Earthly Days

By Cheryl Batavia

Earthly Days reflects a lifetime of experience, exploring themes of life, love, and family. Some poems tell nostalgic stories that will make you smile; other poems express love of nature and concern for the environment.

Beautiful photos enhance the pages.

• Language: English
• Publisher: MainSpring Books
• Release date: Sep 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798891140066

Cheryl Batavia

Cheryl Batavia is a retired teacher living on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Going to the beach and walking in nearby nature preserves are favorite pastimes. The author and her significant other enjoy researching and discussing issues of the day, playing Scrabble, and observing the wildlife that is abundant in the area. Armadillos, rabbits, squirrels, and songbirds are among backyard residents. Bobcats, tropical birds, and other assorted wildlife are occasional visions.

Book preview

Dedication

Dedicated with love

to my soulmate,

Robert Snyder

Preface

In retirement, I look back over my life with its full measure of opportunities and challenges. Life has been, and continues to be, an adventure!

Reflecting on my experiences, whatever meaning I find, I endeavor to share through my poems. I hope you enjoy reading Earthly Days; may your days on Earth be blissful!

Acknowledgements

At the beginning of the pandemic, encouraged by Kritika, a young poet from India who found my website, I started a poetry blog on WordPress.

Blogging was the perfect antidote to the isolation of the pandemic and continues to enhance my life. WordPress bloggers learn from, inspire, and encourage each other.

Thank you to my children for your ongoing love and support. I am so proud of you!

Yolanda, it means a lot to me to have a sister to talk with about our shared history and the experiences of daily life.

Thank you, Robert, for all the thoughtful, supportive things you do every day. It is my honor and privilege to spend our retirement years together.

Thank you to my advisor, Christopher Hernandez, the designer, A.C. Young, the production team, and all the talented people at Mainspring Press who made this book a reality.

Perspectives

Transitions

As vapor in clouds

condenses into rain,

so may I adapt.

As wind carries