Common Places: Poems of Everyday Encounters

By Avar Hurd James

Common Places – Poems of Everyday Encounters is about places we all have been and things we all have seen and done. It is about the familiarities and experiences that make life what it is. It deals with God’s creations, man’s inventions, and a mixture of other commonalities that have impacted our lives.

It is a book of poems inspired by life experiences, lessons, observations, and everyday activities. These poems inspire us to enjoy the wonders of this world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Dec 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9781664284227

Avar Hurd James

Avar Hurd James was born in Memphis, Tennessee. She earned her B.A. from LeMoyne Owen College, M.A. from the University of Memphis, and Ed.S. from Lincoln Memorial University. She has taught in Memphis City Schools and is retired from Alcoa City Schools. She also served as an Educational Consultant with the Tennessee Department of Education. Avar and her husband reside in Maryville, Tennessee. They are the parents of three children and four grandchildren. This is her second publication.

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Copyright © 2022 Avar Hurd James.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WestBow Press

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-6642-8423-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-8424-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-8422-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022921384

WestBow Press rev. date: 12/02/2022

In memory of

my parents, Leon and Doris Hurd, Sr.

and my grandmother, Avar Pipkin

They were instrumental role models who taught me much about life.

Their impact has left indelible marks on my heart and mind.

Their influence is a priceless and precious treasure.

INTRODUCTION

Life is a journey filled with ups and downs. Obligations and responsibilities come with it. We, however, often get stuck in ruts and routines. We must interrupt the existing regimen to appreciate the simple things – the things that do not cost anything except time. What a difference this can make at the end of the day. Hobbies, pastimes, family and friends, bring much needed pleasures which result in lasting memories.

Take time to smell the roses is a familiar expression. Part of the beauty of the rose is its fragrance. To smell it adds to its uniqueness and enhances appreciation of its beauty. We must slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures.

Common places: places where we all have been, things we all have seen and done, are familiarities and experiences that make life what it is. Common places: the simple acts of enjoying the wonders of our world, are essential for the journey.

CONTENTS

From the Beginning

Babies

Birds

Chicken

Clay

Diamonds

Flowers

Fruits and Veggies

Go to the Ant

Grandkids

Hands

Laughter

Mountains

Salt

Seasons

Sleep

The Color of Green

The Color of Red

The Daisy

The Good Life

The Human Heart

The Mustard Seed

The Rainbow

The Tongue

Trees

Vee Formation

Water

Taken For Granted

Batteries

Because of Them

Books

Bridges

Coffee

Electricity

Have A Seat

Music

Paper

Sugar

The Automobile

The Camera

The Clock

The Lawn Mower

The Piano

The Sewing Machine

A Mixed Bag

Be Kind

Bites and Stings

Cookies

Daylight Saving Time

Defeat, Adversity and Pain

Dreams

Excel

Fatigue

Groomed for Success

Humility

I Am Sorry

Infidelity

Keep Your Word

Man Up

Me Time

Money

Opposites

Persevere

Pride, Determination and Resilience

Send?

Spring Cleaning

Thermostat or Thermometer

To Teach

What To Do

What’s on the Inside

My Journey

Dinner With the Former President

Fine China

Ma-Ma

Messy Kitchen

My Friend

My Interests

My Pet, My Vet

Our Family

QVC

Recipes

Remembering

Teaching

The Golden Years

The Grocery Store

To Do List

Where Did It Go?

FROM THE BEGINNING

From the beginning,

this created earth was filled with

dynamic and different forms seen in mountains and hills, oceans and rivers, plains and grasslands,

beauty in nature with varied colors of trees, flowers, and shrubs,

the intricate workings of the human body,

birds, fish,