You Are a Legend

Your talent is unparalleled
In many art avenues,
And everyone's amazed
By the detail that you use.
But aside from artist stylings,
You're quite the contemplator,
With many ideas and plans
Inside that formulator.
An engineer and teacher
Are all wrapped up in you.
You're even a bit zoologist
And a budding botanist too.
With all your many aptitudes,
Could there be room for one more?
You're witty and hilarious,
And you make folks roll on the floor.
What's more, you're kind and thoughtful
And love to give great gifts;
And every time I receive one,
My spirit naturally lifts.
I can't fathom my life without you.
I miss you when we are apart.
Kalina, you are a legend--
And I love you with all of my heart.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Feed Your Artistic Need

Conditions an artistic endeavor requires
Add fuel to the flame that ignites and inspires:
Peace of mind, joyful thoughts, a good night’s sleep;
Random illuminations that spark creative leaps;
Getting out in nature, by beauty surrounded.
Exposure to others’ art keeps one well-rounded.
A clean and organized, spacious workspace 
That is unshared—just yours—to find your best pace;
To know your work won’t be disturbed or moved
Helps one to get into an artistic groove.
A positive head space, good music, great snacks
Can feed imagination by oiling the tracks;

And color can add a new vibe, a bright spark
To bring dormant passions back out of the dark,
Instilling new hope in the art life you lead--
All because you have fed your artistic need.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Extra Pillowy

Extra pillowy
Well-whipped, creamy, nutty fudge
Heaven on a plate

Extra pillowy
A bed of cushioned comfort
Fluffed, with fresh linens

Extra pillowy
Mashed potatoes, whipped with loads
Of butter, cream cheese

Extra pillowy
My favorite stuffed plushie
To cuddle and love 

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Family Breakfast

The family all together
Passing plates around
"Mmm" and "yumm" arise
In strong euphoric sound
Syrup being poured
Forks at sausage stabbing
Melting pats of butter
Bouts of whipped cream-grabbing
The bacon's smoky scent
Eyes lit up and gleaming
Berries of such size
The children think they're dreaming
This isn't a holiday meal
Or even a special event
It's simply family breakfast
Made with love--with loved ones spent 

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Imagine It is Possible to Be Content Offline

 

There are many things on which I’d bet,

But could I live without internet?

I’m not sure how well that would set

In fact, I would not take that bet

Now, for just a time it’d be fine,

But after a while I would pine

Not simply because “techno-stuff”

But ‘cause keeping in touch would be tough

All my people—I really like them!

And it’s easy to post or PM

What’s more, streaming flicks with the fam

(Watching movies is kind of my jam)

Then there’s video calls for the win,

So my grandkids can fill me in

And they still can see my face

While I’m home, in my own space—

It’s really a marvel of tech,

So I figure…what the heck?

I’ll enjoy this intricate plat

That allows me to blog, shop, and chat

Sometimes, yes, it is fun to look back

To when life was not at risk of “hack,”

And it’s good to keep things in check,

Especially regarding tech

To remember, it’s simply a tool—

And not meant to control us or rule

So, it’s good now and then to unhook—

Do some art, see the beach, read a book;

To remind ourselves of the simple—

Before reels of popping a pimple

For as we put first that which matters,

Our dependence on media shatters

And it’s easier to be content

When time is not wasted but spent

On the people we love—bearing fruits—

Outside of cyber pursuits

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Book Collection, Anyone?

What do you fancy most in a book?
What intrigues or piques for a second look?
Autobiographical, allegorical?
Fantasy-based? Historical?
Books with lessons, books with humor?
Medical texts--from angina to tumor?
Mystery, adventure, fables, folklore?
What kinds of books do you adore?
Would you say you're a children's book buff,
Or in favor of more grown-up stuff?
Perhaps, like most folks, it's a mix,
(Paddington, Jane Austen, Garth Nix),
An eclectic combo of reads--
Dependent on your whims and needs
Whether reading for fun or for learning,
Book-collecting's an "anyone" yearning

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Dream Everywhere

Dream when you're at home
Or when you're at school
Dream on the swingset
Dream in the pool

Imagine what's possible--
What's miraculous too
With God, there's no limit
To what you can do

So dream up the life
You are meant to pursue
It's okay if your dreams
Are bigger than you

So, dream in a coffee shop
Dream riding in a car
Dream everywhere--don't stop!
Dream wherever you are

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Cozy and Friendly

May our home ba a place
Where folks can relax
And feel a warmth inside
A cozy and friendly space
Where cares are set aside

May our home be a solace
Where friends can just rest
And have their cups refilled
A cozy and friendly foundation
Upon which we can build

And as we share life's trials,
And its joyful parts,
May God's strong love be known
And in our cozy, friendly acts
Of love, may it be shown 

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Good Morning

It's time to awaken
It's time to get dressed
Wash your face and comb out your hair

It's time for alertness
It's time to rev up
Before you can go anywhere

It's time to eat breakfast
It's time for caffeine
A whole day awaits that is new

It's time to start thinking
It's time to get up
Good morning! Good morning to you!

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

One More Bite

I love all the flavors
So good, so delicious
The taste is divine,
And my appetite vicious

Each bite a mere morsel
Of full-fledged delight
I'm full now, but still
I must have one more bite

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart