The stare isn’t vacant;
it’s absorbed; attentive –
the being on high alert
I’ve seen cats like this before
crossed the road to avoid
their supernatural curse
But this creature is different,
dares me to make a move…
Why do I feel I’ve already lost?
(Tuesdays, I borrow from Twitter. Image mine.)
Does resolution follow inquisition?
History suggests otherwise…
Yet, here we are
seeking enlightenment,
counting on understanding
to amend the unresolved
Wrestling with denial
praying that research
will unravel falsities,
berate the inappropriate
Good and evil vying
for omnipotence
each of us personally engaged
Righteousness
such a vile possession.
(Image my own)
The divide between
emotional stagnation
and old structures
now crumbling,
is fraught with peril
We are called to rebuild;
re-solidify our foundations
and regenerate a flow
that sustains and harbours
growth through peace.
(Poem first appeared on One Woman’s Quest II, September 2018. Image my own)
Words have lost clarity
definitions slipping
societal fog
One cries freedom
while another gasps
for breath…
Is destiny a one-manned
sailboat navigating
ambiguous waters?
Or have we fallen,
poked the beast
of destruction?
(Image my own)
Connections, like bridges
run between us,
no matter how subtle,
nations and individuals
there is no divide
Imagine if we acted
in this knowledge –
mindful and kind –
not so subtle the outcome
I should think.
(Imagine Bridges first appeared here Sept, 2019. Image my own)
Rainbows and wishes
wings we give daughters
Little girl dreams destined
to hit walls – shortsighted
these laws of oppression –
for sweetness of youth
does not equate with folly
Women are warriors,
our rage underestimated.
(Tuesdays I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson. Image my own)
The Great Blue heron declares me an annoyance
to which the Blue Jays rasp accordance –
I know I am akin to predator
but I come here with need
to this bug-infested
weed-ridden
riverbed
To be
Torn
as I am
by an undefinable
rustle, an inner bleed
that craves patterns, or signs
naturally occurring rhythms to define
my place within this current worldly disorder
(Image my own)
We climbed so high
this mountain of man
made obstacles –
I remember the rage,
no more than 9 –
how helpless it felt
a girl in a man’s world
but I climbed anyway,
we climbed anyway
and, instead of a hand up
we get this? Patriarchy
be damned! Your days are
numbered. Mark my words.
(Tuesdays I borrow from Twitter. Image mine)
Yesterday I had to tell a young woman that the charity who were offering free flights out of Poland has discontinued the program. She shared that the countries around the Ukraine have also withdrawing help.
What could I say?
Many of us have stopped watching the news as the devastation is overwhelming. Television outlets now minimize reporting.
History repeats itself because humanity lacks the stamina to for the long haul. As many as 15 million Ukrainians will be displaced because of this war joining the 100 million displaced due to other world conflict.
I don’t have the answer to this dilemma; I’m just stating what I observe. Our collective priorities do not offer solutions. We fear losing our own status quo.
Understood. Turn away, but please, stay informed.
(Image mine)
I’ve decided, he said, to spend
more time doing what I want to do
I feel the load close in around me,
already burdened by his “me” time.
I’ve learned, she said, to look out
for number one; will not be available
Nice, I think, that you have such luxury
while I tend to the children, chase after
my mother’s needs, hold down the fort.
Take time for yourself – interesting counsel
when responsibility is so ingrained, and
self-care comes across as selfish.
Have so long ago erased personal interests,
will have to shop around to find what it is
that would allow me to abandon obligations.
One Woman's Quest 