Travelled East
in search of self
Half-family extended
unexpected warmth
Was my identity here
with stranger-brothers?
I contemplated pausing
surrendering to other
But that was sleep-walking
The distance still remains
Journey has no end
till soul has purpose
and wisdom relieves
the wounded child.
(Still Travelling first appeared here July 2020. Edited for this version. Image my own)
Flowers greet the rain –
face up appreciation –
nourishment’s glow.
(Appreciation first appeared on One Woman’s Quest II, July 2020. Image my own)
Blazing glorious
day bids adieu
Night has it own
shadowy shenanigans
Dawn and dusk –
ever-submissive
Wait with anticipation
for the gratuitous show.
(Tuesdays, I borrow from Twitter @Vjknuton. Art my own)
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.
Soul begs for the reassurance of flow –
an enchanted place along the river,
a moment of solace in which to breathe
Heart glows at the sounds of summer –
children’s laughter raised above the splash
of clear blue – refreshing memories.
(Image my own)
Despite the long and arduous journey to life, this little one remains curious. We spent a wonderful day together getting acquainted.
Castles and lockets:
the makings of childhood dreams –
I wander pastures
of blue-tainted memories,
see patterns on regret’s wings.
(Tuesdays, I borrow from Twitter @ Vjknutson. Image my own.)
I have ventured
into your atmosphere
slipped my skin
your skin
and discovered
a universe
thoughts
emotions
beliefs
blending
into a physical dance
of light and shadow
nuances of colour
delineating life
At our core
we are light
leaning into mystery
cellular interpretations
of a symphony
we cannot hear
Compassion extended
mind altered
we meld.
(Melding first appeared here June, 2020. Image my own)
Supper dishes abandoned,
we cruise the backroads,
destination: river’s edge
A muskrat creates ripples
distorting mirror images
disappears into murky unknown
A canoe glides by,
occupant a silhouette
in the golden sun’s descent
We linger in the warmth
of the fading glow, celebrating
summer’s gracious moments.
(Image my own)
One Woman's Quest 