The snowy owl sleeps
through the day,
resting her wings,
her body, her eyes
She waits until darkness
falls to take flight
What path will she take this night?
The familiar line following trees
along the river and up
into the mountains?
She knows it well
But something stirs her, gently
ruffles her feathers-Calling
her out of the familiar
and into the Valley
Not a sad place, but
a place to grow –
until once again, the sun
rises and she sleeps
Tag: hope
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.
Hold My Hand
Days when the sun and clouds
clasp hands in such a way
It is nearly impossible to
distinguish billows from blues
Sunlight, bright and warm,
shines on, around, and
through layers of clouds,
stirring imagination-
Today was such a day
After grabbing my attention,
and coaxing a smile, my
thoughts shifted to the
reason for their beauty
The simple sharing of space-
Each taking their turn to
enlighten, offer shade,
or shine a spotlight
Days when we clasp hands
In such a way, it is nearly
Impossible to distinguish
Your heart from mine
Simply Sunday
Preparing
My heart seeks
A place of safety
Not to hide, but to sing
At first, quietly to myself
until deep joy
Overflows
and I can sing
out loud with
Confidence
Hearing my voice
mingling with others
none looking to
stir up conflict
but instead, each one
pursuing lasting peace
Sharing a poem from Thanksgiving, 2020.
Sentiments remain the same.
Wishing you a week of thankfulness and peace. 🧡🕊💛
Graceful Drifting
Driving away, I saw you
in my rearview mirror.
I wanted to keep looking,
to appreciate and study.
But that was not possible.
Watching the road and all.
So, I smiled, taking note
of your blue feathers
and gentle waves.
Your perfect placement
in the afternoon sky.
I would do my best
to remember, making sure
my eyes remained on the road.
Until I changed direction
and your position shifted.
Gracefully, you drifted,
from behind me,
to be beside me, and finally
directly in front of me.
I followed you all
The Way Home- Grateful
Simply Sunday
Iris and Bee
Rolling flutters
of soft purples and
sweet floral aromas
call tiny tarsus
in for a landing—
Fortitude in frailty
for both Iris and Bee.
Wings excitedly buzz.
Precious nectar and
baskets of pollen are
carefully collected—
Valuable resources for
sharing and sustaining
a beautiful partnership.
Security in the hope
of their survival
across the flourishing
of each new rolling
purple flutter and
tiny buzzing bee.
Simply Sunday
The sun’s warmth on my face
Fall’s breeze across my back
before circling my arms
A brief pause on its journey
to nearby trees, where leaves wait,
ready and willing participants
in a breezy afternoon lullaby
A beautiful first day of a new month-
Welcome, November
I sat outside yesterday for some much needed Vitamin D and a little inspiration. 🧡
Dispersed
A battle between
light and dark
waged across the
morning sky.
Clouds shifted in
the swirling wind,
tilting the earth,
causing me to wobble.
I felt confused.
For a moment, darkness
appeared victorious,
blocking the light,
lessening its powerful pull.
But light remained,
rays now dispersed.
An influence
so far-reaching, the
horizon glowed a
reassuring golden hue.
Just then, I remembered
yesterday’s rainbow, and
how the sky glowed
following its fading.
Documenting
Gathering
Some carried flags
Others held carefully crafted
signs clearly expressing their purpose
People from all walks of life
Chants steady and strong
No troops, no ICE
No troops, no ICE
The message filling
every ounce of space
between the buildings
that lined the city streets
A continuing steady march
toward freedom for all
No troops, no ICE
No troops, no ICE
Weaving our way through
the crowd, there was no
fear- only strength and unity,
magnetic and memorable
Gathering
The words continue ringing
Faces captured in my mind’s eye
A grateful observer documenting truth
We were guests, visitors to the city. And though not participants in Chicago’s No Kings rally and march, we stood in agreement, willing observers.
Understanding the importance and power held within peaceful protests. And it was peaceful. And it was powerful.
Thank you, Chicago, for allowing us to take in your beauty, character, food, and history. ❤️
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
Piano Girl 