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 swath of deep, dark
purple appeared, the
top layer of sunrise,
oranges and golds
rising underneath.
The horizon, their
steady starting line.
The nearby Morning Star
inscribed words of comfort
in silver lettering across the layers.
Here I am. You are not alone.
Words I have received,
written down, and shared
on many occasions.
But today, for a moment,
It felt as though I was
receiving them for the first time.
Why these words this morning?
Perhaps to reinforce a truth
experienced in recent days
as a renewed promise.
Even when all is not well,
You will be okay
Enjoying a few days in Chicago. My first visit! Grateful for time away with the guy pictured below. 😘
Rushing out the door,
I noticed my sweet, silly cat
stretched out like a pile of
pulled-apart cotton balls.
Driving to work,
I saw a once fluffy cloud
rolled out across the blue sky.
Reminded me of my cat.
Perhaps I need to unroll, stretch.
Not just my body, but also
my head and my heart.
Remaining too long
curled in a fetal position,
Though somewhat comforting,
is counterproductive.
Touch my toes.
Reach my hands skyward.
Lie flat on my back, eyes closed.
Smile or cry, whichever is needed.
Smile and cry at the same time.
That’s my favorite.
Ask for forgiveness.
Say I’m sorry.
Say I love you.
Slow down and stretch.
Which do I prefer?
Remaining on the inside
Hiding, peeking out-
Seeing, imagining
Yet, in a way,
Falsely protected-
-Or-
Stepping outside myself
Away from the walls
Originally placed
To keep out pain
And uncertainty-
Hiding may sound
Like a safer choice
Stepping out, a bit scary-
In which frame of reference
Do I see myself as an integral
Part of the world?
Not simply a bystander
But one ready to explore
Or at least willing to invite you
To climb over the walls-
I think I know the answer
It challenges me-
In my car?
Turn on some music
Home alone?
Flip on the TV
Why not simply sit
With my thoughts?
They tend to shift
Quite rapidly
And are often
Accompanied by
Vivid images-
My quiet time
Quickly becomes
A cacophony
No one else can hear
A barrage of photos
No one else can see-
Perhaps I should
Take a walk-
Listen closely to the
Birds and the Breeze-
Let their songs clear
The cobwebs away
Making room for peace
If only I could grasp
A corner of the sky
Between my fingertips
And carefully peel it back
Like removing
The protective covering
From a brand-new mirror
So that the fuzzy images
Suddenly become clear-
If only I could grasp
A corner of the sky
Between my fingertips
And carefully peel it back
Perhaps the colors of Fall
Would no longer appear muted
Their transformation revealing
Deep reds and golden yellows-
I cannot peel back
A corner of the sky
But I can remember
This is only a season
And in certain seasons
Peace for an anxious heart
Quietly lingers within
The softly muted colors
Look close
Now magnified
Look closer
But don’t gaze
Briefly notice
Each mark left behind
By time or by choices –
Curious what another
Might notice with
Such an up-close view-
One more glance
No longer amplified
Only me and the mirror–
Now look away
Shift focus from
My reflection
To the state
Of my heart
Leave lines of worry behind
Let them fade into the background
There is a
Familiarity
In that face
A recollection
Behind those eyes
Curious though
Something
Is missing
A sparkle
In the blues
A sweetness
In the smile
Oh, don’t worry
They have been
Invited to return
And I have
A feeling
They may arrive
Tomorrow morning
About the time
I look in the mirror
Do you ever look in the mirror and think-Who is this person? They do not look like I remember. I think this happens more often the older I get. I am learning to appreciate the changes I see. And to recognize when that reflection says-You need a little extra care today. ❤️
Why does
The heart
So often resist
Needed change
All while
The body
Is crying
Please stop!
You need to rest!
Because of fear?
Fear of what?
Disappointing someone?
Making a wrong choice?
The heart knows
The answer
All along
Yet, continues
To wrestle
Within itself
That is, until
Strong arms
Take over
Wrapping
Themselves
Around the chest
Squeezing tight
Releasing
A message
Of reassurance-
Have faith!
It will be ok
Sharing a previously posted poem today. Taking my own advice…rest. 😊
Notes
Rests
Sound
Silence
Working
Together
To make music
Pleasing
Not only
To the ears
But also
Body, mind, soul
And yet,
One key
Element
Is often
An afterthought-
Silence
If not
Savored
Disappears
Transposing
Sweet melody
To mere noise
Leaving
No time
To breathe
No time
To sing
Piano Girl 