Denise K. Spencer and Jim Riggs
Denise K. Spencer
Denise’s recently discovered passion for writing poetry was built on a career that involved writing in many forms. After retiring as CEO at Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, and starting PhilanTOPICS, a nonprofit consultancy, her writing became more focused on creative pursuits and less on the articles, speeches, and white papers that came before. A poetry collection is in development, and her daughter and granddaughter are eagerly awaiting their autographed copies.
Rendevous
Each day we meet,
and the agreed-upon hour.
At early five-thirty
we share coffee.
A single light breaks
the darkness, as the rest
of the world retreats
from our sacred place.
Self-reproach overpowers.
I do not belong here.
Whatever makes me think
I will not be found out?
But oh! The anticipation
has set me fluttering.
Would the magic
embrace us today?
We often sit quietly,
struggling to find words.
Other times thoughts rush out,
almost too fast to catch.
Relationships take work, they say.
Will the elation prevail today?
A second cup, shared by we three —
my hope, my keyboard, and me.
NOTE: You can find this piece and many others in Ripples
Jim Riggs
Jim loved the joy and satisfaction of his life teaching high school and college mathematics, of years spent capturing the beauty of wild places as a nature photographer, and the excitement of telling stories as fiction and memoir. Pleasing readers with his novel, Freedom Run gave him satisfaction and confidence. He has hopes of publishing his second. For the last nine years, Hilton Head Island has furnished a pleasant respite from Iowa’s worst winter weather.
Dry Egret
It was not by chance
the Great Egret
danced to the dry fringe
beneath the steep ledge.
There she prepared
for an afternoon of rain,
fishing in the dry corner
beneath the high green bush.
You can find this piece and many others in Ripples
Island Writers' Network 