My brain hurts Well, actually I think it’s numb Tired body Tired heart Words are Bouncing Around In my head Aim is off Can’t seem To find Their way out Maybe for the best Probably wouldn’t Sound the same If I said them Out loud Perhaps writing Them down Would help…
Today, I… Need to rest Don’t want to listen Don’t feel like engaging
Whew! Think I feel better!
After writing this poem, I had a revelation. If I feel this way some days, so do my students. And while I can put my feelings into words, that is not always easy for children.
Ok, so maybe this wasn’t a revelation, but it was a reminder. I need to be aware of facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice-mine and my students. Tempering my actions and reactions by keeping the clues close at heart. ❤️
One lonely Bloom Fighting To stand up Underneath The weight Of recent winds And rain A tiny speck In the vastness Of this world Has anyone noticed? Bent so low Only able to See my shadow On the ground As the sun Shines above
Hey! Over here! Bend your ear My way It seems you have Grown weak under The pressures of Life in this garden Don’t lose hope Rest, recharge Together Our roots will Grow stronger And you will Once again Stand up tall Your face Soaking up The sun’s rays
A calm voice Soothes the heart Like a quiet breeze Soothes the rose
A harsh voice Stirs up conflict Like a strong wind Stirs up dust
What was I today?
The boisterous wind Leaving friends And strangers alike With dirt in their eyes?
The gentle breeze Leaving nothing behind But the faint memory Of a well-timed smile?
What will I be tomorrow?
The Oklahoma winds are strong this week. A chance of storms in our forecast. The last two afternoons, outside car duty, have left me with dirt in my eyes. That unpleasantness caused me to think of how I react in certain situations. I have a choice to be calm or stormy. Tomorrow, may I lean more toward the first.
Parading around In costumes Recognizable Masks Distracting me From the struggle Taking root In my soul Feelings Can be sneaky That way Tricksters thriving On energy Expended in a Tug of War That leaves Me trying To pull the rope From both ends There will never Be a winner Only the need To let go Of the rope Even if It means Falling In the mud
I often talk about poetry being therapeutic. This poem is a perfect example. It did not provide answers to the questions on my mind. However, writing the words down provided some tension relief. It also reminded me I don’t have to have all the answers right at this moment. Maybe you can relate. ☺️
When my mind Grows frantic Unable to Separate One thought From another Enduring A constant Bombardment Of words Images Sounds An unexpected Gentle breeze Quiet song Safe hug Causes me To be still And pray Hem me in Simple words Bringing rest To the mind And soul The whole Of me held Together Bordered By a love Unmistakable And secure
“You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”
Ideas scattered No inspiration Whether to seek Or to settle Accepting The need to let My mind rest Not sure I know how… Pick up the pen Perhaps Motor Movement Will trigger Creativity Perhaps not- Either way Watching Words appear Somehow Slows Racing heart Cools Heated face Relaxes Frantic brain- Powerful process Placing thoughts On a page
Summer break is coming to an end. I am preparing for school to start. We continue to deal with living in a pandemic. Not surprisingly, my thoughts are scattered. And that is ok. There is strength in honesty. ❤️
When the pink letters came in the mail last week, I thought this can’t be right. There is no way it is already time for my mammogram. It was only in March that I had surgery. An incisional biopsy. And before that, an MRI, ultrasounds, more mammograms, etc.
But here was my pink letter, sent twice. So, I called to schedule. And today was the day.
Even though my previous test results were all benign, I found myself feeling panicky this morning. The thought of a mammogram, especially after surgery, made me cringe. But I got up, got dressed, and headed that way.
Well, I stopped at Starbucks first for a London Fog latte. Surely that would help.
Checked in, got my little bracelet, and was called back in a few minutes. Undress from the waist up, put on your cape, opens in the front. Always the same. I chuckled when I saw the flowery material. After putting it on, I proceeded to take a selfie. For some unknown reason, I felt the need to document.
Wouldn’t you love to be this fashion forward? 😉
Still feeling a little anxious, I took a deep breath and tried to relax. And then, at the perfect moment, my mom sent a text. Praying for you. Love and hugs. Of course, I responded by sending her my selfie.
The technician was friendly. She asked me my birthdate, routine. After a few seconds of thinking, She laughed and said, I am 25 days older than you. We laughed that I was making her do the math. She quickly put me at ease.
Was it still uncomfortable? Yes. But was it necessary? Also, yes.
Early detection is crucial. And the only way for that to happen is consistent screening. Don’t wait! Besides, you might just get to wear a lovely flowery cape. 🌸💗
A simple Solitary Seed Of doubt Sewing stitches Choking roots Once confident Threatening Downward Spiral Second-guessing Simplest decisions Sense of dread Starting In the brain Slowly shifts Stomach Tied in knots Realization Anxiety has Once again Crept in Recognizing Is step one Clipping stitches Step two Freeing roots To stretch And grow Crushing The doubt Regaining Confidence
Whether the tiniest reason or no reason at all, anxiety just shows up some days. Sharing helps. You never know who may be able to relate. Be encouraged. ❤️
Gentle breeze Across my face Carries hope For a new day Lately my mind Has been stormy Unable to focus Thoughts jumping From one to The other like Lightning bolts On the horizon-And yet, The storm passed With a quiet word A gentle embrace- Reassurance from Your presence Mingling with The breeze- Kissing away my fears
Piano Girl 