Author Archives: cottonribbonsford

I went to cut back the herb garden today. The basils with their flowering stacks of seeds were up to my shoulders and the sage has become woody.  The fennel has sprouted big, yellow flowers and the oregano, thyme, and tarragon has become lost somewhere beneath the tangle of taller things.  It’s certainly time toContinue reading “About Caterpillars”

All of the babies, big-cheeked and wrinkled,Mothers abide on cloud-nine,All of the birth stories sweet and joy-sprinkled,All of the babies but mine. All of the cuddles, the snuggles, the nuzzles,Fathers as proud as a pine,Siblings welcome this new piece of their puzzle,All of the babies but mine. All of the sniffles, the whimpers, the giggles,NewContinue reading “All of the Babies”

I grew up in the Jesus Freak era.You know the one? Jesus t-shirts, WWJD bracelets piled on my wrists, debating evolution on the school bus, boldly declaring to any who would listen (or who wouldn’t, for that matter!) “Jesus loves you!” Gosh, I love that girl.  She was so young, so on-fire, so innocent. BackContinue reading “The Alabaster Box”

Ol’ Vintage Corelle,Common treasure of generations,How many meals have you held? Good Ol’ Corelle,Not the source of nutrition,But a foundation for flavors to meld. Ol’ Dainty Corelle,Pretty in simple plainness,You dependably bear daily bread. Sweet Ol’ Corelle,Consistent in sameness,You keep worldwide families fed. Ol’ Faithful Corelle,On the table you dwellPresent through bounty and bare, BelovedContinue reading “Ol’ Corelle”

I let the garden go to weeds this year.  I didn’t mean to, honest!  But grief begged me for flowers, then turned its back on the more responsible, fruitful spaces.  I couldn’t seem to muster the motivation to brave the work and heat just for tomatoes and cucumbers, when the front gardens promised such varied,Continue reading “Taking Back the Garden”

There’s a burden upon the depths of my soul;I’ve been struggling to name it.It’s complex. It’s heavy.Like an anchor, pulling me down.I’m wearing of carrying it.Stopping to rest – to switch my slipping, stinging hands.I’ll stretch my back a moment,But take not a step forward without picking it up again. There’s a burden upon theContinue reading “The Watering Can”

Lonely drops of milk;Bought from death, maternal griefs.Hallowed gifts of hope. 6/8/26 G&P,-SF

(Written for the funeral of our son, Benedict Tobias Ford, who was born sleeping April 1st, 2026, at nearly 32 weeks.) How does one go about writing a eulogy for a baby born sleeping?  Usually, a eulogy would include details like birth date, death date, family specifics, school and work history, hobbies and personality quirks. Continue reading “A Eulogy, of Sorts”

Cozy sweater, soft crochet,Snow is falling down today! Steamy tea and blankets warm,We will brave the winter storm. Cozy fire, toasty toes,Heedless how the cold wind blows, Happy family snuggled home,Wintry days that bring shalom.

I always love watching a thunder-boomer roll in, but this morning is exceptional… Kids and kittens running through the yard before the rain line hits, warm toasty coffee in hand, and bringing warmth to my body amidst a cool wind, and the potent scent of basil, thyme, tarragon, mint and oregano wafting upon the breeze.Continue reading “Rainstorm”