Could It Be?

Walking away –
the only solution
I’ve ever excelled at…

…and yet, absence
does not obliterate
that which dwells within

I can pretend that I have nothing
to offer, but life and circumstance
require more of me…

…a challenge to exhume
the remains of my potential…
Will I be up to the task?

There is flattery in being looked up to –
the feeling that someone needs me –
but that is akin to temptation – an ego play

Could it be that acquired knowledge
has merit only when shared;
that we are all here to offer our piece;
that in releasing what I’ve learned,
I will find flow, feel in sync again,
restore my abilities and reignite
a passion for teaching?

Dare I hope?

( I first wrote this poem in 2017, three years after being bedridden with ME. Interesting to go back now and acknowledge that life still did have purpose for me. So grateful.

Image my own)

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VJ

Permission to write, paint, and imagine are the gifts I gave myself when chronic illness hit - a fair exchange: being for doing. Relevance is an attitude. Humour essential.

62 thoughts on “Could It Be?”

  2. There’s so much I relate to here that if it weren’t for your distinct, crisp style, I’d have thought this were a page from my diary. There are so few who write with the grit and passion you do, VJ. Notwithstanding the heavy themes here, I can’t help but appreciate the writing (as always)!

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  12. I particularly love “Could it be that acquired knowledge has merit only when shared?” That was 7 years ago, VJ. I certainly think you have offered up a lot of wisdom to people, and they are listening. What do you think and feel about it now?

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  14. Sometimes hardships, that we go through, can teach us so much about our strengths. Your insightful poetry has often pushed me to be reflective, and I really appreciate that VJ.

    Liked by 2 people

  15. A very thoughtful poem, as fragile as your strong, yet delicate daisies. Value is as essential in art as in life, difficult to paint, and more difficult to hold in ourselves.

    I struggle with both, even though I am a woman of faith.

    Liked by 2 people

  21. Love this: we are all here to offer our piece;
    that in releasing what I’ve learned,
    I will find flow, feel in sync again,
    restore my abilities and reignite
    a passion for teaching?

    We are all a piece of something so much greater than each of us alone, but each of us is essential to that oneness/wholeness. So sharing our piece is what we are here for. So lovely. Thank you for sharing this insight and wisdom.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Absolutely, Deborah. There is an affirmation I learned long ago that sticks with me: I stand in the light of shared responsibility and love for the whole. Your words remind me of that.

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