Not quite a native Ripley Countian - she attended only her last year of high school in Doniphan though she taught in the R-1 system for 32 years - Teresa (Pearson) Lee delights in surprising readers and herself with anecdotal observations of life in general. Maybe you can blame her St.Louis roots for a quirky humor and some slightly-askewed opinions, but never doubt she writes from the heart.

Another Year Dawns

Posted Thursday, July 1, 2021, at 5:35 AM

I wrote this shortly before my 65th birthday. Now I just celebrated my 68th!

The soft glow of early morning light

Matches the fading shimmer of sun

As day turns into night,

Signaling another day is done.

Some view mornings full of possibility,

Checking off lists, chasing dreams

With spirits hopeful and lively,

Expecting adventure always, it seems.

Others face morning’s light with despair,

With moods and outlooks of gray.

Life seems hopeless and unfair.

What they’d give to see a new way.

Many welcome nights to rejuvenate

Tired bodies and industrious minds,

Eager to start the calendar’s next date.

Life is rewarding and seldom a grind.

Some dread nights as lonely and endless,

Even if not so, they believe no one cares.

Minds overthink and dark brings distress.

Life feels treacherous and full of snares.

Days and nights swiftly become years,

Sometimes we get help, other times we give,

Joy and love help us manage the fears

And find purpose in life yet to live.

My sixty-fifth birthday is…oh, so soon!

Yet another day is not a promise.

I’ll sing with the sun and marvel at the moon,

Embracing my time with gratitude and bliss.