Tag: friendship

One of Many

On By Piano girlLeave a comment


A person can only fall
through so many cracks
And she has fallen through
many in her short life

Her sassy, sweet disposition
somehow remains
I’m not sure mine
would have survived

A history of being abused,
neglected, treated as less than
Years of reports leading nowhere
until circumstances could
no longer be avoided

Layers and layers of trauma
paired with intellectual disabilities

Finally, in a loving home with
People who are willing to love her
through the challenges

Always a battle for services-
physical and mental health,
unable to advocate for herself-
Reliance with no awareness

But that’s ok- she is who she is
A person- deserving
of love, respect, life
Her story is one of many

Do you know her?
Do you know him?
Will you keep your heart open
In case they pass your way?

One day, I hope to share more of her story. A frustrating phone call today brought a flood of emotions. She is okay. The system is not.

Simply Sunday

On By Piano girl4 Comments
Thanks again to my friend, Paul Porter, for the amazing pic! https://www.facebook.com/paul.porter.3133719

Advice From a Common Box Turtle

Speed is not a reliable indicator
of a journey’s success
My wanderings take time
Or rather, allow time

Time to stop and
stretch my neck
Feel the sun on my face
Be still, and recharge

Rest my home, that
I may traverse this field
of green, at exactly
the speed required

To meet a new friend-
One who looks like me
Unique, colorful patterns
on their legs and shell

Or one quite different-
Tall and admiring, who
offers me sweet strawberries
As I continue on my journey

Rising

On By Piano girl5 Comments

Do you feel it?
The growing weight

A blanket sewn of fear
and hate cast over
everyone in its path

Another layer added
with each news story,
unsolicited opinion,
misguided answer

Like being wrapped in
a down comforter on
the hottest day of summer

And I am suffocating

But no amount of worry
will ease the weight
Or change this season

Do we burrow deeper?
Do we kick off the cover?

What if I reach for your hand,
and you reach for mine-
Then together, together

Like brilliant sun rays
piercing storm clouds
We poke pin holes
in the fabric

Each aperture releasing
a breath, a smile, a memory-
Droplets of hope
Rising in solidarity

Simply Sunday

On By Piano girl2 Comments

Thankful

Newly opened buds
drinking gentle
morning rain

Pines across the
way, soaking in
the afternoon sun

Downy woodpecker
perched on newly
found suet feeder

My heart seeing
Your sweet smile
through the window

My doubts fading
as other hearts
intently listen


I know the world feels heavy, but today I am choosing reasons to be thankful. Though they may seem simple, acknowledging them brings a little peace. 🩷🕊️

Simply Sunday

On By Piano girl7 Comments
Photo by Paul Porter

Dynamic Duo

A perfectly posed pair
Painted in ombre shades
of tan, brown, and white

Their rounded beaks
poised, ready to speak
in sweet solidarity

Their audience of
captivated cattails,
ready to listen

Something tells me
It won’t be a long speech
A lesson in commitment
and contentment, perhaps

Thankful for each other
and their current view

My Favorite You

On By Piano girlLeave a comment

If I were to write a thankful list,
It would be a list of names.
Names of those who,
through the years,
planted seeds in my heart.

My only fear is forgetting.
Though forgetting your name
would certainly not negate
any seed you planted. You are
so much more than a name.

You are shared smiles and tears.
Strong hands, reaching, so arms
can fiercely wrap around hurts
in a comforting embrace.
You are kind words,
encouraging high-fives,
and celebrating victories.

You are faces, memories
of hope, present on
the darkest of days.
You are one soul seeing
the beauty and purpose in another.
And I am thankful to have
sometimes been that other.

I am thankful for all the yous
written on the list carried in my heart.

Go Ahead, Reminisce

On By Piano girl2 Comments


We were so young then.
And now? Young at heart?

Photographs and nametags
temporarily transport us
back in time to the
start of our journeys.

We had no idea
where circumstances
and choices would take us.

Reuniting, we share memories.
But more importantly,
losses, loves, mistakes, and grace.
Seeing each other as individuals.
Connecting with more than just a memory.

So go ahead, reminisce,
just for a moment.
Let the images, old and
new, meld into a sweet
recollection before saying,
Goodbye, it was so good to see you.

Joe T. Robinson
Class of 1985 reunion
My leaving town picture 🧡
Pinnacle Mountain

Tell Someone

On By Piano girl11 Comments

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

Simply Sunday

On By Piano girlLeave a comment
Photos from friends, family, and a few of my own. 💙🧡❤️

Graceful arms propel her forward
Legs gently float behind
Feet periodically kick-
Not forceful, only enough
to maintain momentum

Where is she heading?

Storm clouds line the horizon
She’s passed through them before
Impossible to avoid-
And time, impossible to control

The bright sun warms her face
Grace holds her heart
Mercy lifts her soul
Momentum is maintained

Perhaps the question is not
where she is headed
but instead, how she
sustains a spirit of peace

Crisis Averted

On By Piano girl6 Comments

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. 🤍🩶