An Open Invitation

It begins with only one-
Centered and steady
A series of tones, each
bleeding into the next

An open invitation
for others to join

A new timbre, mellow and 
low, compliments the 
original with its own-
The invitation grows

Others continue to join 
Adding new registers, 
patterns, and tones-
Each is beautiful on its own

But together-together
They create a harmony 
that tugs at my heart

Its slow crescendo draws
My breath in before gently 
releasing me in a slow exhale

A peace felt only in unity 
Recognizing the true gift- 
Each one of us, together

Prompt 6 Listen to the following song and write a poem. The Poetry Marathon

Max Richter-The Poetry of Earth

State of the Heart

Are my hands open,
gently reaching?
Arms linked
in cooperation
Ears open to
understanding

—Or—

Are my hands clenched
into tight fists?
Arms stoically held
across my chest
Ears closed,
even to my own voice

I have choices-
And my choices
offer clues as to the
health of my heart

May my hands remain open
My arms graciously linked
And my ears, intent on listening

Not the Only One

Pink lines and blue spaces
pulled me into the day
Inviting my thoughts,
one note at a time

A quiet calling, not
rushed, but encouraging-
Today waits for your melody.

Waits for our melodies-
Whether joyful
or melancholy
Raucous or
Peaceful

So, go ahead, sing
Let your notes float on
the breeze, blending
with others before
returning to you

A new song-
not meant to soothe
every worry, but to
remind us that we are
not the only ones singing

Tell Someone

A tightening in the
center of my chest
A knot in my gut
Breathe
A few moments of relief
And then with no warning
A tightening in the
center of my chest
A knot in my gut-
Add in a little race
between my pulse
and my thoughts-
Breathe deeper
Take a drink of water
Tell someone how I’m feeling
The cycle may continue
a little longer
but I’m no longer
circling it alone

I often speak of writing as a type of therapy. I’m able to get feelings on paper without speaking the words.

I have not written about anxiety and depression in a while. But today was tough. Anxiety was knocking down the door.

If you happen to also be there, you are not alone.

Much love,

Kelley

Crisis Averted

The morning air was damp-
Did I brush my hair
before stepping outside?

The feeling of hurry wasn’t helpful-
funny what makes me frantic
Well, maybe not frantic
but slightly concerned-
A dying phone battery
being away from home
bringing the wrong charger-
Purchase made, crisis averted
Sitting quietly with my
tea and my thoughts
Hopefully my curious smile
reaches past my frazzled
brain and frizzy hair

Enjoying a weekend of being surrounded by fellow writers! Writercon

Learning, relearning, and someone even said unlearning. 🤍🩶

And She Waited

As her petals began to open
Delicate and damp from
The Spring morning dew
Her sweet message was released
Carried away on a gentle breeze-
And she waited
Soaking in warmth from the Sun
Her soft, pink skin stretching
Toward the light-
And she waited a bit longer
Marvelling at the towering tree above
And the green grass below-
Finally, her message was answered-
First, her friend Butterfly
Stopped in for a sip of tea-
Buzzing Bee was next to visit
Grateful for shared resources –
The first of many sacred exchanges
Each one required great patience
And long listening-
All worth the wait

Sharing a poem from a recent poetry circle. A big thank you to Ali Grimshaw. 🩷

Porch Swing Promises

If you had a porch swing
I might never leave-

Innocent comments carrying
A hint of hope for the future-
Offered with a smile
Received with curiosity
At a time when everything was new
Excitement mixed with hesitation
In the getting-to-know stage
Holding tight
To possibilities
But not too tight-
Until uncertainties vanished
With one thoughtful purchase-
Perfect spot for relaxing, talking, laughing-
And when the time was right
A sweet proposal-
Who knew so much hope and love
Could be held in the sway
Of one perfectly placed porch swing

For Rachel and Austen ❤️

Dampened Cheek

Rain continues to fall
While the wind rests
My racing thoughts
And rapid pulse
Gratefully embrace
A moment of calm-
The saturated ground
Swells, painfully aware
Of its limited capacity
Struggling as the rain
Completely unaware
Continues to fall
Like a continuous stream
Of tears rolling down
An already dampened cheek
Unsure of their destination-
Will the tears be brushed
Away by hands, dry and cracked
From denial and indifference
Or allowed to freely flow
Softening hearts
As the rain softened the ground

What’s That Sound?

I was listening to This American Life podcast on my way home yesterday. https://www.thisamericanlife.org/766/well-someone-had-to-do-something The stories were humorous, unusual, inspiring, and thought-provoking. But the two related to current events in Ukraine…well, words are hard to find.

One of the stories is about a man working to change the flow of misinformation to the people of Russia. He randomly calls individuals seeking to engage in conversation about what is happening in Ukraine. He is often met with anger, arguments, and hang-ups.

But sometimes, the person on the other end listens, even if briefly. Responding quietly, if at all. His explanation-Fear has its own sound, you know.

I have breathed
The sigh of relief
Heard pure joy
Thru the laughter
Of my children
Expressed grief
With sounds
Of sobbing
But what about fear?
How does it sound?
The thought
Brings
Only silence
Halts
My hurried mind
Until heard
In the voices
Of others
Voices afraid
The next city
Destroyed
Will be their own
Voices afraid
They may never
See family again
Even voices afraid
To hear
Or speak
The truth
Others work
To forever
Keep hidden-
Listen…
Do you hear
The sound
Of their fears?

Simply Sunday

To Know You

Oh, that I would not
Miss the chance
To know you
Past your likes
Past your dislikes
The chance
To offer time
As a gift for us both-
After all, that is
The only way
We truly connect
Occupying
The same space
In the physical
In the technological
Either has the ability
To spark the same magic
Oh, that I would not
Miss the chance
To know you
Due to the foolishness
Of a word
Such as busy-
Is there really such a thing, anyway?

Thanks again to Ali Grimshaw for continuing to facilitate thoughtful, poignant poetry circles. http://flashlightbatteries.blog