Colleen Keller Breuning Poet and Photographer

Biography:

Colleen Keller Breuning was born and raised near the mountains of western Maryland, where she was surrounded by a large family and diverse music…. everything from The Beatles to Herb Alpert to classical music.

Colleen obtained her BBA in Human Resource Management from Florida Atlantic University, and has served as Director of Business Operations & Human Resources for the past 6 years at Loudoun Free Clinic in Leesburg, Virginia. She is a poet, nature photographer and published author, her work appearing in various online journals and print publications over the years. Her debut book of poetry, “Shadows of My Father,” was published in 2011 and dedicated to the memory of her father. It was his death in 2003 that inspired her return to writing poetry, and it proved to be a great source of healing for her. Colleen also is the owner and editor of Blue Turtle Crossing, an online poetry and photography publication. Her fine art photography is displayed and available for purchase onfineartamerica.com.

Colleen and her husband resided in South Florida for 24 years, where they raised their two children. In 2012, they packed up their two cats and made a long distance move to northern Virginia, where they plan to spend their golden years with the deer, fox and birds in their backyard. Colleen enjoys running, yoga, kickboxing, music, biking, cats, cooking, traveling, hockey, birds, fine wine, chocolate and sunsets (but not necessarily in that order).

"Shadows of My Father" is available for purchase at:https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Father-Colleen-Keller-Breuning/dp/0983607206

My Wordpress site: https://colleenbreuning.wordpress.com
My Blogspot site: http://colleenkellerbreuning.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colleen.breuning

Fine Art America: http://fineartamerica.com/artists/colleen+keller+breuning

The Nature of Seasons Series

The Sound of Snowflakes

There is a magic in the sound

When fragile snowflakes hit the ground.

Tiny treasures amidst the cold,

As church bells chime silver and gold.

Hung high in sky, the crescent moon

Sings melancholy winter tunes,

Old stories ripe to be retold

As church bells chime silver and gold.

Winter whispers, a gentle hush

With a crystal blanket so lush.

Fields of white, a sight to behold,

As church bells chime silver and gold.

There is a magic in the sound

As church bells chime silver and gold.

The Nestlings

When Monday mornings come around,

The air is filled with precious sounds.

Pitter patter of tiny feet

Upon the deck, tasting sweet treats.

The scent of lilacs spins me round

When Monday mornings come around.

Endless summer in cloudless skies,

See the sparkle in clear brown eyes.

I long to touch you, soft and new,

Your tender feathers tinged with dew.

When Monday mornings come around,

The wonders of nature abound.

Soon silence screams above the din

As melancholy closes in.

My heartbeat echoes without sound

When Monday morning comes around.

Picasso Moon

You rise above the pink dusk clouds,

so dimly lit in coal black skies.

I see you shine, Picasso moon,

the colourama in your eyes.

The summertime made promises

with molten sunlight breaking through.

Like a spider in a circle,

spinning its webs with morning dew.

Let me paint you for just one day,

poised with brush on the fringe of night.

Name your price in gold or secrets

while waiting for a ray of light.

But tides have turned, days grow shorter,

the turbid winds of change portend.

Black shadows have eclipsed the sun;

it seems a bitter way to end.

Crickets serenade us darkly

with melancholy autumn tunes.

I slip softly into the void

where you await, Picasso moon.

Vermillion Skies

Oh, let me soar free with the birds,

To whistle sweet songs without words.

Oh, let my soul greet the sunrise

To linger in vermillion skies.

Do you see me ever roaming?

Do you know me in the gloaming?

I’m cavorting with butterflies

To linger in vermillion skies.

Why do you cry so in the night?

Why don’t you step into the light?

Follow me to the highest highs,

To linger in vermillion skies.

Oh, let me soar free with the birds

To linger in vermillion skies.

Ode to a Hummingbird

We hover upon the morning breeze

against cornflower skies high and far,

alight on branches in fields of lavender,

indulging in the wildflowers’ fragrance bar.

Intoxicated by ripe golden nectar kisses

as the fading sun melts into summer rain,

our tiny hearts thrum a thousand beats,

love’s essence swimming in our veins.

Tonight, we shall ascend into the heavens,

wing upon wing as the twilight falls,

sweet taste of honeysuckle on our breath.

At last, I know the secret of it all!

Bonne nuit, mon bel amour, bonne nuit,

sing softly as the wind whispers good night.

Rest your weary head upon my breast,

sleep until the dawn’s breaking light.

Wanderlust

I wandered lonely as a distant cloud,

my tired eyes trained on the sangria sun.

The new stars winked and the crescent moon bowed,

for the firefly’s twilight dance had begun.

Crickets and frogs crooned a sweet serenade,

singing of wanderlust stirring inside.

Rogue winds gusted as the willow trees swayed,

and the petulant skies broke down and cried.

Spirits of yesterday whispered their pain,

a mournful chorus rose up with the dawn.

Emotions muddle in river of rain.

The mountains are calling, time to move on.

Across azure seas and valleys of green

I shall journey through paths never yet seen.

Waiting For Spring

Sweet sentient beings of the sky

Rustling about in the hedgerow,

Waiting for spring… to dream, to fly.

A cool wind whispers as clouds roll by,

Telling tales they already know,

Sweet sentient beings of the sky.

Heed the call of the lonely magpie

Through the valley soft voices echo,

Waiting for spring… to dream, to fly.

Cardinals flock and chickadees cry,

Seeking comfort in haven of snow,

Sweet sentient beings of the sky.

Dancers in the wings, crows go awry,

Stirring up horses in a meadow

Waiting for spring… to dream, to fly.

Rest little ones, morning is nigh,

The stars will guide you as you go.

Sweet sentient beings of the sky,

Waiting for spring… to dream, to fly.

Gentle Rain

Listen to your heart beat softly

as summer burns in effigy

restless crickets voice sad disdain

to the rhythm of gentle rain.

Piercing cerulean sky yields

to the soft bloom of cotton fields

nimbus clouds releasing their pain

to the rhythm of gentle rain.

Peace beckons where green river flows

night falls in shades of indigo

mourning dove grieves in dark refrain

to the rhythm of gentle rain.

Listen to your heart beat softly

to the rhythm of gentle rain.

Monarchy

As autumn sun begins to fall

the lonely caterpillar crawls

eating all the blossoms in sight

for milkweed is your kryptonite.

The sky morphs purple, crimson red;

twilight beckons, so rest your head.

The waiting is the hardest part

as changes deep within you start.

Dazzle, dazzle the moon above

raining down lunar drops of love.

Beneath its glow you slumber tight

in black and yellow pools of light.

The time has slowly trickled by,

and now it is your turn to fly.

Emerging from your chrysalis,

you’re greeted by the sun’s warm kiss.

Among wildflowers you belong

delighting in the summer’s song

Spread your wings, soar high in the air

Embrace destiny waiting there.

Slant of Light

There’s a certain slant of light

When summer settles into night.

Croon of crickets, wink of fireflies…

The sun lies down in western skies.

Tin cans tumble from the fender,

Two hearts wrapped in bliss and splendor.

Lips in rapture, a song of sighs…

The sun lies down in western skies.

So many roadblocks on the way

But moon hints of a brand new day

Time heals our wounds as catbird cries…

The sun lies down in western skies.

There’s a certain slant of light…

The sun lies down in western skies.

Hush

The sky is a rhapsody in blue

against wispy clouds of iridescence

embracing indigo mountains

as winter casts its final glance

The orange breasted robins

sit by mud drenched gullies

searching for elusive worms

and dreaming of California

The sun breaks through the cirrus

shedding broad stripes of yellow

across the snow laden meadows

where green blades lie in wait

The wind sings a gentle lullaby

whispering through bare branches

comforting the primrose and redbuds

with its promises of violet and pink

Hush, my little darlings

don’t you cry

dry your tears

for spring is nigh…

Wings

Glider of the sky, dragonfly

Perched on lily pad, clouds float by

Water ripples in gentle rings

You are the wind beneath my wings.

Morning rises with yellow rays

Sweet promises of sunny days

Flutter as the mockingbird sings
You are the wind beneath my wings

Reflecting colors, stained glass art

Shot of moonshine straight to the heart

Steeped in beauty that summer brings

You are the wind beneath my wings

Glider of the sky, dragon fly

You are the wind beneath my wings.

Blood Moon

Crickets harmonize

a rhapsody in August,

sweet background singers.

Pregnant clouds hover

in crisis of confidence,

summer rain debate.

Warm wind blows gently,

dissolving clouds to fine mist;

light shines through its haze

Earth casts dark shadows,

aligning with sun and moon

in black velvet skies.

Raging with color,

Luna rises triumphant,

on her throne of blood.

Autumn Truths

Sky morphs to shades of indigo

shattering as emotions flow

whispered words at the end of day

as autumn colors fade away…

Pretty pumpkins withstand the rain

but still it doesn’t dull the pain

clouds build a wall of blue and gray

as autumn colors fade away…

Cast a line with a velvet glove

reel it in with promise of love

essence of truth in full array

as autumn colors fade away…

Sky morphs to shades of indigo

as autumn colors fade away…

Watercolor Beach

Standing at lands end, a breathtaking place

where the pelicans sail and palm trees sway.

When you feel the balmy breeze on your face,

time stands still, inhibitions melt away.

Spill the wine, take that pearl straight from the sea,

embryonic waters clear turquoise blue.

Sea urchins tumble in the depths so free,

clouds refract rainbows of delicate hues.

Embracing this paradise built for two,

I kiss the sunlight and sing to the sky.

A song of the sirens, serene and true,

joining in harmony with seagull’s cry.

Watercolors melt in summer twilight

as bright stars welcome the black velvet night.

Walk With Winter

Here in the wake of gentle morning hush,

shimmering sun rises in its scarlet blush,

whispering namaste in the bitter breeze

amidst the crow and blue jay’s fervent pleas.

Here in the woods, you are never alone;

nature comes alive in its welcoming home.

Squirrels bury nuts under the towering oak,

white-tails bolt as distant shots provoke.

Here the forest yields its stark winter scene,

all barren branches save for tiny evergreens.

These solitary pine trees, if they grow at all,

shall grow ever strong, ever free, ever tall.

Here is where I long to sleep, in pale moonlight

beneath snowy blanket on long December nights.

Walk with winter, let broken hearts become whole,

with peace and serenity to ease your weary soul.

Mother Moon

Pale moon shining on fields below,

Nature’s langiappe in golden glow.

Soft winds blowing through pinewood trees,

Listening to my fervent pleas.

Mother moon, murmur to the night;

Hide deep within her starry light.

Hear me willow, and weep for me,

Listening to my fervent pleas.

No need for sun or morning dew,

All I ever needed was you.

Clouds break over turbulent seas,

Listening to my fervent pleas.

Pale moon shining on fields below,

Listening to my fervent pleas.

Little Bird

Summertime reigns supreme

when honeysuckle sun gleams

only in my wildest dreams

or so it seems…

For I was born to be free

gliding on wings of agility

as I sail across the distant sea

a voice on the wind calls to me…

Little bird, little bird, soar high!

dance with the butterflies

never ever question why

don’t you stop ‘til you reach the sky…

Remember, no matter where you are

the night will take you far

when the sun meets the sandbar

time for a head full of stars…

Sky morphs to incandescent black

comets flicker from their track

as my tiny body goes slack

now don’t look back…

Little bird, little bird, soar high!

dance with the butterflies

never ever question why

don’t you stop ‘til you reach the sky…

Promise of Summer

Behold the streaks of pink and copper rays

Painted upon the morning horizon.

I drink in the glow of a newborn day,

My skin kissed by the alabaster sun.

Sunlight glints like fire in the morning dew,

Scattered like diamonds across the meadow.

Cotton clouds dot fields of cornflower blue,

Eagles take wing as the southern winds blow.

Nature’s beauty is unveiled to my eyes…

A crystal clear lake, a delicate swan,

Lilac buds bursting beneath azure skies,

The promise of summer, the beckoning dawn.

Beholding these wonders of life, I smile

And bask in the sun’s warmth for just a while.

Echoes of Love

The twilight yields echoes of love

Shining down bright from stars above

The sun dissolves, the sea subdues

In molten gold and shades of blue.

The night is black with battle cries

The righteous rise with burning eyes

A crescent moon comes into view

In molten gold and shades of blue.

The dawn rises to temper pain

Releasing gentle healing rain

Colors refract in rainbow hues

In molten gold and shades of blue.

The twilight yields echoes of love

In molten gold and shades of blue.

*******************************,

Beyond the Clouds

Pinpoint lights dot black velvet fields above,

Eyes travel north and wish upon a star.

The intellect seeks while the heart finds love

Beyond mountains of despair, near and far.

Long shadows of night tumble into day,

An unrelenting quest for inner peace.

Though darkness fades to muted shades of grey,

I look beyond the clouds for my release.

Hot summer rain beats down upon my face,

Melting anxieties away like ice.

Your words resonate, filling me with grace;

Their seeds of hope as plump as grains of rice.

Your image has faded, my tears have dried…

Forever I shall carry you inside.

Diamond in the Rough

High in the mountains, on the brink

Traversing the slippery slope

Headfirst, into the deep abyss

Searching for those lost rays of hope.

River of rain, river of pain

I’m praying for the hurt to fade

Ready for truth, ready for change

Ready to quit this masquerade.

I’m just a diamond in the rough

A black and shiny piece of coal

Lying here among the fault lines

Waiting, waiting to be made whole.

Strip off the mask, show your colors

Black or white, all I ever knew.

The world seemed to burn crimson red,

But you have shown me shades of blue.

Wash me in your crystal waters

Where tides of serenity flow.

Shine the white light upon my skin

And watch me sparkle, watch me glow.

I’m just a diamond in the rough,

A black and shiny piece of coal

Lying here among the fault lines

Waiting, waiting to be made whole.

Nightshade Oblivion

Sundown falls in shades of purple

its shadows dancing across the wall

the sound of silence speaks in muted whispers

flickering like a candle in the wind…

Lost in the confines of my mind

in between the hollow spaces

of yesterday and tomorrow

moments where unspoken dreams wallow…

Our spirits once fused in a blaze of glory

its raging fire burned, white hot rapture

now cold embers buried in the snow

for nothing seems to lasts forever...

Wounded hearts bleed like crushed grapes

time in a bottle, boxed vintage wine

your essence lingers on my tastebuds

indelibly branded deep within my soul….

But bent and broken wings will mend

as defiant moon repents its mortal sins

and angry zephyr howls its proclamations

stirring up the nightshade of this empty room…

where I shall wait for you.

The Apologist

For all the heartbreak in the world

for stone cold tears that come unfurled

for all the clouds in Kenyan skies

I’m willing to apologize.

The three ring circus comes to town

with nuclear threats raining down

for dying sun that does not rise

I’m willing to apologize.

No spring tulips, no harvest wine

no fields to sow, the fault is mine

for every seed of hope that dies

I’m willing to apologize.

For all the heartbreak in the world

I’m willing to apologize.

Until the Orioles Come Home

They come so softly in the night

gold feathers trailing to the ground

taking refuge in maple’s arms

silent, alighting without sound.

Long journey through the winter cold

silvery moon to guide the pain

rest here until the darkness fades

until the passing of the rain.

Pink light peeks over mountain ridge

rise up now, kiss the sun hello

diving deep into summer’s bliss

floating any way the wind blows.

Delicate wings sail white silk clouds

and tender waves of whisper blue

painted colors of the rainbow

the sky infused with brilliant hues.

One last trace of ruby and flame

into the long nights we shall roam

knowing my heart can never rest

until the orioles come home.

Amidst the Cherry Blossoms

As the sun sits high on its throne

pink rain falls in delicate petals

cherry blossoms scatter the joy

and the earth laughs in flowers.

The cool breeze blows lightly

caressing our delicate white skin

eliciting goosebumps and shivers

as we delight in the fruits of nature.

Walking with you in the golden sunshine

hand in hand, hearts entwined

oblivious to discord, we trip on gnarled roots

and down the rabbit hole we fall.

As night descends with blackened fears

wrapping us with a cold shawl

we look upward, pondering

the meaning of our existence.

But the distant light glows in radiant pulses

our salvation, our beacon of hope

for when it is dark enough,

you can surely see the stars.

Come along with me, my love

lift me up in light or dark,

dare to dream beneath the smiling moon

the unthinkable, the unimaginable….

…. do you dare?

Stars in the Southern Sky ~ A Quatern

There are stars in the southern sky

Smiling as the full moon floats by.

Hear my voice on the summer breeze,

Sweet songs drifting across the seas.

The world keeps spinning, do or die.

There are stars in the southern sky.

The candle flickers, growing old.

Starkness of winter blowing cold.

My days get shorter, wracked with pain

In this deluge of freezing rain.

There are stars in the southern sky,

Hidden by clouds as angels cry.

Watch as I defy gravity,

Set free from this purgatory.

And when I twinkle, you’ll know why

There are stars in the southern sky.

January 19, 2016

Written in memory of Glenn Frey of The Eagles… inspired by one of my favorite of their songs, “Seven Bridges Road.”

Untouchable

When January rolled in with black ice and frost,

Your salt and pepper strands fell on white sheets.

Like hot tears on my pillow, I let them slip away

And the bitter winds blew down an empty street.

Now you lie in wait far, far across the universe

As I sink into murky depths and come undone.

You are untouchable like a distant diamond sky,

Untouchable, but burning brighter than the sun.

But somehow, somewhere, the thaw had begun.

I watched the mockingbirds flash their wings

As the sultry foxes sauntered in verdant fields,

Savoring the essence of a lavender spring.

Sometimes I think hear your distant whisper,

Train whistles echoing in the winter night.

Sometimes I see the glint of your smile

Sparkling in the brilliant morning sunlight.

Untouchable in this realm, forever in my heart

I climbed down that rugged hill and let you go.

The snow shall fall, and we will meet once more

Somewhere, somehow… I just know.

For my father...

Blue Blood and Rain

It was still September

when the storm descended

the sun has left your eyes

you can see it fading fast…

Careless fingers fumble

and break the brittle strings

sharp notes spill asunder

emotions plunging deep…

Worries spin like windmills

and spiral to the ground

wipe away the silent tears

all through the night…

But only blue blood and rain

can wash me out to sea

keeping time out of mind

I light the candle for you…

Pastorale

Soft strains of Beethoven dance in the air.

The rain has passed, leaving cold sheen of dew.

A gentle Southern breeze ruffles my hair

As my deepest thoughts are turning to you.

Let us picnic under the moonlit skies,

Tasting blue twilight, a fine mellow wine.

Searching for beacons of fleeting fireflies,

You pull me closer, your lips upon mine.

My soul is in rapture, my heart on fire.

Stay with me forever, don’t ever leave.

I bequeath to you my hopes and desires,

For the more you dream, the more you achieve.

Joined in harmony, we sing our heartsong

Cresting pastorale refrains all night long.

Comments

Colleen Keller BreuningJanuary 7, 2017 at 3:32 PM
I am so honored, Jo!!!! Thank you so very much. You provide such a wonderful forum here for artists, so I am very grateful to you. Much love! <3
AnonymousJanuary 7, 2017 at 5:36 PM
Congrats! I'm so very proud of your accomplishments, and honored to have your friendship! <3 Leta

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Colleen Keller Breuning Poet and Photographer

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