the sa... Read More
Feeling Fall
Feeling Fall Cool and crisp, these early days of fall are each one more lovely than the last. Yet they stir in me a melancholy I cannot name, but well recognize. I want to sip warm tea on the porch, w... Read More
