At first glance
I saw a man
Back slumped, head down
Weathering the storms
In this life-
Not giving up
But, oh, so tired-
If only I could see his face
Faces often tell our stories
Our eyes allowing
An elusive glimpse into the soul-
But his back was turned
And I passed by too quickly
For any other possibilities-
One more glance
In my periphery-
Oh, it was not a man
It was an old piece of wood
Worn down from
A different set of storms-
No longer holding branches
That held leaves
No longer able
To reach toward the sun-
It was not a man
But it easily could have been
Back slumped, head down
Not giving up
But, oh, so tired-
Still able to reach
Toward the sun
With a little help
And encouragement
After sharing an elusive glimpse
With a neighbor-one soul into another
Tag: encouragement
Personal Preference
Which do I prefer?
Remaining on the inside
Hiding, peeking out-
Seeing, imagining
Yet, in a way,
Falsely protected-
-Or-
Stepping outside myself
Away from the walls
Originally placed
To keep out pain
And uncertainty-
Hiding may sound
Like a safer choice
Stepping out, a bit scary-
In which frame of reference
Do I see myself as an integral
Part of the world?
Not simply a bystander
But one ready to explore
Or at least willing to invite you
To climb over the walls-
I think I know the answer
In the Stitches
I have described it before
A safety net
Of people and memories
Sewn together with care
Each stitch increasing
The vastness and strength
Of the shelter
Fashioning a living
Security blanket
To wrap me
And those I love
In the knowledge that
We are never alone-
Now grown
I see myself in the stitches
Understanding even more
The comfort and
Encouragement
In this welcoming refuge
Where whether weak or strong
I am never out of place
Simply Sunday
I decided to look back a year and see what I posted. Decided to share it again today with a new pic. I love the flowers of Spring and the hope that accompanies them. 💛🌼
Conversation in the Sun
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
Simply Sunday
Holding
My breath
Muscles tense
Heart racing
Afraid to move-
You take my hand
It’s ok-breathe
I feel my lungs
Expand
Deep breath
Fresh air
Relaxing
In your care
Unable to
Completely
Close off
My heart
As we
Breathe
In time
Together
Over My Shoulder
Brushstrokes
Warm oranges
Soft pinks
Painting me
Into the day
Not pushing
Encouraging
With a graceful
Good Morning
No hint of
Hurry Up or
You’re late
One glance
Over my shoulder
Yes, still there
And though
Colors may fade
Their message is clear-
Today rolls out
In front of you
Dip your toes
Into each tint
Watch as the
Canvas
Changes
With each ripple
Simply Sunday
Some days it seems
The tap of a feather
Can knock me to the ground
Yet, on those very days
A kind word
Or simple gesture
Can lift me to my feet
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.
Proverbs 12:25
Guest Writer
My daughter, Rachel, wrote the following poem not long after my dad passed away. It paints a beautiful picture of the way we need and care for each other. I asked her if I could share. ❤️
Circle of Grief
Your mom needs you
Is a call to action
I do not take lightly
My Dad said this to me
After learning my mom had lost her own father
I held her tight in my arms
Breathing deep and slow
Like she had done for me
so many times before
Your mom needs us
My Dad said to her
As they prepared to leave
I imagine she held her mom tight in her arms
Breathing deep and slow
Like she had done for her
So many times before
How precious it is
To need your mom
And be needed by her
-Rachel Morris
Today’s Answers
What is wrong with me? It took a couple of hours to solve the mystery. Though solving did not mean feelings subsided. The emotional range of my morning hit hard and fast.
Why am I surprised? Sunday is our son’s first Father’s Day! It is also the first Father’s Day without Dad. So much joy and sadness co-exist. But I know I’m not alone.
How are you today? My friend Darryl stopped by today. His home is on the streets. He appeared to be having a particularly rough day. Yet, he made a point to ask how I was doing.
Should I answer honestly? His dad also recently died. He didn’t know for several weeks. So many regrets. Told him I was struggling and mentioned that Sunday was Father’s Day.
Sunday is Father’s Day? A first for us both. Reminded him that we have to keep going. It is ok to be sad, but we can’t stay there.
What is wrong with me? I miss my dad. I miss my father-in-law. But I also celebrate my son. And I celebrate my husband-all great dads!
What are the answers for today? There is strength in honesty. Sorrow shared is easier to carry. And joy shared multiplies. ❤️
Simply Sunday
Conversation in the Sun
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
Reblogging a post from last year. Seemed like a good reminder.💛🌸
Piano Girl 