Perhaps if I
Thought of them
As belonging
To a waterfall
Freely rushing
Over the edge
Of a rock face
Skillfully smoothed
From the continuous
Flow of unexpected
Strength and sorrow
Knowing they will
Slow down
Once reaching
A quiet stream below-
Not losing purpose
But discovering
New resolve-
Perhaps if
I thought of them
As belonging
To a waterfall
I would let them fall
Free of fear
No concern for
Who might be
Standing at the lookout
Witnessing my life
In motion through
Each drop of rain
From the storms
Each spot of color
From the rainbows
Talking about anxiety and depression is not easy. When emotions feel out of balance, it is tempting to hide them. But putting on a happy face, though sometimes necessary, is not a permanent solution. Eventually, they will find a way out, often leading to embarrassment and exhaustion.
Well, at least that was my experience earlier this week. 😉
Thankful for friends and family who understand and keep me grounded. ❤️
Tag: friendship
Open Fields
Dense Fog
Rolled in
Last week
Came prepared
To stay awhile
Despite the lack
Of invitation
Hung around
Clouded my vision-
Got a headache
From constantly
Squinting
Until…
The tiniest
Wave of Light
Called me out
Into the clearing
And we said
Goodbye
From the other side
Simply Sunday
I continue to discover the ways of grief. Sometimes expected, often not. I continue to be grateful for the writing circle space created by Ali Grimshaw. https://flashlightbatteries.blog/ What a gift to get feelings down on paper and share them with loving souls.
The following poem came out of our recent circle. Maybe you can relate. ❤️
Ready to Listen
It seemed like
A good idea
Frantically
Searching
Through old
Voicemails
I thought
I was ready
To listen-
The sound
Of your voice
Even from a
Recording
Would surely
Bring peace
Instead, it was
An instant reminder
Of how much I miss you-
You have not been gone very long-
Grief made her
Presence known
In the song of
Falling tears
And together
We quietly sang
A sad, yet
Grateful
Melody
Mending Layers
Wounds left behind
By trauma’s
Repeated strikes
Scar deep
The pain pulsing
Long after
The bruises
Disappear-
Difficult to
Comprehend
Particularly when
Exacted on the weak
And Innocent-
Layers of insecurity
Lead to repeated
Questions that
Often require
Deciphering
Repeated
Questions
Requiring
Repeated
Answers-
All the above
Requiring
Patience-
Uncomfortable
Necessary work
Sewing stitches
In hopes of mending
Child abuse is not pleasant to think about or talk about. But unpleasant conversations are necessary for positive change. Acknowledgment and patience are the beginning steps.
A recent visit with a sweet friend brought this ugly truth clearly into view. But there is hope. Even if it comes in small doses. Even if face-to-face caring tests my patience more than I wish to admit…
I remain in awe of the counselors, therapists, case workers, etc who sew these stitches every day.
It’s Okay
I’m okay
Pretty
Convincing
As long as
I’m the one
Asking the question
Moving along
Thru each day
And then
Another
Heart
Inquires
Are you doing okay?
I have asked
It of others
Sincerely
Seeking
The truth
So, even if
The response
Brings tears
As it currently
Does with me
Keep asking
Because it’s okay
To not be okay
And some days
The tears just
Need to fall
My mom and I were recently talking about the sadness and missing my dad. But also that we still have hope for tomorrow. She wisely said tears need to come out. ❤
Chances Are
You have heard
Thought not
Often enough
That what you
Do every day
Matters
Teaching little minds
Touching little hearts
Guiding little souls
Influencing the next
Generation for
The better-
But today
I want to say
It is you who matters
Your mind
Your heart
Your soul
Whether shouted
From the rooftops
Or whispered
On the breeze
My hope is that
On this day
This truth
Covers your
Every fear
Every hope
And renews
Your heart
Yesterday was my last day at school. My heart is overflowing. So many sweet notes and hugs. There remains much to reflect on after teaching these many years. Time…
I wrote this as a goodbye and an encouragement for my school friends and colleagues. Maybe someone else needs to hear the same message. ❤️
Simply Sunday
Happy New Year! I was so grateful for the opportunity to begin my day yesterday in a poetry circle. Thank you, Ali. ❤️https://flashlightbatteries.blog/
Time for listening, writing, and reflecting. Time to look back before looking ahead.
Always Room
Is there always room to grow?
It is easy to remain
Stationary
Standing firm on
This one thought
I am right where I’m supposed to be
Even if one leg
Feels wobbly
And my tears
Are enough to
Fill buckets-
But tears can
Clear a path
And dumping over
Those buckets
Washes away fears
Leaving my feet
Free to move
Toward something
New and different
Yet, also familiar
There is always room to grow
Open the Door
The view outside
My window
Can be deceiving
Glass is clear
Giving a false
Impression of
Connectedness-
Yes, I can see
The sun shining
Its brightest yellow
The sky painted
A perfect baby blue-
Yes, I can see
But I cannot feel
The barbs dodged
By neighbors
As they walk
Across their yards
Or the biting wind
Reminding them
Of unknown loss-
Perhaps I should
Open the door
Look through my own eyes
Stop simply taking in the view
Place me in the picture
Changing the scenery
While being changed
New Year, New Adventure
Even when needed and sought, change can be challenging. Tears over making the right decision. A lot of emotions to process. And when it means leaving the classroom…a whole new layer is added. Colleagues become friends. Students wiggle their way into your heart.
I have cried a lot over the past few weeks. Just ask my patient husband. 😉 But last week, things fell into place. And although saying goodbyes is hard, I’m excited about new opportunities. I will be sharing more in the coming weeks.
For now, I want to say Thank you! and I love you! to my Union Public School and Ochoa Elementary families. I will miss you! ❤️
Be the Light
Experiencing
Darkness is
Universal
As is the hope
For a light
To ease
Our gloom
We are not
Intended
To live alone
On an island
No contact
With another
Living soul
Each of us
Will have
Opportunity
To be the hand
Reaching
Thru the fog
Or the one
Grateful
To be pulled
Out of the murk
Weightless
In the arms
Of our brother
Hold Your Breath
Cool night air
Gently swaying
All that moves
Black night sky
Holding lights of
Varying brightness
A planet sits just
Above the horizon
Yet, millions of miles away
Encircled by its moons
I can see it
Thru the lens
Of a telescope-
Stand still
Hold your breath
It will soon be
Out of view
Kelley Morris, piano
For my blogger friend, Karla. 💛 https://flannelwithfaith.com/
Piano Girl 