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
Tag: friendship
Simply Sunday
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
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
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
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.
Class of 1985 reunion
Pinnacle Mountain
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
Simply Sunday
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
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. 🤍🩶
Counterintuitive
Not a cloud in the sky.
Yet, a heavy haze
held the morning.
Unhelpful. Especially when
my brain also feels foggy.
If only I were still sleeping.
However, sleep is not
a likely solution.
There is rarely a
single solution anyway.
Some days are just like this.
My heart is grateful for
family and friends.
My head is unsure how
to process the melancholy.
Seems counterintuitive
to wish for a cloud.
But if a fluffy cloud means
A lifted haze
A bluer sky
A spark of imagination
Then I will keep searching.
Looking out every time
I pass a window.
Hide-n-Seek
You attempted to hide
From me this morning
But I saw you-
Your light is not
One so easily dimmed-
Like the morning sun
Resting behind the clouds-
Look closely
And you will find
Its presence visible
In pale pink streaks
All across the sky-
And once you see
Those pale pink streaks
You’ll be reminded
That even the tiniest
Reflections of your light
Offer encouragement to those
Fortunate enough to cross your path-
Even when you attempt to hide
Piano Girl 