so seldom
do we address
the issue
frightened, perhaps
by the shadows,
the underlying
darkness –
or is ignorance
a more comfortable
state: a numbing
defiance?
(I once wrote poems for Twitter, but it seems to have lost its charm. Image my own.)
Tag: poetry
Old Codgers
Idleness fills his hours
as if time knows no limits
I devour moments, afraid
tomorrow will forget me
We see-saw between
treacherous righteousness
and fusty avoidance
Ignoring balance –
the sensible response.
(Written in 2019, I chuckle that little has changed. Image my own)
Reminders
Time hinders
ability,
dictates new
cautions…
It doesn’t mean
we give up;
we just store
possibility
in tucked away
spaces –
as reminders
(Reminders first appeared here August 2018. Image my own)
Black and White
If thoughts could colour our world
then each breath would express
a new hue, discovery a game
of wonder…
But, I sit here, muted
afraid of words too black or white,
afraid I’ll only encounter
sharp edges…
(Tuesdays, I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson. Image my own)
A Bird’s Eye View
It’s a bird’s perspective I envy –
the ability to perch up high,
balanced no matter the weather,
unaffected by the drama below –
I shall never know such calm,
being afraid of heights.
(Previously published 08/19. Image my own)
Self Portrait in Colours
Found an old diary –
days when I prayed to the angels
painted myself white, believed
in a God that cared about personal
agendas – painted myself pathetic
Took me back to days of heartbreak,
when I pined after a man, unavailable,
painted myself pink – an altruistic heart
yearning after the unrequitable,
willing to sacrifice, change –
painted myself foolish
Read between the lines about a woman
so desperately co-dependent she’d risk it all,
painted herself yellow, projected sunshine,
believed in fairy tale endings, threw away
dignity, sanity – painted herself delusional
Wondered how she’d ever survive,
knew that life intervened in the end,
painted her broken –
and somehow she found strength,
moved on, made better choices,
learned to love herself,
painted herself indigo.
(Self Portrait in Colours first appeared here Aug/2016. Image my own)
Wallflower
I accept differences –
understand that internal processes
are subjective, that emotions
colour perception, but..
I seek commonality,
a binding sentiment –
enough connection
to seal the love I crave.
(Tuesdays I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson. Image mine)
Washed Ashore
Was willing to settle
even before casting off –
anchor-less, with no compass
to guide me, nor oar to steer
Left fate to the currents –
a vessel adrift, naïve –
trusted those with power
to rescue me, unaware…
of the target vulnerability
made of me, that sharks
circle wayward boats,
certain of a catch
No wonder, when finally
I came ashore, wrecked,
I had lost faith in love,
turned hope to cynicism
Had failed to register
the dangers of sailing
into uncharted waters,
without a life preserver
Ignorant of the skills
I needed to stay afloat
and safe, in a sea where
discernment saves lives.
(Washed Ashore first appeared here in July of 2018. Edited. Image my own)
Willful
Cage me –
watch me grow …
my essence is strong
my will fierce –
cannot confine
brilliance…
destiny
Challenges rub,
ruffle feathers,
discomfort short-lived,
we are meant to soar –
obstacles don’t define
response does.
(Willful first appeared here June, 2020. Art my own)
Small Measures
Charcoal-etched dreams
smudged on the canvas of time…
Direction has been lacking,
understanding remiss
That I remain – sail upright –
is feat enough…
(Tuesdays I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson. Sketch my own)
One Woman's Quest 