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. 🧡🕊💛
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
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.
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. 🧡
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.
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. ❤️
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
A gaggle of geese
flying overhead in
perfect formation
A formation of clouds
branching out across
the sky at sunrise
The branches of a tree
securely holding leaves
until their time to fall
Your hand holding mine
filling the empty spaces
between my fingers
Images comparable
in angle and purpose-
open and strong
Unexpected gifts
healing my heart
with their presence
I sit quietly, mesmerized
by the path of a morning breeze
travelling from the peak
of a tall oak, downward
until each branch, each leaf
engaged in childlike song.
The entire tree danced, as if
calling me to join in
until the breeze moved on
to the loblolly across the fence.
I watch as the breeze
continues conducting.
Whole sections of the loblolly
swaying and swirling in grand gestures
like a gentle giant preparing
to pick a tiny flower.
The same breeze spoke
through both trees.
Responses varied due to
their individual states of being.
Results proved equally persuasive.
Songs my soul needed to hear.
Lessons my heart aches to understand.
I picture them perched
along electric wires
carefully watching
as we pass by.
I wonder what they think of us?
Are their conversations more
logical than ours? Friendlier?
They sing such sweet melodies.
Yes, they also squawk
and screech, but for a
purpose-imminent danger
or a particular need.
I can hear them now
calling each other
back and forth across
the yard, tree to tree.
Hey there! Will you fly over for a visit?
Sure! Let me finish feeding the babies.
I gathered some extra twigs to bring you!
Thank you! See you soon!
Perhaps we could learn
from the birds if we
intentionally listen
and quietly observe.
Perhaps we could learn
from each other
the exact same way…
