Morning hums in the gentle air,
a rustic bed is waiting there.
Warm sheets are rumpled, soft, and worn,
a quiet space where dreams were born.

Ornate lamps glow with amber light,
a round mirror reflects the night.
He lingers briefly, then he goes,
a man released from workday woes.

The door clicks shut, his steps are slow,
the lake ahead begins to glow.
A breeze drifts gently through the trees,
the water shimmers with great ease.

He settles down beside the shore,
his heart is restless, wanting more.
Sunshine soon spreads its painted hue,
each ripple shivers, fresh and new.

A canvas rests within his hand,
a picture drawn, not fully planned.
He lifts his eyes, then strokes again,
the scene takes shape with patient pen.

Bright view reflects a life long past,
yet every mark feels free at last.
This first day blooms without demand,
retirement finally lands.

– Grace Y. Estevez – Reddy

Response to Sadje’s picture prompt on What Do You See # 307 September 22, 2025

This weeks prompt offered two picture options. This poem was inspired by both pictures. 💕

Through the fogged glass, two shapes appear,
both shadows sit, interest drawn near.
Seasons have passed, yet here they are,
a meeting set beneath the stars.

The café hums, the dishes clink,
she feels her pulse, too fast to think.
Those long years live between their eyes,
the silence carries old goodbyes.

She sees him stir his cup of tea,
his glance half guarded, quietly.
The hum of voices fades away,
memories color all they say.

Upon the wall a painting stares,
a face in blue, with aching glares.
Its eyes are hearts, both burning red,
a broken heart outlined in thread.

The zigzag streak in shades of blue,
reminds her of the hurt they knew.
Still here they sit with gentle care,
two strangers bound by what they share.

Her smile is soft, her hands unsure,
a moment fragile but so pure.
Yesterday lingers in the air,
what time has taught them both to bear.

He laughs too quickly, voice restrained,
both hearts recall what once remained.
Between the plates and silver shine,
old echoes dance in cherry wine.

She wonders what their fates became,
two lives apart, yet still the same.
Through foggy glass, the world looks on,
love half remembered, never gone.

– Grace Y. Estevez – Reddy

Response to Sadje’s picture prompt on What Do You See # 306 September 15, 2025

This weeks prompt offered two picture options. This poem was inspired by both pictures. 💕

She lives where peaks arise,
soft blue and endless skies.
Set table waits for two,
one cup sips up the view.

Bright orange flowers sway,
light up the mountain day.
An empty cup now gleams,
fulfilled with long lost dreams.

Best friend at last is near,
their voices blend so clear.
Engaged with warmth of tea,
firm bond flows endlessly.

Great festival begins,
with laughter, drums, and spins.
Chums walk the glowing street,
the night feels bright and sweet.

A puppy trots with pride,
a flag clutched by its side.
The stripes and stars held high,
charms hearts it passes by.

Two smiles gleam in fresh air,
true joy beyond compare.
Through flowers, tea, old songs,
connection stitched so strong.

– Grace Y. Estevez – Reddy

Response to Sadje’s picture prompt on What Do You See # 305 September 8, 2025

This weeks prompt offered two picture options. This poem was inspired by both pictures. 💕

She climbs the steps with gentle care,
to where the arrows climb through stairs,
Colorful worlds faraway skies,
day dreams written where wonder lies.

The ocean hums as waves roll near,
a storm will come, it’s shadow clear.
She runs inside, the thunder sighs,
the house a shelter from gray skies.

Fresh raindrops scatter on the glass,
each bring soft whispers as they pass.
Big butterfly rests, still and shy,
is it within, or just nearby?

Between the storm and fragile wings,
she feels the world expand and sing.
Vacations fade, but moments stay,
sweet memories help lead the way.

– Grace Y. Estevez – Reddy

Response to Sadje’s picture prompt on What Do You See # 304 September 1, 2025

This weeks prompt offered two picture options. This poem was inspired by both pictures. 💕

Upon the sloping rooftop tall,
where turrets guard the bricks and wall,
Scatter of birds have found their seat,
their chatter drifts above the street.

Loud pigeons coo as sparrows shift,
the rooftop hums, a feathered drift,
but one lone gull, with watchful eye,
looks past the tiles toward the sky.

The chimney’s marked, the tiles are stained,
by wings that linger, unrestrained,
and there among them, bold in view,
the hungry seagull scans anew.

Below, a food van bright and grand,
with painted treats on every hand.
bold “Mr Whippy” shines bright above,
promising sweets the birds would love.

Beside a store, stands firm in place,
the gull stares down with hungry face.
Dreaming of cones and sugared cheer,
while droppings mark sit ever near.

It waits beside the corner store,
prays spilling scatter evermore.
The seagull shifts, its hunger keen,
rich hopes of ice creams as he leans.

– Grace Y. Estevez – Reddy

Response to Sadje’s picture prompt on What Do You See # 303 August 25, 2025

This weeks prompt offered two picture options. This poem was inspired by both pictures. 💕

She gazes through the misty panes,
a wooden bench just brushed by rains.
Gazes past thoughts that cross her mind,
lands on echos both warm and kind.

Tall pretty trees serve as a screen,
a grassy yard, a quiet scene.
Within this hush she drifts in time,
back to her youth, soft raindrops chime.

Lush branches dance in gentle sway,
with blades of green in silver gray.
The quiet stirs a softer place,
great memories never erase.

A little girl can soon be seen,
a roadside puddle, fresh and clean.
She leaps, the water splashing high,
a grin of glee beneath the sky.

That laughter hums within her still,
a simple joy no years can kill.
As the cool drizzles slowly fall,
she softly smiles and feels it all.

Now in this place where dew drops gleam,
she finds her heart still loves that dream.
Although the years have slipped away,
the child in her still loves to play.

– Grace Y. Estevez – Reddy

Response to Sadje’s picture prompt on What Do You See # 302 August 18, 2025

This weeks prompt offered two picture options. This poem was inspired by both pictures. 💕

In tall grass she stands,
two young cubs at her side,
eyes fixed to the left,
upon each daily stride.

Through sun’s glare and heat,
her guard will never break,
each step, each small choice,
made for her children’s sake.

But come evening’s glow,
their claws transform to play,
they stir pots and laugh,
as the world drifts away.

In the mirror’s frame,
their smiles are enhancing,
and behind them, bold:
“This kitchen’s for dancing!”

– Grace Y. Estevez – Reddy

Response to Sadje’s picture prompt on What Do You See # 301 August 11, 2025

This weeks prompt offered two picture options. This poem was inspired by both pictures. 💕